Grown-Ups at the Barre is one of the best resources out there for those looking to start ballet as an adult, and I’ve linked to their post before about balletiquette. They’ve got another great one up entitled: Lessons about Ballet Class: How to NOT get Kicked in Class. Often, spacing in adult beginner ballet classes tends to be a mess, and this post gives advice on what you can do to help space yourself out (both at the barre and in the center) and ultimately reminds the reader that it is your responsibility to do your part to make sure you don’t get kicked (Rule #1). Some of my other favorite rules include:
5. I know you like your little piece of heaven (your own personal private claimed barre space) but be prepared to move if you have to… consider it a challenge to try a different place at the barre and in the studio.
I know I’m personally guilty of this one. I like my space at the barre. But if I get moved, or someone steals my space, I suck it up and accept the challenge.
9. Do a little test motion with your arms and legs and make sure you have enough space to move them about… but…10. Don’t be a space hog in a crowded class, place yourself in accordance with how many people are in class and the available space for everyone.14. Get ready to go. If you aren’t ready to go, get out of the way and let someone else go.17.You are a grown up. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. If you want out, just step to the side.
16. If you don’t know what you are doing, just keep going! Walk it through if you have to. You cannot stop in the middle of the floor – well, you can, but you shouldn’t. Please don’t. Please.
