Ballet training offers the core technique of all subjects.
No one doubts the immense importance of ballet in the world of dance. But fewer and fewer students are being exposed to it in studios.
Ballet is not a genre of dance, it IS dance - in every original and primitive sense of the word. Ballet is the keystone, the foundation block; without it, dance would not have developed into what it is today. Ballet technique is central to understanding every, literally, EVERY, other type of dance. Be it broadway jazz, stomp tap, ballroom or hip-hop: you will find ballet technique being utilized in the classroom. So why aren't more studios embracing ballet in the classroom?
There was a time when 'dance studios' was an unheard phrase. 'Ballet schools' were academys that instructed students first and foremost in the theory and rules of ballet, which was supplemented with classes in tap, jazz, and partnering. The generation of dancers from the 50's-early 70's were some of the greatest dancers and teachers the world has ever seen - no matter what their styles of focus. You dont see that type of greatness in today's dancers, which is sad. But perhaps it's due to the lack of ballet structure being taught to students today.
More studios need to go back to teaching ballet as the 'core' of dance, and all other styles as supplements. This doesn't mean dancers can't choose to focus on tap or hip-hop, but everyone, ALL STUDENTS, should be required to take one or two ballet classes a week. Because the lessons learned through a good ballet class can be translated into all other forms. For example, Hip-hop dancers need to appear light on their feet to create a better illusion in transitions - this can be learned more effectively through teaching proper releve and fondu. Tap dancers need to know how to turn, and no other style of dance class will teach one how to turn as effectively as a ballet class.
Too many students today don't know the even basic terminology of ballet theory, and many more couldn't even tell you who Anna Pavlova was. What is happening to our studios? When did we lose accountability for teaching the WHOLE lesson? When did it just become about choreographing and making sure kids can do those moves, even without knowing what they're called? Dancers need to demand better quality ballet classes, and teachers need to give more engaging classes that dancers want to take, be it as a focus or a supplement for other styles. Ballet must stop being overlooked and under-taught. For without ballet, what would the great Pierre Beauchamp have taught the king of France? (Even more disappointing is 9 out of 10 people who just read that have no idea who Pierre Beauchamp is... Google that please. PLEASE!) Now, get on your split-soles and get in the rosin and go learn some BALLET!
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