So, on Thursday I started my first ever pointe class.
It was a revelation.
Whilst I have done pointe work at home, and taken barre en pointe, I have never taken a class dedicated to the art of pointe work. And it is an art. Not one easy to master I might add.
The class is at Dance HQ and the students are primarily those taking graded class. Since pointe is going to feature in the last 3 grades, it is essential for us to get our training now, especially since it's estimated we will complete a whopping 3 grades this year alone, meaning next year it starts getting really serious.
Our teacher, Shona Miller, is a study in youthful flexibility and she certianly put us through our paces, setting the excercises at intermediate level.
It was incredibly tough going and I pretty much trashed the shoes I was wearing. The combinations were quite long and hard to follow at times, although mercifully they all took place at the barre. I suspect though she will move us into the centre over the next few week, which I'm terrified of and excited about in equal measure.
As I said in a previous ballet post, taking pointe class feels very significant and symbolic for me. It's represents a real progression in my ballet, and the strength I have acquired already is mind-boggling, even to me. My calves and thighs are solid and defined now, and whilst my 'core' stubbornly remains somewhat soft, I am really feeling the benefit of all my dancing. Both physically and emotionally.
But pointe class takes it to another level. Whilst, initially, we all scoffed at the fact it was only 30 minutes long, by the end I think we were all shell-shocked! I was pleased though that whilst I found the combinations difficult to follow, as usual, I was able to physically do them. Perhaps not perfectly but I certainly was able to get over on the box and so on with ease. More imporantly, I came away with an incredible sense of personal achievement and am utterly dying to get back next week.
New Site
I'm not one for sitting on my arse, if I can help it, so during the holidays, while there was no ballet, I started a new Tumblr. I had one a few years ago but grew tired of it, but I am attempting it again. This time it simply serves as a diary of sorts, documenting everything from ballet, images I like, design, feelings and thoughts, things I want to buy, outfits from the blog - basically absolutely anything which takes my fancy.
It obviously has slight goth/metal leanings, but that simple can't be helped as it's fundamental to who I am. So if you fancy a wee nosey inside my head, it's located here.
Enjoy!
Queen Michelle
