http://nycdanceweek.org/national-dance-week/dokoudovsky-new-york-conservatory-of-dance Resource for free and discounted dance/fitness classes. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:51:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= http://nycdanceweek.org/national-dance-week/dokoudovsky-new-york-conservatory-of-dance/comment-page-1#comment-32 Carolyn Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:52:26 +0000 http://ndw-nyc.org/?p=2125#comment-32 <!--StartFragment-->“Prepare, and one!” With this, the piano player began and we started each exercise at the barre (plies, tendus, frappes, bat mas, etc). The old studio with ornate wooden architecture and high ceilings made me feel like I was taking ballet class in the forties. The respect the instructor demanded for ballet (i.e., beginning and finishing each exercise with the proper form) was refreshing in contrast to other styles of dance where technique, form, reverence, and propriety are diminishing. Dancers must be familiar with the ballet vocabulary because the instructor did not demonstrate the exercises and only gave them once. Because the combinations were fairly simple it allotted time to focus on improving technique (i.e., turnout, pointing feet, hip alignment). Attend this class if you’re looking to tone your legs and arms; firm your derriere; and improve posture. As with ballet in general, regular attendance will inevitably increase grace, and serve as a foundation for success in all other styles of dance. In a generation that is allergic to absolutes it’s nice to be reminded about the benefits (physical and mental) of form and discipline. <!--EndFragment--> “Prepare, and one!” With this, the piano player began and we started each exercise at the barre (plies, tendus, frappes, bat mas, etc). The old studio with ornate wooden architecture and high ceilings made me feel like I was taking ballet class in the forties. The respect the instructor demanded for ballet (i.e., beginning and finishing each exercise with the proper form) was refreshing in contrast to other styles of dance where technique, form, reverence, and propriety are diminishing. Dancers must be familiar with the ballet vocabulary because the instructor did not demonstrate the exercises and only gave them once. Because the combinations were fairly simple it allotted time to focus on improving technique (i.e., turnout, pointing feet, hip alignment). Attend this class if you’re looking to tone your legs and arms; firm your derriere; and improve posture. As with ballet in general, regular attendance will inevitably increase grace, and serve as a foundation for success in all other styles of dance. In a generation that is allergic to absolutes it’s nice to be reminded about the benefits (physical and mental) of form and discipline.

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