Quality Ballet Resources For Figure Skaters
Annette Thomas
As an athlete, one’s training time and money are precious commodities which need to be spent in the most effective ways possible. To ensure the best possible chances for success every aspect of a skater’s training, from choosing boots and blades to both on and off-ice instructors, needs to be thoroughly and intelligently researched. Whether it is skating or ballet, poor instruction and poor equipment can lead to everything from the time (and money) consuming process of “un-doing” bad habits acquired from faulty teaching to serious injury.
When I first began teaching ballet to figure skaters in our area I was surprised by the naivete of thought on the part of many parents and coaches concerning the situation. The consensus seemed to be that just getting “any ballet person” in to help with grace and arm movements was going to do the trick to improve scores on the presentation mark. I wanted to help educate all involved that true artistry is not externally imposed but comes from a clear, conscious, physical and mental understanding of how to move “from the inside out”. Figure skating and ballet are both part science (biomechanics and physics), part sports (pushing the envelope), and part art (creating powerful and inspiring images to engage an audience). I wanted to stress that good ballet technique and good skating technique should compliment and support one another to create a fully integrated, confident and “aware” skater. All this to say that quality ballet instruction is as important to competitive figure skaters as it is to potential professional dancers...the quality makes ALL the difference!
Recently I met Caroline Lee the 1988 National women’s figure skating Gold medalist who is now a coach and certified Pilates instructor. We were both attending Ricky Harris’ Choreographic Workshop in Naperville, Ill., and I noticed the beautiful carriage and poised self awareness which her skaters posessed so during one of the breaks we got into a conversation on ballet class attendance. Her comments were so wonderful I decided to share them in this article:
“Candy (Candice Burek) and I send out our skaters to a ballet studio run by Sherry Moray. Sending our skaters to a good ballet studio makes our jobs easier as we know that our skaters will be well prepared in a dance sense. Without figures it is difficult to instill a knowledge of lift in their bodies and strength of balance and extension that ballet provides. As a skater progresses, it becomes obvious whether they have had formal dance training; their line, extension and the ability to hold these positions in and out of jumps and in between elements in the program stand out.
"Understandably, many parents choose ballet school that is convenient to their schedules and location. Unfortunately, typical ballet schools are not optimal for skaters. We know that our figure-skating ballet school provides what is necessary for the development of our skaters. I can see the difference between those who are taking this seriously and those who don't. I have seen this MANY times. It’s wonderful to see a skater at about a novice leve! l that has been doing consistent ballet from the beginning because they move so much more beautifully.
”We recommend that they take 3 ballet classes per week. The very committed skaters, usually around the Intermediate level, do. A couple of my students are also taking pointe class now once a week. In addition to that many take two other off-ice classes per week such as weight training and Pilates so it’s a busy schedule!"
But observing Carolyn and Candice’s skaters at theRicky Harris’ workshop, it was obvious to me that all that hard work and attention to the details of good instruction are definitely paying off!
Recommendations
Just as in figure skating, nothing can or should take the place of regular class attendance. Only a professional in each area can give you the hands on, detailed attention needed both for safety as well as correct placement and technique. In light of that, the following books and videos are recommended solely as a support to those classes. There is a tremendous amount of good material out there on Classical ballet so my list is in no way meant to be exhaustive… just a starting point! I have broken down the categories into adult level ballet books, children’s books, Instructional videos, and several ballet instructors all around the USA who can be of help. The books and videos were chosen for their clarity and usefulness to figure skaters in particular. If you don’t see one of your “favorites” possibly the list can be expanded in an upcoming issue!
Ballet books for adults:
- "Classical Ballet Technique” by Gretchen Ward Warren
If you can purchase only one book let this be the one! Each method of Classical ballet is presented in great detail. The photos are profuse and excellent. The text gives accurate pronunciations and detailed information encompassing every aspects of learning good ballet technique .
- “The Classic Ballet: Basic Technique and Terminology” by Lincoln Kirstein, Muriel Stuart, Carlus Dyer and preface by George Balanchine
This “classic” (first published in 1952) primarily on the Cecchetti method is a beautiful as well as highly informative book. The text is chock full of ballet history as well as expressive in it’s technical clarity. The drawings are inspiring works of art in themselves.
- "Ballet Basics” and “Ballet: Beyond The Basics” by Sandra Hammond
I don’t care much for the drawings but the text is absolutely superb and epecially written for adult students of ballet. It is very clear and straight forward on the “how to’s” and the “why’s” of everything a beginning and intermediate adult needs to know.
- “Getting Started in Ballet: A Parents Guide to Dance Education” by Anna Paskevska
For everyone concerned about what to look for in quality ballet instruction, this book is a “must read” for those who might otherwise be in the dark. Among other topics it covers: how to select a teacher and school, progression of training, how to avoid injuries and diet and eating disorders.
- “Inside Ballet Technique: Separating Fact From Fiction in the Ballet Class” by Valerie Grieg
Ballet isn’t just a style of choreography but a scientific and aesthetic approach to movement and communication. This book is all about placement, form, and the biomechanics behind good ballet technique. It has great diagrams and is very easy to understand and follow. This would also be a good book for coaches to own as a reference for their skaters who take ballet.
Ballet Books For Young Skaters:
- “The Ballet Book: The Young performer’s guide to Classical Dance” by Deborah Bowes
This volume is stated to be “the definitive instructional resource for children” on beginning ballet, and I heartily agree! Written by the National Ballet School of Canada for ages 6-13, this book is beautifully and accurately illustrated (using both male and female young dancers) and the text is exemplary. There are also wonderful sections on floor exercises, expressive hand exercises, good nutrition, grooming and performance.
Instructional Videos
- “Ballet Class for Beginners” and “Ballet Class: Intermediate and Advanced” by David Howard
Some of my favorite classes on video taught by a Master Teacher!
- “Ballet For Jazz Dancers 1 & 2 ” by Finis Jhung
This videos series is billed as targeting those who hate the tedious discipline required for good ballet technique but want the results. Finis Jhungs’ approach is always unique while still keeping to excellent form. He also has a great website with technique tips and many more videos. At http://www.finisjhung.com.
[Editor's note: Annette's web site includes more on this topic. Visit
http://ballet4figuresk8ers.da.ru/]
Three more articles on the relationship between ballet and figure skating training:
A skater's approach to dance class