r/BALLET • u/Hot_Ant2762 • Apr 22 '25
Constructive Criticism I feel like my movements are too rough
I'm the one in the pink leotard ;;
I would highly appreciate some advice on my movements in class. I don't think my arms are coordinated or flow gently, and the same can be said with my legs;; (Good god it's definitely... something)
A good 80% of our class is on Barre and I'm not used to not having said Barre when doing simple exercises like that;;
Also, my legs are arguably really weak in terms of standing on their own, even after a good 30min warm up;;
Although I do go to class, I don't know the names of the steps so if someone could direct me to a place I can learn the names and how to correct myself better, it'll be highly appreciated!!
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u/ObviousToe1636 Apr 23 '25
It sort of looks like you aren’t engaging all of your muscles? Maybe start there. In an effort to not look like your movements are too rough I think you’re holding back and kind of lightly throwing yourself around. Try approaching each movement with purpose. The more you work at it from that angle, the smoother the movements will become.
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u/Dense-Peach8986 Apr 22 '25
Very proud of you that you took the time to record this! This is one excellent way to improve!
I have two big suggestions for you to start with, since there might be more, but these two might make you totally change your game:
Really engage your core and use your arms: imagine there is a cape draping from your shoulder bones down to the floor and you are a queen. Or imagine someone is trying to push down on your arms, but you won’t let them. This will make you look more confident! Don’t be afraid to be the proud queen you are!!!!
POINT THAT FOOT!!!!! Reach reach reaaaaaaaach with that toe! This will not only engage your entire leg, but it will make you look soooooo much more profesh.
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u/Medium-Escape-8449 Apr 22 '25
Not OP but tip number 1 is awesome. Thank you, this’ll help me a lot haha
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 22 '25
So for the bigger changes, really point the foot, tuck in the stomach (engage the core?) and also strengthen the position of the arms?
(I really love your first analogy but I want to ask what you mean by engaging the core. Did I get it right?)
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u/emhye_k Apr 23 '25
I wouldn’t really call it tucking in your stomach, more like keeping your ribs in. Imagine someone gently puts their first against the top of your ribs, then try to curve into that (I can try to film a physical video of it if you want)
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
I admittedly still don't understand;;;
A video tutorial would be much appreciated TvT
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Apr 23 '25
[deleted]
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u/girlontheground Apr 23 '25
Look up videos on how to strengthen your transverse abdominals (not the “six-pack” abs).
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u/_AsterOleander_ Apr 23 '25
An old teacher of mine always said “put your boobs on a shelf”
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
Wait, oh my god, that's such a good (and kinda hilarious) analogy that makes so much sense in my head. Thank you for this :0
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u/AssGasketz Apr 23 '25
It really feels like also your tucking down your pubic bone. Sounds weird, like using your lower abdominal muscles to push that bone down
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u/tophats32 Apr 23 '25
Lots of good advice from other commenters, and I'll add that it really just looks like the kind of thing that improves with practice and strengthening overall. Keep going to class, focus on your posture and placement always, but especially during the "easy" parts. I think there tends to be a common misconception with beginning to intermediate students that in order to advance your skill you should focus your energy on learning new steps and choreography but it's really the opposite. Working on the fundamentals truly never gets old. Barre is where you'll make the most important progress, and that progress will spread to your center work over time.
Also thanks so much for wearing a mask!
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Apr 22 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 22 '25
Wait um..could you elaborate? I don't quite understand. Do you mean to focus on the core and maintain balance as a priority before the arms and legs?
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u/ALonerInTheDark Apr 23 '25
You’re not engaging the correct muscles, you’re just moving, if that makes sense. Look into biomechanics and figure out how to use your core. You need to take it slower and really learn how to lift a leg and arm correctly. You can fix it, but you will need to do some homework if your teacher isn’t teaching you correctly.
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u/fargus_ Apr 23 '25
I think you seem off balance. Are you zipping up through your core? Squeezing those butt cheeks? Are you turning out from the hip? All those should help you feel more stable
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
I low-key want to ask, because I do squeeze in my glutes, why is it important? My teacher never really explained the reason behind it, but it's definitely hard to keep them together while practicing in this type of setting;;;
Also, I don't know what's wrong with my left hip in particular, it hurts when I try to turn it out.
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u/hiredditihateyou Apr 23 '25 edited Apr 23 '25
Work on your balance. There are some exercises on YouTube and this is definitely the sort of thing you can train outside of class. You can also train port de bras for better arm fluidity. I think what you’re noticing is that you’re not really fully engaging your muscles yet when you’re dancing - so fully stretching your arms and legs, shoulders back and down, ribs closed, pointing toes, ‘pulling up’, engaging your core, working your arms from your back etc so there’s a bit of a floppy quality to your dancing. And this is probably how it will be for a while, as there’s so much technique to think about outside the steps, so it’s quite natural that some of it falls to the wayside while you are learning a new and challenging combination, this is the stuff you work on gradually through the barre and in the technique portion of classes. If you want to work on it outside class there are probably some you tube videos on ballet posture which cue all these points while static which you then need to build into your practice when moving!
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
Quick question, won't exercising outside of a teacher's eye make it so that it's easier for one to get used to a mistake making it harder to stop? I think that's one of the main reasons why I don't really exercise often outside of the normal leg and arm stretching.
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u/hiredditihateyou Apr 23 '25 edited Apr 23 '25
If you are doing balance exercises, no as you aren’t really doing any steps, just training proprioception. To practice balance it’s usually releves on two legs then one leg relying on the barre less and less til you can do them in the centre. Then you’d start to work on doing them with half closed eyes. Port de bras, the jury is out on that one, I could self correct as I was trained to pro level in a different form of dance, so it depends if you are at the level yet where you can see/feel your mistakes. I’d presume if you take class your teacher has already given you feedback/corrections to work on. Eg I know from my previous dance career my left arm is weaker as I’m very right handed/right dominant so I always pay attention to working on that. I wouldn’t ever suggest working on new steps outside of class or anything you’re unsure of the correct technique for.
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 24 '25
My teacher usually comments how my left ankle is stronger than my right, so I have to exercise on my releves more often on the right to strengthen it. I should probably do it more often. Thank you!!
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u/TheRealTabbyCool Apr 23 '25
It looks like you guys are beginners and just don’t have the balance and strength to be doing this choreography well, and that’s ok, ballet is hard and it takes years to build up that strength and technique! It’s concerning that you don’t know the name of any of the steps though, is your teacher not using those terms in class? I’d expect a beginner class to introduce you to the terminology rather than just showing you moves to copy.
Just checking, did your class mates consent to being posted on Reddit? People usually censor out faces on pictures, but that’s obviously more difficult with a video!
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
My teacher kinda just throws in the terms? Like first position, second position, fifth position, demi pointe, pointe, and pique. But I usually don't really understand the meaning behind it, just the movement. And it's kinda hard to correct sometimes, though I guess I should research on it.
And yes! You're good, my classmates have approved of being posted here. We mostly wore a mask (ones near the camera) for the sake of kinda being censored. The others didn't mind at the back since they can't be seen all too well after seeing the video
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u/geturfrizzon Apr 23 '25
I was wondering about this too. I assumed OP was the girl front and centre in the video, but then realized she’s the one in the back. I hope the other girl is ok with being posted on Reddit!
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u/TheRealTabbyCool Apr 23 '25
Yeah, I made the same assumption until I read her post, that other girl is very prominent in the video and might not even know she’s on here!
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
Oh, I actually am in the center ;; the one in the back is one of my friends. It's why I talked about the heavy leg movements I had in this specific choreography
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u/phoebe_la57 adult intermediate Apr 23 '25
Filming yourself is great for making improvements - so don't shy away! I don't think it's bad, especially when you aren't yet familiar with the choreography. I think there are some areas you can start thinking about:
- Control (which requires more muscles engagement): going up or down a step in ballet needs a pretty high level of control. Ballet dancers make things look easy (for the audience) by control their movements instead of relaxing them. In your video, it looks like you tend to relax when coming down from a step or when you land from a rélevé, making your movements a bit jumpy or bouncy - and probably feel heavier and harder for you to get back up for the next steps. Your arms were also kinda relaxed, throwing you off balance.
- Coordination and placement: there are a lot of things going on with arms, legs, shoulders and head in this combination which includes several steps. You can ask your teacher to break down each step for you with its respective coordination (perhaps after class). Try to learn the name of the steps so you can look them up online - you don't have to necessarily practice them on your own but just to see how the movement should look like, it helps. Also, if possible, learn some easier combinations first (for example, a combo with just balancé - balancé) - nail them before putting them together with linking steps. We tend to forget about coordination of arms, legs, head etc. when there are a lot of steps and the music is playing fast in class.
Other posters already mentioned things like feet pointing, strength, etc. As you can see there are many things we need to pay attention to :D - ballet is really hard and it takes time. Don't worry - just keep working, perhaps one thing, one step at a time. Happy dancing!
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
So many things to keep up with!! I knew ballet is hard, but I didn't think there would be so much attention to detail! It's such a beautiful yet painful sport haha.
Thank you so much for your input! I'll keep these in mind! (´ω｀)
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u/lilithh- Apr 24 '25
I would take the time to try slowing the choreography down on your own, and really feeling each movement, observing it, and correcting whatever needs it
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u/AcadiaRealistic2090 Apr 25 '25
i think you look great! you really have a lot of natural talent. you know the choreography and i think you're flowing nicely, TBH. ballet IS hard, and there's so much to think about, even when you're doing what seems like a simple movement.
there are a lot of great comments and support on the thread already but i wanted to reiterate one thing. try to maintain proper form, which might mean your movements will be a little smaller for now. i noticed at the beginning you're trying to get your leg up higher than it maybe should be. keep it lower so you can keep proper form. that might be what's throwing you off balance. you have great energy, but keep it focused on keeping good form.
barre work is so important, it helps you gain strength and get a lot of your basics down, and your basics are your foundation.
you're doing great! it's a process for sure. trust that every day you go to class, you're improving and getting stronger. i'm really excited for you.
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 26 '25
Thank you so much!! I'lll keep it in mind. I won't lie, I tried to reach up higher on my leg since I feel like I'm not progressing as well as the others;;;
But it seems like form is more important than leg height, so I'll keep this in mind! Thank you so much!
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u/Elegant-Trifle-7963 Apr 23 '25 edited Apr 23 '25
good job. shoulders down. point your foot more like you’re reaching over an orange. keep your arms forward. keep third fingers down. elbows up. practice balancé more at home. engage your core. at home practice adagio and port de bras. tilt to the opposite angle when going from one end to the next with balancé. and ask instructor for more advice on progression with your hip position and alignment in closed fifth. and when going up on half point remember to squeeze your glutes inward. no tucking. you’ll get there.
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u/False-Juice-2731 Apr 23 '25
I think you should trying doing some type 1 muscle training exercises.
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u/FirebirdWriter Apr 23 '25
I can see you thinking about how to move. This is a sign you need to do more classes. Time is the solution. There's small pauses and a lot of self consciousness in your hand movements where I can see you seeing in the mirror and trying to correct. That's a mid point on the path to mastery. Eventually it won't take thinking. You may want to talk to your teacher about techniques to get out of your head and to relax your hands but not be a floppy fish. You are doing a much better job than you think you are also. The form is over all good and the rest really is consistently practicing
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
I just realized we can't really edit on our own posts so I'll just put it here (if anyone sees, I don't know if this can be pinned):
I'm the one in the center of the choreography (pink leotard guys;;)
Everyone in the vid did give consent to being part of a video posted online.
We're mostly beginners, but those who are dancing with me in that video have been practicing for more than a year now (I'm just three months in, which is admittedly one of the frustrating reasons why I don't feel like improving as much as they are)
Our teacher's the one assigning a choreography for us to practice on the center, and not on the Barre. Although she teaches us, we don't really have a large amount of time to use for said choreo since we have a time constraint of 1 hour and 30 minutes for the entire lesson.
And majority of the reason why I struggle with the terminology is that our teacher isn't too good at explaining which muscles to use, and since it's Japanese (I'm learning in Japan), the terms thrown around get me confused (since I'm used to hearing french terms when researching online).
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 23 '25
I will admit, the lack of explanation is probably one of the main reasons why I'm checking out another studio this week to see if I'd like the teachers there. But yeah, that's all the extra info I have.
Thank you so much for the wonderful information guys!! I highly appreciate it!
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u/fairylightstrings Apr 24 '25
I thinking the number one thing that would help you is working on your 'turn out' and really slow down the choreo to get the steps right before doing it at this speed. So much of the ballet style of looking effortless and floating comes from tight control and deliberate movements.
So something like super simple pointing exercises: when you point your foot you need to have a strong supporting leg, and pull up through your core, tensing all of those muscles all over your body and have almost no weight on your foot that will point. Then as it goes to point think of it like peeling your foot off the floor. You don't lift it and put it in a point. You push the ground, push your heel forward to turn out the leg, the knee is strong, the leg is tensed, peel your foot off the floor, and the very last thing to happen is the toes point. I think slowing down some basics and doing the choreo slowly to learn the steps in little blocks of like an eight count would really help.
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Apr 24 '25
Sorry for the irrelevant comment, and I don't mean this rudely at all, but what an odd studio space! Never seen one configured in such a long, narrow way before
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 24 '25
You're good! And me neither lmao, it's a first for me to be in such an oddly spaced studio as well. It does help with making sure your body's upright and line you up well for pique exercises ngl
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Apr 24 '25
Reminds me of a video I saw of a girl doing fouettés- she noted the reason that she’s so good at not traveling in them is because her mom’s china cabinet at home keeps her careful lol
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u/ClaimAccomplished488 Apr 24 '25
Life changing tip: Think arms before legs And you’re not engaging your glute muscles enough that will give you a lifted look and allow you to have more control
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u/Puzzleheaded_Yak1281 Apr 26 '25
Let your elbows lead the movement of your arms, you will instantly look softer.
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u/silenceiskey13 May 04 '25
i think something to focus on is power. this sounds a little redundant, but holding your whole body strong with engaged core, thighs, shoulders, and back can help you feel more in control and achieve that poised look. you have a beautiful grace already though! please don't be so hard on yourself, you are doing great!!
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u/BoudreauxBedwell Apr 22 '25
Nice
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u/Hot_Ant2762 Apr 22 '25
Thank you!!
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u/hiredditihateyou Apr 23 '25
He’s not here to appreciate the art form, he’s here to creep on women, sadly. His post history says all.
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u/vpsass Vaganova Girl Apr 22 '25
I don’t think it’s that bad?! Ballet is hard, it’s hard to do well and it’s hard to make it look nice, don’t be so hard on yourself.
This choroegraphy is very hard for your level. I think it is a good challenge, challenges are important in ballet. But if you wanted to have a video of yourself nailing the choreography I would consider trying to film easier choreography.
At the beginning of this variation you have a lot of energy and that might be what’s making your movements look rough. But it all comes together with time. Keep going to class, keep working at the barre, keep working on your port de bras, your pliés, your tendus. At this point, there’s not specific advice we can give you in order to magically make everything smoother, you are on the right path, you just have to keep going in this direction and you’ll find that the movements will gf easier, more natural, and smoother.