I love ballet. I always have. However, I teach recreational ballet. To six year olds. And I have to keep reminding myself of that fact! There are all kinds of developmental considerations when teaching turn-out, and that’s another post for another day. But here is my favorite way to teach ballet positions. We use this rhyme:
1, 2, 3, look at me!
1, 2, 3, look at me (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then releve balance 1st)
1st, 2nd, 3rd, fly like a bird (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Hop to right and left with back leg in arabesque)
1, 2, 3, turn quickly! (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, turn around quickly – feet and arms any shape)
Plie, releve, get ready, STAY! (plie and releve in 1st, make a ball down low, balance in releve arabesque)
That’s so simple and yet so effective! Thanks!