Sunday, January 13, 2008

End of Week Thoughts


Dancers,

Congratulations on your first week of ballet. The comments have been interesting and varied. Kudos to those who have embraced this online process.

I'm glad to read that some of you have been reading each others entries. It's great to get a sense of what others are thinking and feeling. The connections that dancers are drawing from one anothers ideas as well as the unique and unexpectedly interesting perspectives are what the blog is all about. All the responses have been beautifully written and thoughtful.

If you have any thoughts or responses to your first week of class, I'd love to receive them. This is not an assignment, just an opportunity to share.

Cheers!

Louis

11 comments:

Thomas Van Doren said...

Louis!

I have enjoyed your class this first week! It has opened my mind to the possibilities of movement within the ballet idiom. I look forward to rest of the quarter.

Unknown said...

This week has been positively LOVELY! I was incredibly nervous to start up again with Ballet after such a long break. But, this class has a perfect balance of jumping right into technique while refreshing those movements. Also, I really appreciate the approach that has been taken, which almost feels like yoga - very focused on the breathe, and learning something from your body. Growing and only going as far as your body should, instead of some stereotypical ballet classes which push towards perfection as the only option.

I so look forward to classes!

Raevynn said...

Louis,

I must say I really enjoy ballet class. I hated going to ballet for all the years I did it because my teacher was not the kindest person. It's nice to have a very patient teacher. What you said about stretching and how to do it and have it not hurt made so much sense to me. I think (with a lot of practice) I'll be able to be more flexible. In previous dance classes I was always forced down into the splits or made to stretch farther than I actually could or wanted to. I love dancing again. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

The first week of class enlightened me of how effective integrating non codified movement with codified movement via imprvisation or tasks like "ice skating." This method of teaching allowed me to invest my personality into my movement creating a rich and engaging experience. I noticed that my mind was able to pickup the codified movement quicker and I was able to put more thought into completing the exercise besdies just getting the steps.
Thank you for an engaging experience and I look forward to this week.

Anonymous said...

anonymous is me Ashley Howisey!

Heather Rastovac said...

I enjoy the class on SO many levels. First off, I love humor and laughing, and so appreciate the humorous approach that is sometimes taken during instruction. I think laughter relaxes the body in a way that is beneficial to movement. Secondly, there is a real emphasis on fundamentals of the body and ballet technique - this is often rushed over in many beginning classes, which I think creates the potential for dancers developing and continuing with poor habits that are difficult to reverse. Lastly, I appreciate being encouraged to expand our potential as artists in addition to dancers, which I think happens in the space and time we are asked to improvise - something I am often afraid of but am trying to push through that fear....

Jenea said...

I really enjoy the fact that this class has some creative moments. It allows me to enjoy ballet on a new level.

Unknown said...

Louis,
Thank you for been such a nice and lovely teacher. I feel your patient towards to teaching us and make sure we learned the proper way of dancing ballet. I enjoyed so much from learning new ballet movement this first week. Thank you again.

Juliana Erickson said...

Louis!

I love being a student in your class! Your patience is very much appreciated and your passion and enthusiasm create an invigorating environment in which to learn and perfect my technique! I am looking forward to the rest of this quarter!
Best regards!

April said...

This class is constantly challenging me and is a great mixture of physical acts and a mental puzzle I must keep on top of.. I find it very therapeutic.

Heather Rastovac said...

Thank you for challenging me to explore movement outside of regimen!