Introducing myself

DancingMom · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Maryland

Hello everyone! I'm glad to have found a ballet forum that seems to be active!

I'm a 36 year old mother of 2 and recently had the crazy idea of taking up ballet. I have no delusions of a future dancing on stage. I have always loved ballet, but pursued horseback riding as a young girl. I'm still an avid rider, but haven't the money to support my habit. My kids (4 and 2) come first. I want to dance to improve my physical condition and my mental focus. -- and I really want to challenge myself with something completely new. It's altogether very exciting and frightening at the same time!

Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of ballet shoe I should buy? I don't have a dance supply store near me, so I'll be buying online. I've done some reading and it seems that a leather full sole is what is recommended for a beginner. I like the styling of the Sansha Nijinsky leather slipper. It's the only full-sole slipper with the criss-cross elastics that I can find. They are available in pink leather as well.

They are recommended for for highly extended arches. I have good arches, but I don't know if they'd classify as "highly extended". What do you think of this slipper and is there something better you would recommend?

Also, I was thinking of getting started at home since classes aren't forming yet. Is there a DVD that you'd recommend?

Thank you!

Pointe Dancer · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject:

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS DANCINGMOM!!!! I wouldn't worry too much about the shoe type if you are a beginner. The shoes you talked about would probably work well for you. As for DVDs, I would recommend "Ballet is Fun" from Discount DanceSupply www.discountdance.com It has short clips of a lot of dance moves done correctly and it gives some advice on how to do them. However, if you are looking for a DVD that has a mini ballet lesson on it, I don't know where you would find it... I hope that helps and keep up the good work!!! :D :D :D :D :D

DancingMom · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Maryland

Pointe Dancer wrote: WELCOME TO THE FORUMS DANCINGMOM!!!! I wouldn't worry too much about the shoe type if you are a beginner. The shoes you talked about would probably work well for you. As for DVDs, I would recommend "Ballet is Fun" from Discount DanceSupply www.discountdance.com It has short clips of a lot of dance moves done correctly and it gives some advice on how to do them. However, if you are looking for a DVD that has a mini ballet lesson on it, I don't know where you would find it... I hope that helps and keep up the good work!!! :D :D :D :D :D

Thank you for the welcome and information! I'll check out the DVD you recommended. What I would like to find in a shoe is the softest leather. I like the idea of the shoe molding to my foot. Any suggestions?

santafejoe · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:06 pm Post subject:

Hi :) DancingMom Welcome to Dance Forums.About your Ballet Shoes, i went thru the same thing for my Adult Ballet Class there were sp many to chose from. So i went to a dance store a few door s down from the dance studio and the girls behind the counter lead me in the right direction about Ballet Shoe s. As a matter of fact i have the Sansha that you have for a picture in Black not Pink :lol: :lol: with the Elastic cris cross. They are a very comfortable shoe and if and when they ever wear out i will buy the same ones again in Black of course. Again Welcome to Dance Forums. :)

singer · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 20 Location: illinios

:D welcome to the fourm

DancingMom · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Maryland

Thanks for the welcome, Santafejoe and Singer. With any luck my current enthusiasm will stick. Classes won't start until the Fall, so I'm going to practice at home until then. There may be a summer course offered -- I'm waiting to hear on that. I found this DVD (Dance class for Adult Beginners) on ebay that I'm going give a go.

I'll let you know if it's any good.

sunshine · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 106 Location: dance room

Hey DancingMom, this is a pair of ballet slippers that i have just ordered from allaboutdance.com . They look pretty elegant.. I have a pair of original canvas Sansha ballet slippers at the moment but they don't show a beautiful arch although they are comfortable and suitable for training.. http://www.allaboutdance.com/core/media/media.nl?id=1161&c=429095&h=4587315d7a0b96c938b1

I also wanted to advice you to youtube some ballet class videos which could help you teach the basic ballet..It's fast and free:-D Good luck..

pr · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011 Location: Göteborg, Sweden

Welcome DancingMom! :D

DancingMom · Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Maryland

sunshine wrote: Hey DancingMom, this is a pair of ballet slippers that i have just ordered from allaboutdance.com . They look pretty elegant.. I have a pair of original canvas Sansha ballet slippers at the moment but they don't show a beautiful arch although they are comfortable and suitable for training.. http://www.allaboutdance.com/core/media/media.nl?id=1161&c=429095&h=4587315d7a0b96c938b1

I also wanted to advice you to youtube some ballet class videos which could help you teach the basic ballet..It's fast and free:-D Good luck..
I've been looking at the Juliet II which I've been reading are really soft and form to your feet well. Sounds like the Sculpture might be even better -- and they're on sale! I'll check out YouTube -- thanks for the tip! :D

primaballerina175 · Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 589 Location: On stage.

WElcome DancingMom. Hope you like it here. :D