Learn More

Are you looking for a fun and engaging activity that will provide countless benefits for your child? Look no further than ballet! Ballet is a beautiful art form that combines physical activity, creativity, and discipline. Here are some of the key benefits your child can gain from participating in ballet:

Physical Benefits:

• Improved strength and flexibility: Ballet classes help develop muscle tone, balance, and coordination, which are essential for overall physical well-being.

• Posture and alignment: Ballet training promotes proper posture and body alignment, leading to a more confident appearance.

• Cardiovascular fitness: Ballet is an aerobic activity that keeps your child's heart healthy and strong.

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

• Self-confidence: As children master new ballet techniques, their self-esteem grows, which can have a positive impact on other aspects of their lives.

• Discipline and focus: Ballet requires discipline and concentration, which can help improve your child's attention span and ability to stay on task.

• Stress relief: Engaging in a creative outlet like ballet can help children cope with stress and express their emotions in a healthy way.

Social Benefits:

• Friendship and teamwork: Ballet classes offer a supportive environment where children can form lasting friendships and learn the importance of teamwork.

• Respect and etiquette: Ballet teaches children to respect their instructors, fellow dancers, and the art form itself, instilling good manners and social skills.

Cultural Exposure:

• Appreciation for the arts: Ballet exposes children to classical music, history, and the world of performing arts, fostering a lifelong love of the arts.

• Creativity and expression: Through dance, children can explore their imagination and express themselves artistically.

Give Ballet a Try!

With all these incredible benefits, it's clear that ballet is an ideal activity for children of all ages. As a parent, you can support your child's growth and development by enrolling them in a ballet class today. Don't wait any longer – give your child the gift of ballet and watch them flourish in this beautiful art form!

If you're looking for a ballet training system that has produced some of the most celebrated ballet stars and companies in the world, you'll want to learn about the Vaganova ballet method. Let's take a closer look at this renowned technique and how it has shaped the world of ballet.

What is the Vaganova Ballet Method?

The Vaganova ballet method is a Russian ballet training system developed by Agrippina Vaganova in the early 20th century. Vaganova, a renowned ballet dancer and teacher, combined the best elements of French, Italian, and Russian ballet techniques to create a unique and highly effective method. The Vaganova method is known for its emphasis on precise movements, artistic expression, and the development of the whole dancer.

Why is the Vaganova Method so Successful?

Many of the world's top ballet companies, including the Bolshoi Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet, teach the Vaganova method. Renowned ballet dancers like Natalia Makarova, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov were trained using the Vaganova method. Here are some key features of this approach:

• Holistic Development: The Vaganova method focuses on the development of the entire dancer, emphasizing both technical excellence and artistic expression. This balance sets Vaganova-trained dancers apart from others.

• Progressive Training: The method is structured into a detailed eight-year program, with each year building on the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous one. This systematic approach ensures that students develop a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced techniques.

• Precise Technique: Vaganova training is known for its exacting standards and emphasis on clean, precise movements. This meticulous attention to detail results in strong, expressive dancers who can perform with remarkable control and elegance.

At Orillia Ballet Academy, our primary focus is on the safety and long-term development of our students. Starting pointe work too early can lead to injuries and hinder a dancer's progress. Typically, children begin dancing on pointe between the ages of 11 and 13, but this can vary depending on the individual dancer's physical development, strength, and mastery of ballet technique.

Before starting pointe work, our students must demonstrate:

1. Sufficient ankle, leg, and core strength.

2. Proper alignment and posture.

3. Consistent attendance in ballet classes and dedication to their training.

4. Mastery of basic ballet technique on flat shoes.

Our experienced instructors will carefully assess each student and make personalized recommendations based on the dancer's readiness for pointe work. We ensure a gradual and safe transition to pointe shoes, guiding our students every step of the way to help them achieve their goals while prioritizing their well-being.

Encouraging your child to practice at home can be beneficial to their progress in ballet and overall development as a dancer. However, it's important to strike a balance between structured classes and independent practice. Here are a few guidelines for at-home practice:

1. Safety First: Ensure your child has a safe, spacious area to practice in, free from obstacles or hazards. Proper footwear, such as ballet slippers, should be worn to prevent slipping.

2. Focus on Technique: At-home practice should focus on reinforcing the techniques learned in class. Encourage your child to work on specific exercises, stretches, or steps assigned by their instructor.

3. Keep It Fun and Engaging: To maintain your child's enthusiasm and passion for ballet, make sure their at-home practice sessions are enjoyable. Incorporate a variety of exercises and allow them to choose the music they want to dance to.

4. Monitor Practice Time: While practicing at home is helpful, it's essential not to overdo it. Allow your child enough time to rest and recover between classes to avoid fatigue and potential injuries.

5. Stay Connected with Instructors: Keep in touch with your child's instructor to ensure they are practicing correctly at home. This will help avoid reinforcing bad habits or improper techniques.

Remember, the primary goal of at-home practice is to support and complement the instruction your child receives in class. By following these guidelines, you'll contribute to their progress and development as a confident, skilled, and passionate dancer.

Tying a secure and neat bun for your child's ballet class is essential for keeping their hair out of their face and maintaining a polished appearance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect ballet bun:

1. Brush and Gather: Start by brushing your child's hair to remove any tangles. Then, gather the hair into a high ponytail, positioning it at the crown of their head. Use a hairbrush to smooth out any bumps and secure the ponytail with a hair elastic.

2. Twist and Wrap: Gently twist the ponytail until it's tight and begin wrapping it around the base of the ponytail to form a coil. Continue wrapping the twisted hair around the base, making sure the bun lies flat against your child's head.

3. Secure the Bun: As you wrap the hair, use hairpins or bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Insert the pins around the perimeter of the bun, ensuring they hold the hair securely and discreetly.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a tidy and secure ballet bun for your child, allowing them to focus on their dancing and enjoy their ballet class without any distractions.

Click here for a video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yG7Hcozrf8

Sewing pointe shoes is an essential skill for dancers and their parents. Properly sewn ribbons and elastics will provide the necessary support and comfort during ballet practice and performances. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you sew pointe shoes:

1. Gather Materials: You will need a strong needle, durable thread (preferably waxed), scissors, pointe shoe ribbons, and elastics (if required by your child's ballet school).

2. Cut and Seal Ribbons: Cut the ribbons into four equal lengths. Use a lighter or match to gently singe the edges of the ribbons to prevent fraying. Be cautious not to burn the fabric – just melt the edges slightly.

3. Mark Ribbon Placement: With the pointe shoe on your child's foot, mark where the ribbons will be sewn. Generally, ribbons are sewn at the arch's highest point, approximately 1-2 inches behind the seam where the heel meets the shoe's body. Mark the same location on both sides of each shoe.

4. Sew the Ribbons: Thread your needle and double the thread for extra strength. Sew each ribbon securely to the shoe, using a crisscross or square stitch pattern. Ensure the ribbons lie flat against the shoe and are not twisted.

5. Cut and Sew Elastics (if required): Measure the elastic around your child's ankle, ensuring it provides support without being too tight. Cut the elastic to the appropriate length and sew it securely to the inside of the pointe shoe, near the heel.

6. Try the Shoes On: Have your child try on the pointe shoes with the sewn ribbons and elastics. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort.

By following these steps, you will successfully sew pointe shoe ribbons and elastics for your child, providing them with the support they need to dance confidently and safely. Remember that pointe shoes will wear out and need to be replaced regularly, so be prepared to repeat this process as needed.

Click here for a video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-187qChovQ

Important! A dancer's first pair of pointe shoes should never be purchased online. Please make sure your first pair is bought in store with a specialist who can help get the shoes fitted properly. This will not only improve the dancer's ability to dance on pointe, but will ensure a correct fit that aids a safe dancing experience. The health and safety of our dancers is top priority.

Orillia is lucky to have a thriving dance community supported by the amazing Ballare - The Dance Boutique conveniently located at 96 Mississaga St E, Orillia, ON L3V 1V6 - just minutes away from our studio!