A Quick Update on Ballet
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was taking a ballet class to help with my skating. My goal is become more graceful and fluid on the ice.
Right now, I’m taking a 45 minute private lesson every other week. My instructor has me warming up at the barre where we focus on my posture. Then we move on to leg exercises and classic ballet movements. She has given me exercises to help with my flexibility, which I have been trying to do almost every night.
You’re probably wondering how things are going. I’d say they’re going pretty well, although I find some of the positions hard to extend and hold. I have a bit of scoliosis in my lower back, so one side of my body is slightly higher than the other. As a result, some positions are naturally more difficult for me to execute. For example, I have a hard time extending my left leg (not my landing leg) behind me in the correct position. I usually leave ballet class with extra soreness in my lower left back. Thankfully, the soreness goes away after a few days.
Overall, I am more aware of my posture and aim to straighten my back whenever I can. I don’t always catch myself slouching or pitching forward on the ice, but when I do notice it, I correct myself immediately.
We’ll be working on arm positions soon, which I am very excited about. I really need to get rid of those flappy arms.
I’ll keep you posted on my progress, but so far, so good.
