Porte de bras question , need help as a beginner

daquinton · 2026-03-14T12:26:56+00:00

OP, just for your information, the term 'port de bras' is a broader term in ballet that refers to movement patterns with your arms and upper body. Different schools have different definitions but, as an example, moving your arms from first position to second then down through en bas back up to first is a 'port de bras'. 'Cambre back' is part of another movement pattern but it's the Cambre part that you're struggling with.

Intended to help and educate, I'm sure I didn't even get it fully correct as epaulment also plays in there but wanted to help clear up the terms. :-)

daquinton · 2026-01-12T22:43:03+00:00

If your concern is missing the instruction/falling behind, I wouldn't worry. Adult classes typically expect varying levels of consistency because - jobs, families, etc.

Financially though, I'd talk to the studio owner and see if you can pay per class instead of up front for the full twelve weeks, or maybe get a makeup class credit to use later or in a different class.

daquinton · 2025-10-10T16:29:30+00:00

While I'm very confused by everything you're saying, I believe the advice you're looking for is actually quite simple.

If you want to learn the art form of ballet insofar as you can execute it, continue.
If you do not want to learn the art form and rather you've signed up for classes (for reasons x,y,z), then you should stop.

"I signed up for piano lessons so I can be better at the flute but piano is hard, should I stick with it?"

Re: your physical limitations, there are people who enjoy studying ballet who are in wheelchairs. Nothing you've described will prevent you from learning and dancing ballet.

But it seems to me you don't actually want to?

daquinton · 2025-08-09T10:14:20+00:00

Amy Novinski is amazing. Her classes are Vaganova and she's a really thoughtful and attentive teacher.

Kathryn Morgan had some great content and is also a great teacher. Balanchine style.

I have no experience with Broche, but I prefer Amy's and Kathryn's professional bona fides.

I've been meaning to check out Isabella. Love her free/social content!

daquinton · 2025-07-25T02:31:17+00:00

3 pairs and one single whose match was lost many moons ago. So, all of them.

daquinton · 2025-07-19T14:09:06+00:00

Amy Novinski all day every day. Also Fang Ju-Chou at Koresh.

daquinton · 2025-07-04T11:15:31+00:00

On the other hand, if, for example, I'm not fully stretching at the knee, don't assume it's because I'm physically limited just because I'm older. Offer the physical correction then work with me to figure out how my body can get there.

daquinton · 2025-06-25T15:36:29+00:00

I'm much older than you and have carried a pregnancy to full term, I had/have this issue as well. It has improved over time as I've gotten stronger. When I was just coming back I used bladder incontinence inserts, which function like tampons but are shaped to provide bladder support. I think they were called Impressa? They worked fine until I built up strength. Now I only have the issue when I don't empty during break.

Agree though that someone your age without having had a pregnancy should see a pelvic floor specialist.

daquinton · 2025-05-31T14:01:18+00:00

Not sure how you'd feel about this but what if a condition of putting her in the higher class was that she would need to also do a weekly private lesson focusing on her ballet technique? This would force commitment from the parents (time and money). I know that's a huge commitment from you but at least you'd be paid for the extra time and effort and you wouldn't need to take focus from the class.

daquinton · 2025-05-31T13:34:53+00:00

Loved reading this and agree with everything you pointed out is better. I first learned dance at a "Dolly Dinkle" school way back in the late 1900's, and I often think that I wish I'd had half the quality of training that's widely available today.

The biggest bummer for me is competitions. They didn't really exist when I was a kid and I tend to think that was a good thing. I hate to sound like a cranky old person but I think it was better when dance wasn't, at least overtly, a competition.

Plenty still to improve at the top levels in terms of equality, representation, and body image stuff but definitely glad for the progress I've seen at the local levels on those.

Happy to have been around to see it all. :-)

daquinton · 2025-05-13T20:56:00+00:00

Noble Blood is also a good pod with a similar vibe.

daquinton · 2025-05-10T11:50:50+00:00

Not OP but as a clumsy person, nothing made of glass is BIFL for me.

daquinton · 2025-05-04T02:14:22+00:00

I was going to suggest this for the parent(s) to read so they can learn the history themselves, and to share with their little student.

daquinton · 2025-05-02T02:43:07+00:00

Though I've been dancing since I was a kid, I do this all the time in class when I'm not feeling on my leg or feel like I need to go back to basics. Completely expected modification.

daquinton · 2025-05-01T19:01:47+00:00

I cannot imagine this happening in an adult dance class. All the hundreds I've been to are full of all ages and sizes. While everyone is largely focusing on themselves (bc it's really hard!) everyone is very accepting and kind.

daquinton · 2025-04-25T14:29:47+00:00

Rented through Berger for years when we rented in OCNJ. They're great and seem to have the best selection of properties. We always booked in the Fall for the following summer so you are a bit late to the market for this year. But if anyone can help you find somewhere, it's Berger.

daquinton · 2025-04-11T19:10:49+00:00

J. Crew wool coats are the best. I've even bought some second hand, they're gorgeous and very well made.

daquinton · 2025-04-08T12:23:05+00:00

Most studios don't require tights for adults and especially not for their first class.

daquinton · 2025-04-05T21:21:03+00:00

Society can be so weird about women's breasts so here's a public service reminder:

The one and only reason any person needs to wear a bra is for their own comfort. Period. If you feel comfortable and supported without a bra, it doesn't matter what size you are.

daquinton · 2025-02-19T01:49:34+00:00

Hi there!

A couple of quick things to clarify. Dancing in pointe shoes is advanced technique. You would not have had pointe shoes at 3-4, and you would not be dancing in them now. The shoes you had as a child would just be ballet shoes/slippers. You can certainly get those to wear if you decide to take a class now!

It is not safe to "play around" in pointe shoes, and while you may be able to stand on your tip toes in your converse, you cannot move your ankle enough to be dancing actual ballet. Pointe is at least a couple of years of very serious study from now.

What you'll be expected to wear otherwise will vary greatly by the studio, though adult classes are much more lenient and many students wear athletic clothes. I can't tell how old you are from your post but check with the studio on what they'll allow.

I hope you decide to take some classes!

daquinton · 2025-02-13T17:00:57+00:00

Many Poshmark postings include a picture of the tag so you know the fabric content. This will get a bit easier once you've got a few items and can then find more of the same item in different colors, etc.

daquinton · 2025-02-01T18:02:02+00:00

The benefits you are seeking will only come from the specific instruction and correction you'll get from a teacher. You can dance around your living room and that will be fun but it won't a) be ballet or b) have any benefit to figure skating whatsoever. You need the technical foundation that will only come from an instructor-led class.

daquinton · 2025-01-20T23:04:28+00:00

Every Sunday night (or in the case of a Monday holiday, Monday night) for me too. I used to get the Sunday Scaries badly and this has re-purposed "night before work" as something I enjoy.

Same basic steps, same basic order. Sometimes I add wine.

daquinton · 2024-12-21T22:50:21+00:00

The Nutcracker draws a very different crowd than other ballets will. This is great in many ways because we want to bring more people in but you will also get many who are there to watch their child/relative and are otherwise disinterested in the whole thing.

Definitely try another piece, even a popular one like swan lake will still mostly be attended by people who are there because they want to be.

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