Pointe Shoe Fears, Body Image Positivity, & Lots of Rehearsals! Weekly Dance Vlog
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- The vlog I almost lost when my hard drive crashed!! Life's been really busy, so in this vlog I'm catching you up on my travels and a body image epiphany I've had! I also ordered some new leos, share my current status with pointe shoe fears, and bring you along for a couple rehearsals for an upcoming performance! - Jana
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Music credits:
Divertimento K131 Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
I feel terrible about my body every time I take class and compare myself to everyone else especially right now in my busy season for work where it’s like grab fast food or don’t eat for 8 hours. Thank you for this! I’m also working on pirouettes on pointe and getting over the fear! ❤️
About six months ago we started doing a lot more in the center in pointe class, and recently starting to practice pirouettes. The biggest thing that has helped me with fear is remembering to breathe. I have to actively tell myself to do it. And if I don't I tense up, which makes everything harder. The second would be activating my lower core muscles (helps a lot with stability), and the third is just doing it a lot and over time it's less scary, almost like I can trick myself into doing it before I get scared. I will say the first full pirouette I did (something part of me never thought I could do) was an amazing feeling, part exhilaration, part disbelief, and part fear, so I think without the fear it wouldn't have been the same.
GREAT points! Thank you!!
One thing I absolutely love is seeing dancers of different body types doing pointe. Society is so used to seeing a set type of dancer when it comes to ballet and they are usually thin fair skinned girls. I like seeing videos like yours because it shows that people of different sizes can also do ballet. At my studio I'm also a plus size dancer and I'm the only dark skinned dancer so I have to work a bit harder just to be seen.
Theres so much body shaming in all directions I think we are forgetting what a fairly normal human body looks like. Its a form of bullying and control at the end of the day!
It really is remarkable how much our perspectives are skewed!
Ok so turning en pointe was really hard for me when i started 2 years ago. Im almost 15 most and the best tip i have it to pull up the most you can, and try not to think about it as much. Once I did that i got my double en pointe. All my turns have improved from then. Keep working, your progress is great. 👍
I loved this! It’s so nice to see you being positive and encouraging yourself. We need to do this more but why is it so hard??? Also I can’t post without telling you I love your port de bras and overall your dancing is just so fluid and lovely.
Thank you so much, Larissa!
I feel the exact same with pointe work. Everything you said has passed through my mind before. I tend to concentrate on the feet more than anything and I am also having trouble going from two feet to one foot. I am getting there though!
Such a wonderful vlog about issue that I share!
I'm always so impressed by your determination when you're having difficulty with something and your courage to identify your weaknesses and work on them straight away instead of avoiding the things you are afraid of! You have such a good attitude to learning
Thank you so much, Christina!!
It is very good that you are not skinny! Your videos are great. and you are looking good. And you are definitely not getting old. I am 74 and still take ballet classes and love dancing, especially ballet.
I really enjoyed your vlog. I just started ballet for adults and was so scared of learning because I felt I was too old for anything (I'm 34). But seeing your blog gives me hope that with persistance I can achieve so much and I enjoy my classes. I wish I had more classes, I only have them twice a week, unfortunately. Thank you so much for the videos.
You're definitely not too old! For anything!
I also started ballet at 34. My local studio only had one adult ballet class per week for many years. But I was able to progress and eventually went up on pointe when I turned 41. It's never too late to start dancing. There's a wonderful dancer in my class who's in her mid-70s and still does pointe work. I hope I'll be lucky enough to keep dancing for that long.
So glad you are feeling more free to wear what you want! Love the new leos! About pointe... Maybe you need different shoes. Softer ones? You look like you are not over your box. Absolutely the repetitive strength movements! You can do it! ❤️
I totally relate to you on the body image front! I had that revelation a few years ago and it definitely is so freeing to not care what people think. I’ve missed seeing you on UA-cam! I’m glad you’re back and doing well. Also, I have that Baltags leotard! I love it. It’s one of my favorites now. It’s very flattering. I have it in black and the purple
Thanks so much, Jessie! It's like living a completely different life without the weight of that "fear" hanging over me! I think I will order that Baltogs leo in purple and maybe a couple other colors - I love it too!
Watching you learn really helps me with my Silver Swans class, Jana, so thank you xxxxxxx
Yay! Thank you! A couple weeks ago I got to photograph a Silver Swans class and it was one of the most inspiring things! It made my heart so happy and I definitely teared up behind my camera at the end! Ballet for everyone!
I can relate on the sweat issue... in my adult ballet class none of the other women are sweating, not a single drop... and by the end of class im drenched from jumping etc.
I usually dont care that much about it, because i cant control it, but a few weeks ago several people commented about how much im sweating and that felt really shitty... So for a few weeks ive only been wearing my black leos that dont show sweat. Lets hope I wont be so self conscious forever.
me too lol, why do pastel colored leos have to show every ounce of sweat so obviously?? last time i wore a pale blue one and someone was like "wow why do you have so much sweat right under your chest??" i was like.., because i'm not flat chested idiot. it was my friend who said it so i wasnt actually offended lol but still, fuck these damn leos! black all the way.. and pastels only for pointe classes on coldest days of winter :)
Ugh, I'm so sorry your environment is like that to where people would comment about your sweating! That is ridiculous!! Screw 'em! Wear your sweat proudly!
You are so much further along than I. It is so scary going to one foot, either in releve or pique. You look beautiful!!
You can get there! Thank you!!
I’m so excited to start classes again once I move. Private for now! But I’m still excited. 💕
Hi Jana, looking good. Good to see your vlogs.
Thank you so much!
Loved watching you conquer your pirouette fears! We are also working on pique arabesque in class and it’s tough for me to get all the pieces lined up. Hips right, ribs left...ahhh. Also I highly recommend the Gaynor Minden flexer ribbon with the elastic in there right over where your Achilles is. It’s not too shiny either. I found the Body wrappers one didn’t feel secure enough for me when I was up on pointe. Keep it up! 😃
Thank you!! It is so hard to get everything where it needs to be and then to make it look good on top of that haha. I love the GM flexor ribbon!
Thank you! For all of this! I get scared of pirouettes and I've been working on the quarter/half turns. Nice to know I'm not alone. How are you liking the perfect pointe inserts?
Definitely not alone! I need to get another perfect pointe kit! After Capezio stopped making my shoe I've been trying to find the right shoe for like 2 years - I think I'm about there and I'll make another set!
@@BallerinasByNight good luck with the shoe hunt! I have narrow feet and heels the shoe thing is frustrating.
That was such a helpful video to me. I relate a lot to what you say, about body image, about pointe fears, and it's quite reassuring to realize that others are feeling the same, including people that you admire. And I do admire you a lot, because I love the way you dance, your dedication and passion for ballet, and you make it look so easy! But we all know ballet is definitely not as easy as it looks, and it helps a lot to understand that we all struggle with some part of it... and also that we all have strong points! Thanks so much for the video, Jena.
Thank you so much for this incredible video! And I know I say this every time you show footage from it, but I love that rehearsal space!
Thank you!! Not a day goes by that I don't feel grateful to get to dance in this space!
Hi Jana. I love this video. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You are really encouraging me and I know others are encouraged too. Keep it up and you’ll get there. I think I could identify with 90%of what you said. No more pointe work for me. I now have arthritis in my big toe joints. Man, it hurts! Keep dancing! Merde!❤️
Thank you so much, Linda!
Thank you for another inspiring video! I have always had a fear of pirouettes... I'm only 5'4"... I don't have that far to fall, but it just feels scary. Ironically, I did sprain my ankle very badly in a new pair of pointe shoes when I was 13... only I wasn't doing ballet, I was goofing around with a friend doing the can-can on her slippery deck :(
Thank you for your video! I definitely have the same fears about pointe. I didn't use to but then I tore my calf 3 years ago. Now, I just can't seem to get over some of the mental block from that even though my leg is healed. It's nice to hear that it's not just me and I will definitely try some of your tips! Thank you :)
go Jana! This is so awesome!
Jana! I ❤️ this vlog on all levels...have all the same pointe fears, too! Doesn’t help that I’m still hunting for the right shoe so I’m not fighting my fears AND the shoe. 🤪 I’m going to message you @ your performance group so look for it. (I just realized my “subscription” is through my professional gmail, but this is Mary who did Snow Scene workshop with you last year. 😉)
Omg yeah, I totally forgot to mention in this video how much the right shoe plays into working through fears! It's impossible without it and it can take SO LONG to find the right shoe! Aghhh!
I loved this video, all your insights and thoughts...very nice!
I want to give you a quick tip here.
From what I saw maybe I can give a "outside look" about your piques: you're thinking too much about the foot that goes on pointe. Try to think more about the leg behind...because that leg is the one that should be doing the hard work. The back leg is doing your plié to go on pointe and that feet should work all the way through the floor to push you onto the pointe.
Sometimes (from what I saw here), because of the fear, you're kinda trying to pull yourself to go on pointe.
When you did something you're not scared of (19:47) you nailed It. It was smooth and I could see that you were really on the pointe and really on your toes. Try this same feeling in your piques.
Anyways, I'm no expert, but I did ballet class for, like, 10 years, and was even starting to teach the younger ones, so, I thought I could add some advice here for you and anyone else watching.
I really enjoy this channel, so, keep up the good work!
Thank you for the outside perspective! I definitely think I'm doing what you're saying, so I will try thinking about the back leg in pique and not so much my front foot!
Loved this vlog!!! Thank you!
I’m glad to see you embrace everything! Listen; don’t let your chest get you down: so many of us would kill for it. (I was one) I actually had an elective cosmetic surgery years ago.... (my chest)....& I went from a 32B to a 34DDD...I actually find the lower more V-neckline more flattering & elongating of my neck & chest, not overemphasizing my (now) total non-ballet dancer upper body with more material: & oddly: I find I feel more supported because there’s no material on my chest to push “them” down BUT that’s just my experience: & I understand mine are unnatural and likely look it...I don’t know what it’s really like to have a chest....so I had to buy ‘em 😅 & im guessing lol - but best decision I ever made. BUT NO MATTER WHAT-you do what makes you comfortable & happy. You’re perfect. Much love ❤️☮️🙏 I’m proud of you.
OH But absolutely no worries, I still loathe my body, I literally only like my chest now. That wasn’t a “I’m better than anyone, I like my body!” That’s so not the case for me unfortunately/ just clarifying. I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.
You’re leagues ahead of me & I see your beauty but I cannot/ I refuse to think I possess any. I have tons to work on obviously. You’re doing way better than me. Thanks for sharing. Love all your tips & insights. 😘
Thanks for sharing your perspective! Didn't get the wrong idea :) I'm happy you are happy with your chest now! I always joke that I wish I could share some of mine with someone that wants more haha. I just find they get in the way for me, but it's been a process in accepting that's how they are and I just need to wear what I want! Thank you for the support and encouragement! ❤️
Great vlog! Did you drop in at Colorado Ballet? I regularly traveled to Denver for work and would take class there. Is your rehearsal piece set to This Bitter Earth? If so, how fabulous (thinking of Wendy Whelan)! I broke my foot 3 years ago in my pointe shoes. It's incredible to be back in them, but now I struggle with the mental block and fears.
I didn't have time to do a drop in at Colorado Ballet, but I would have loved to! Yes, that music is the same Max Richter piece from This Bitter Earth :) So happy to be dancing to it! So sorry to hear you went through a broken foot!! I can imagine how bad the mental fears are when you have that associated with pointe work :(
Hey Jana
I am your age and size (approximately) and I started ballet at age 28. I had been training ballet as a child 7-9 but my strict teacher had scared me so I left. Even though my teacher tried to get me back because I was talented. I have big regrets until today about that. But I try to get to the best level I can get with my body type, abilities and my story. Sometimes it is hard because I know I won't be able to do certain steps EVER. It is hard to not be toooooo dogged. Sometimes I even think maybe I was happier if I gave up ballet.
BUT your vlogs encourage me to stick to dancing. It is a deep love.
Do you also do other dance styles besides ballet?
You are very good by the way
Greetings from Germany
I love this so much! Your love for dancing is strong and you will achieve so much just letting yourself go for it! I did some jazz, tap, and lyrical growing up and then some contemporary for a few years as an adult. But it has been mostly ballet! I'm so glad these vlogs encourage you and I hope you keep dancing for as long as it brings you joy! 💖
@@BallerinasByNight hugs and kisses ! YES LET LOVE RULE the world and our dancing !
@@BallerinasByNight ah and btw I am a semi professional belly dancer today. I started at age 11 and I have gone through a serious Training with exams and e everything. But the love for ballet has Always been with me on my way until today
Your video actually gave me the confidence to take my pointe shoes out to the center for the first time! For me it was mostly a mind issue as well, but i still need a little bit more strength. I can pop into a pirouette with no problems at all, but i cant actually turn... so i just do a passe instead 😅 Overall it went really well though and Im really proud of myself now ❤️
Looked like a really wobbly newborn deer though loool
That is AWESOME! Way to go and keep it up!!!
Omg same here with pointe on a single foot. I'm 45 and been on pointe about a year. I remember being 15 on pointe and not even hesitating to do anything! We did a something in center last week it was kind of a fondue and then out to tendu and pop onto pointe on the supporting leg. (sorry I can't think of what it's called) I was terrified! I eventually just went for it and did 3 in a row!
Thank you for posting this . Last week in my Adult intro ballet class , I was really struggling . I had trouble with the combinations, even though I practice at home and try and learn and remember them . My head was so fuzzy . I wasn’t into it at all. And then I kept looking at the mirror . Especially during center work . Jumping . I struggle with looking at myself when I’m jumping I have trouble jumping . I’m a curvy woman , and never danced before . And I kept comparing myself to the other girls in the class who can jump and remember combinations. They are so skinny .. I’m in to my 7 th class already . I already paid for the fall session , and the class is this Thursday. I don’t even know if I want to go back again . It’s like lol why humiliate myself again? I was having trouble Galloping, and the waltz . I’m not that coordinated, and apologized to the teacher when she pointed out what I was doing wrong . Maybe ballet isn’t for me .I struggle with self image body image all the time , and going to ballet class and looking into the mirror is extra hard for me . I keep looking at me feet not at my face . I try and think positive , and I should be proud of myself to be going in the first place . Ballet is hard . Even Intro level beginner is hard, or getting harder in some respects . I’m not sure what I should do . Any suggestions ? I struggle with anxiety as well . So going to class is a big deal for me . Anyways thanks
Jessica k. Perhaps buddy up with someone like Jana does with Kirsten? You could practice and just have fun :-)
sunnygem21 it’s a very small class .. no one really talks to each other . Not sure what I should do .. but thank u
My advice is to keep trying. Ballet takes a lot of persistence, even at the beginner level. It can take a while for things to click. But when you finally get something that's been really tricky for you, or you manage to do something you didn't think you could do, it feels so much better than getting it right on the first try. One thing that has helped me with other people doing better is realizing that they usually are focusing on themselves and what they could be doing better, not on what you are doing. Last thing: a teacher's job is to give corrections, you don't have to apologize when you do something wrong and they correct it.
Lauren Milechin hello . Thank you for replying back to me . I didn’t go last Thursday class . I was also tired .. from working the night before , and felt embarrassed still and down from the previous class . I just find and I’m 48, not a kid anymore . And I’m a little curvy to , to jump . Sautés .. the Center work , waltzing and galloping is hard for me to get the motion . I apologized because I felt like I was the only one in the small class who I didn’t quite get the just of what the teacher was explaining.
Anyways I may go this Thursday , but I’m already behind a class ... I’m sure the teacher taught new things ..
I practiced a little ballet this morning at home . Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.🙏🏻
my advice to everyone who does ballet is to wear high cut aka high hipped leotards or simply roll yours up to be high cut, it makes me feel 1000x more confident because the legline just improves my entire appearance lol
Good for you!
OMG I have the exact same problem as you with pointe 16 years ago I was doing pirouttes on pointe and rond de jambes etc on stage and I never thought about it now I'm soo scared of leaving two feet though I know I can do it idk why I'm so scared now
Mental blocks are a b*tch!
Haven't been dancing much do too life out of dance situations which was not good. Plus I have been browsing different styles of dance lately.
Do you find that you wear out the bottom edge of your platform really quickly? It looks like you may be having a hard time getting all the way over, so maybe darning that bottom edge will help kind of push you over a little more so you can balance on the whole platform rather than getting pulled back on to the bottom edge by the shoes. But you look lovely so keep working!
Yeah, I've always had an issue getting all the way over my platforms! I have other shoes that are better for it, but something about these shoes has been helping me work through some of my mental things! I have the hardest time with pointe shoes because my ankles are not very flexible, but my toes are, so I need the support so I don't knuckle in my shoe, but the support can then pull me back in the ankle. It's so tricky!! Good thought on the darning though - I may have to give that a try!
Hi ! What is the brand of the blue leotard? I tried to look for 'Maria leotard' on the internet but I couldn't find it :( love your videos, have a good day
It's spelled "Mariia"! www.discountdance.com/search/Mariia
Kristin at 13:05. LOL!
Hahahaha
Jana❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😄
Not for me. I am 67 and I hate the way I look. It’s never changed for me. Even at this age, if I ever come into money, I will have lots of plastic surgery.