Dance classes

[Weez]

Posted: 6/30/07 at 5:30pm

I'm hoping to apply to drama school next year, and while I don't think I can turn myself into a triple threat over the next few months, I would at least like to take some dance classes to improve my basic fitness and movement, show willing, and get me started on a career path I hope will include many many more dance classes in the future. Assuming I'm not limited by location, cost, or timetable, what discipline would you recommend I go for? I was thinking ballet, modern, jazz, or tap, but which one would be more helpful? Or if they'd all be equally helpful, which is most fun?

All answers gratefully received. :)

[j'aime_le_theatre]

Posted: 6/30/07 at 6:23pm

everyone is different...but for me, ballet was the most valuable dance class to take. every other form of dance that you will be doing in theatre is based off of the techniques of ballet. after you take a ballet class or two then go crazy and take them all. i think a little bit of knowledge in jazz is helpful in tap as well. good luck!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/30/07 at 6:55pm

Take ballet. Ballet is the basis for everything else, so it's the best place to start.

[teh_pretty]

Posted: 6/30/07 at 7:46pm

Ballet would ideally be the best place to start - it gives you a firm foundation to learn better technique. Once you've got strong technique in ballet under your belt, other forms will come easier.

[dramadude2]

Posted: 6/30/07 at 7:48pm

I was asking the same question in another thread. No one has answered yet but from what I have heard elsewhere, you should start with ballet and the move to jazz and/or tap

[theatrejock310]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 3:22am

Would this apply to guys too?
Because I started young w/ Jazz, and am thinking about doing ballet just for the sake...

[brdwybound2]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 11:05am

Guys or girls, everyone should defintiley focus on ballet to improve technique. I know some people LOVE ballet or absolutley cannot stand it, but either way, it really will help build technique for all other dance forms. I'd say jazz is the second best, and tap is obviously quite helpful, but not as much so as ballet and jazz.

[Becky2]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 7:09pm

I've been told the same thing about ballet, about it being a great foundation for everything else. It's what I'm starting with, and I love it so far.

[sweetdisaster]

Posted: 7/1/07 at 9:29pm

I agree with what everyone's said about starting with ballet to build a foundation for everything else. I've found tap to be very helpful in theater as well, so I'd suggest taking a class or two if you can. Good luck :)

[Dancinqueen123]

Posted: 7/2/07 at 12:38am

All other types of dance are based off of ballet, so even if you take it for just a little bit, it will give you the technique that you'll need for everything else.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 7/2/07 at 4:15pm

Ballet, followed by ballet and then a lot of ballet.

Ballet teaches you so much more than steps. It teaches discipline, reliability, body awareness and posture.

I coach adult swimming (!) and I am always giving them ballet pointers. They don't know its ballet, but it is.

Dance is how I got through phys. ed. in college. I wasn't even any good at all, but I learned so much.