What Teachers are Looking for in a Placement Class

With our August placement class quickly approaching, our faculty is making personal lists of what the ideal dancer has before we we look at each other’s lists. Here are the first few items on my list:

The dancer is able to stand in all the positions with correct placement and maintain it in plié, rélevé, and sauté.

The foot is articulated through demi-pointe in tendu and dégagé.

Turnout is occurring in both legs and hips remain squared.

Rélevé and jumps occur without tucking or releasing the hips.

Knees track over the middle toes in plié.

Heels touch the floor before and after jumps to absorb shock.

Closing feet to first or fifth without weight or rolling in to protect ligaments.

Coordinating arms and head with the movement happening in the legs.

There were many more that I came up, but I’m really excited to see what the other teachers have on their lists. In the meantime, these are things you can work on in your dance class.

Keep on dancing!
Ms. Mary Ann