From January to March in 2024, I decided to do an Introductory course in Ballet with Z.en Ballet with Marissa Ooi. The 1h 15min sessions were used to introduce us to the principles of classical ballet. This included basic barre exercises, posture and coordination. I joined with the intention of hoping that ballet would help me understand some of the dance traditions other dance forms like Contemporary dance were seeking to break.
I will not deny that the 8-weeks has been a challenge for my body. I thought the entire process was humbling. It informed me about how dance may be experienced and perceived by others who are new to it. Ballet demanded more precision in posture and feet movements compared to Locking. The flexibility demanded ran contrary to my body's default. My calves and plantar - on the sole of my foot - regularly cramped in the midst of drills.
I eventually found comfort as I got used to the routine of the drills we would do. Sessions where we had a demonstration, then a session together with the instructor before a final one independently helped. It was interesting to note that ballet didn't have a tradition of filming training sessions and I realised we didn't build towards having a filmed choreography at the end of each week. Filming also made me realised how reliant we were on our instructor while performing.