Let's Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century

Let's Talk About Fifth provides the tools to execute and teach both the craft and the artistry of classical ballet. Professional dance training requires knowledge, passion, communication, and a giving spirit. Even with years of accumulated dedication and expertise, gaps occur between understanding, performing, and teaching ballet.

Teaching ballet is not the same as studying or performing ballet. There are seasoned, renowned ballerinas in the world who make terrible teachers. And there are fabulous ballet teachers who would never be accepted into a professional ballet company. Each profession demands its own abilities and expertise. Some people will excel in both areas; however, assuming someone has talent in both is incorrect. Ballet teachers need to understand the logistics of classical technique, break that technique down into steps students can follow, and communicate clearly what they expect. Let's Talk About Fifth shares valuable information to help ballet and all dance teachers with all these educational aspects.

Technique is one of the foundations of classical ballet and most other dance forms. Let's Talk About Fifth addresses the technical and artistic concepts fundamental to the life of a dancer, which should be covered in the ballet classroom. The following elements are defined and described: center alignment, weight distribution upon the feet on and off pointe, supporting-side control, turnout, use of the knees and lower legs, pointing of the feet, how to use the feet from the floor, extensions, flexibility, coordination, and musicality and artistry.

This book offers valuable methods to strengthen and teach classical dance. Teachers will discover new approaches that are both practical and inspiring, along with concepts, strategies, and practices that will help them create a productive, energetic, and focused classroom. With the inclusion of conditioning and class exercises, along with over 100 photographs, teachers and dancers alike will come away equipped to develop the essential skills inherent to ballet technique.