I've received emails from the studio advertising open job positions, and I've noticed some new faces popping up recently. When I arrived the check in before class today, the person behind the desk was someone I'm used to seeing in the halls preparing to take a class. Apparently she's been hired; congrats to her on the new job!
I don't believe we've ever been in the same class -- she's much more advanced than I am -- and I don't know her name. But as I walked up to the desk she immediately greeted me with a cheery "Hi Reece! I'll check you in."
I'm sure the folk at the desk have a list of those registered for the day's classes in front of them. And it's welcoming to be greeted by name. But it's also a bit spooky to be recognized that quickly. As a man in a ballet studio, there simply isn't a crowd I can blend into, even while wearing a hat and a surgical mask.
In class today I got a lot of corrections, all constructive of course. I even got a couple attaboys. :-) There were a lot of pirouettes of all flavors in centre. It's almost as if the instructors are reading my blog! That would also be spooky.
I'm just modest enough to be uncomfortable with the idea that my needs could be driving the direction of the class. Though I guess in something as unstructured as an adult ballet class there has to be some reason for an instructor to decide what exercises to conduct. Or is it a sign of conceit that I might think that's even a possibility? I hope not. I'm certainly not the only one benefiting from this choice of activities, and others receive individual attention (wanted or unwanted) from the instructor.
One of the corrections I got on my pirouettes is to put less effort into them. It was suggested that the sort of energy I am putting into the rotation is only needed when I start doing quadruple turns. The suggestion is that a single pirouette requires only rising to passé on demi-pointe and then spotting. I understand what she's suggesting, but I'm not sure yet how to implement it.
I also promised to let her know when I start doing quadruple turns. If that ever happens, I'll be sure to announce it here too.
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