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way if you forget the combination during an exercise, you can follow a veteran. When you turn to do the other side you will still have someone to follow. Concentrate on proper form but don't stress too much about technique.

4. In ballet, as in most athletic activities, it is essential that you listen to your body. Challenging your muscles will allow you to improve your strength and flexibility, but if you push too hard an injury may occur. There is a difference between a "good hurt" and a bad one. A "good hurt" might be a small discomfort when you stretch more than you did the class before, or when your muscles tire due to lactic acid build up. Twenty-four hours after class you should expect a normal soreness, stiffness and tightness as your muscles repair themselves. But if you experience a pain that gets progressively worse as the class continues, a sharp sudden pain, or a consistent pain in a certain area, you have a "bad hurt". According to the degree of pain, you should ease up or stop the class completely and seek a doctor's opinion.

5. French ballet terminology can be confusing, so the faster you can learn the basics the easier it will be to follow directions. As soon as class is over, jot down all the terms and meanings you can remember on an index card and refer to them between classes. For instance, most teachers use a consistent pattern when teaching beginners called "en croix" (in a cross). This means that you do a certain number of repetitions to the front, side, back and side again to form a cross. By reviewing the index cards you will master the terms you need to succeed.

6. By stretching well at the end of class you increase blood flow to the broken down muscle fibers, which allows for healing and helps prevent extreme tightening. A hot bath at home will help as well.

So, don't let the kids have all the fun. Besides improving your cardiovascular fitness and promoting good posture, ballet is great fun! Dance is a creative art form that everyone should experience. Dance comes from deep inside your soul. So don't be afraid to slip into that leotard, lose weight and get into shape. Next year you won't have to chant that familiar mantra again. Finally, you can create a brand new resolution.

Learn more about this author, Kathy Stemke.
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