Starring in the team feature this month is our beloved instructor and the pen behind our BalletBody blog Talking Pointe, Sarah. Let’s delve deeper into her relationship with ballet and creative writing.
Q: You’ve trained and performed in many dance forms, what has continued to draw you back to ballet?
A: I had a teacher who once said ballet is a dance form where you get to deeply know every single muscle in your body, the muscles that extend your fingertips, the little ones between your ribs, even the ones that move your eyelids… and I find it mesmerising and true, because there are so many intricate muscles I would never be connected to if it wasn’t for ballet (hello turnout muscles).
I also love the symmetry and discipline of it, where what’s done on one side is always done on the other, which is not necessarily the case of all dance forms. After a day of existing in weird positions, most likely schlumped over my computer, I like that ballet can balance me out.
Q: What is your favourite ballet step to perform versus to teach?
A: It will have to be petit allegro in the centre for performing, because I feel so buoyant and effortless. And it’s such a boost of confidence when you get the combination right!
For teaching it would have to be fondus and rond de jambes at the barre for sure, they are such luxurious movements that move with the music and demand your body operate as one. It was something I always looked forward to at the barre as a student, so I try to spread the love forwards when I teach.
Q: When and how did you discover your talent for writing?
A: I always loved writing, when I was a kid I would go around my family dinners interviewing everyone, writing short stories, journaling etc. but it took one teacher in secondary school to say that I write with “flair” that made me feel special. Ultimately I love reading more than writing, so I just write the way I would like to read it!
Q: What has been your favourite Talking Pointe piece you’ve worked on so far?
A: Definitely ‘More Than A Workout – 10 Benefits of Ballet’ and ‘It’s Never Tutu Late!’, these were articles that took more research and held what I perceive as the quintessential message of BalletBody. Something that is important and needed and is what draws people to the studio, myself included. Which is that – Ballet is for everyone.
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