Maria E. Kallukaren looks at ballet as a career
As a child, Reanne Rodrigues used to walk on tiptoe. Her mother Annabelle took it as a hint of potential and enrolled her for ballet classes at four.
Now 20, Reanne is taking her Advanced 2 ballet as a student of the Canadian Children's Dance Theatre in Toronto, Canada. Reanne's father Remy instilled in her a love for music and dance.
"He is very musically inclined and plays a variety of musical instruments and is an amazing singer," says Reanne, who is pursuing a major in psychology, and a double minor in economics, and writing, rhetoric and critical analysis, at the University of Toronto, Canada.
Born in Mumbai, India and raised in Dubai, Reanne hopes some day to teach children in India, "who lack the opportunity to learn this beautiful art".
Her next target is therefore to complete the Intermediate syllabus of the Royal Academy of Dance and be eligible for a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.
Why did you choose to become a professional ballet dancer?
I come from a rich traditional and cultural Indian heritage. Though I inherit a deep fondness for Indian cuisine and cinema, I dared to be different when it came to dancing.
My faith, endurance and fortitude, has enabled me to complete the advanced examination award, Grade 8, at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), London.
How did you begin your training?
I began training by attending a private, local ballet school at four. To choose a teacher with expertise and artistry is the first crucial step in a professional ballet dancer's career.
A student can run the risk of learning bad technique, and may also suffer serious injuries from advancing too quickly, before their joints and muscles are ready, if trained by an unqualified teacher.
In the RAD, examinations can be taken starting from Pre-primary to the Grade 8 Award. The graded syllabus consists of three different components - classical, free movement and character dance.
Soon after, a dancer may wish to pursue the Vocational Graded Syllabus, which commences with Intermediate foundation, through to the Solo Seal Award.
Successful completion enables candidates to either choose to become certified teachers, or join ballet companies such as the National Ballet of Canada, Bolshoi Ballet and the English National Ballet Company.
Could you describe the teaching methods?
I have undergone training from professionally qualified, RAD dance instructors. Dancers usually practise in a studio, sometimes, learning by observing their dance with the help of mirrors on the walls.
The class usually begins with exercises at the barre (wooden or steel rod attached to the wall). Barre exercises strengthen, support, balance and warm up dancers for more energetic work.
Beginners develop their leg and foot muscles at the barre. They also learn and practise difficult ballet positions there. All the exercises are done many times to develop good dancing routines and stamina.
Centre practice follows; here we are trained to perform on stage. Most of the classes are accompanied by a pianist.
Since classical ballet technique originally developed in France during the 1600s, French words are mostly used for the various steps and positions of classical ballet.
How long does a ballet dancer's career last?
A career in ballet is usually intense and shortlived. In addition, mental strain from the pressure to perform perfectly, deep concentration, competition among dancers in a company, and job demands affect a dancer's competence.
Most ballet dancers retire between 35 and 40. Ageing is by far the only obstacle that dedication and devotion cannot overcome.
Some retired dancers continue in the profession as examiners, teachers, choreographers and artistic directors. Some even establish their own dance companies.
What are the professional hazards of ballet dancing?
A bloodied toe inside the first pair of toe shoes is a welcome symbol of commencement for a young ballet dancer.
Injuries are a constant threat to a dancer's career. Dancers can wound and fracture themselves, pull a muscle or sprain their ankles. Herein lies the choice a dancer must make about whether or not this is the career they want.
In our society, pain is generally considered an unnecessary evil. However, for a ballerina, endurance is a necessity through which they achieve a state where human anatomy is moulded to create beautiful and expressive images, even in moments of extreme discomfort.
To a dancer physical pain is not synonymous with suffering. The irony of injury is that a dancer can learn valuable information about his or her physique, strengths, and weaknesses. Injury therefore, can be a great teacher too.
One must keep in mind that ballet is a challenging, demanding and competitive profession. It requires immense sacrifice, talent, perseverance and a genuine love of performing.
Is there anything more you would like to say?
Life offstage is full of challenges. I sometimes find myself being the only one trying to hide my bruised and blistered feet, while my friends are busy covering up their zits.
However, I believe that my dedication and devotion to ballet, which has no language barriers, will help touch and unite souls across international borders, through the powers of music and dance.
