What I learned from being worst in ballet class

Do you remember when you were 10 years old and there was no Internet? And we didn’t even have a TV at home! I hadn’t discovered Taijiquan or Qi Gong yet, but I went to the ballet. Multiple times a week. The first time I was on stage with my group, I was 10 years old.

And though that sounds nice, it wasn’t always pleasant: on stage I had to dress like a boy. There were way too many girls in my class and I was one of the tallest and biggest girls:

Qialance_ballet_tall

And not only did I dance the male part, but I was also one of the last to enter the stage. So everyone was already on stage when I had my entrance. That was due to the fact that I was not only a tall and big girl, but actually the worst in my ballet class. You don’t believe me? Well, look at this:

Qialance_ballet_worst

Did you know that in ballet the best students are in the front row and the others are … um … in the back?

And I have one more confession: as we prepared for our big debut, during one costume rehearsal I wore those nice blue polyester pants with a white blouse stuffed in them. My teacher came up to me, pad me on my belly and said: “that’s gone till opening night, right?”.

Well. I still have that belly 😉

So what do you think, how long did a go to ballet class?

12 years! Yes, I started at 5 and quit when I was 17. Surprising right? So what kept me at ballet class? And what did I learn from that time?

You don’t have to be best in class to have the most fun!

Actually one of the best parts of ballet class was the bus ride to and from the studio with my friend Dorina. We had such a blast! And later we danced together one of the most fun choreographies: an energetic Tambourine dance:

Qialance_ballet_tambourine

And of course another reason why I stayed at the ballet for so long was: I truly enjoyed the movements. I liked the precision and concentration. I just really liked to dance!

However, I quit ballet at 17 and many years later I started Taijiquan and Qi Gong. I still like the precision and concentration. I like getting into the movements and just forgetting everything else.

And sometimes, I think: “maybe I am the worst student in this Taijiquan class”. Guess what:

I don’t have to be best in class to have the most fun!

Happy Qi!

AngelikaMerken

5 thoughts on “What I learned from being worst in ballet class”

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  4. Elise

    This is such a nice post! Thanks so much! I actually remind myself of the same thing every time I practise my Tai Chi, because I easily fall into the trap of wondering how good I am (or am not, that is) – especially since it’s been years since I have been able to go to a class (family, etc.). I’ve been using a video by Grand Master Chen Zenglei, and he has a cheery little smile in the corners of his mouth all the time, which helps! 🙂

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