To Saute' or not to Saute'

That is the question...

Whether it is nobler to teach these beginners the full spectrum of the ballet experience and give them a hearty dose of petit allegro

or is it wiser to just let them struggle with the skills that keep them planted steady on the barre?

Okay, enough Shakespearean soliloquies... Of course I'll teach them the releves, sousous, echappes and changements... in rigorous long combinations... while they are facing the barre...so they are concentrating too hard to turn around and notice that I'm just counting and clapping the downbeat for them.

I can still demo a mean set of saute's -- feet fully extended off the floor arching and landing in nicely turned out and perfectly important plies... ONCE a Class period. And I can do it without seeming too winded... because afterwards I always walk over to start the music again and I always hit a couple of tracks or two forward or back so I have about 20 or 30 extra seconds of recovery time before I have to resume my counting and coaching.

How many different ways can you say "Put your heels down between jumps" -- but they don't believe it makes in difference...and as for those "tutus" jutting out at me when they do get the heels down... the squats and bends look more like NBA than ABT.

Probably important to admit that I know fully what I'm putting them through and I thoroughly love it. I chant continuously and throw in assorted comments:

Ballerinas are not wimps.

Tougher than it looks.

Yes, I know it hurts when you land on your own instep.

Still, I secretly wish I could twinkle my toes and dazzle them with a long and complicated petit allegro. I can envision myself still able to look good in pale pink tights, with a strappy camisole leo, perfectly curved arms and a knowingly inclined head...epaulment extraordinaire.

Nothing bouncing but a wisp of hair that delicately evaded an otherwise perfect bun.

Alas, poor Entrechat, I knew her well..

Because now jumping and landing, however technically correct, sends aftershocks rippling throughout my anatomy. Jello looks more stable than my decolletage despite my most restrictive, minimizing, supportive body armor undergarments.

Allegro skills demos are for the youthful and well conditioned sprinters of dance education and I have proven over and over that I am better suited for the long haul.

So I'll just continue my little game of "Watch me...Now YOU try it" and I'll take comfort knowing that in the morning I'll be a little achy...but these poor beginners' calves will be talking to them....and the message they'll be sending will be clear....

Wish you would have listened to the old Sugar Plum Fairy when she told you to put your heels down ... the old broad knows what she's talking about! All the world's a stage...and she's played most of the parts!