Usualy when we have trouble remembering a combination - it is the beginning step that is the problem. I would have to respectfully disagree with my friend Two Left Feet - I do not recommend standing back and just watching for a while. You cannot learn this by osmosis. You have to do it - or as much of it as you can.
It is sometimes a good idea to learn the combination slowly - at least for a while. But that too can become a trap. Pretty soon, the student feels he/she can only learn the combination by doing is slowly at first. There is a certain amount of discomfort that you have to go through (I mean mental discomfort) to get to the other side - to accomplish the task at hand. It does get easier, but you have to be willing to work through it.
I have had times in my 30 yr career when I was at a new level and struggling - and sometimes it took me as long as three yrs. beford I felt comfortable at that new level. But guess what ? When you feel comfortable it is time to move on. That's how you progress. If you need more help - e-mail me. Basheva
>>I have a hard time keeping up with the combinations in the center. I am 23 years old and recently (2 months ago) started ballet. I take both a beginner's class and an advanced beginner's class--both are adult classes. In the advanced class we do combinations in the center such as chasse, pas de bouree, glissade, cabriole. When it's my turn up, I act as if I can't tell my right from my left and don't know the combination at all--when I do know. I get very nervous, and so I use the wrong muscles and get very tense. Does anyone have any advice for me? Or some simpler combinations I can practice at home to improve? >>Thanks,>>meg>meg,> take a deep breath, and relax a bit. you are nervous, and that is natural. i would try and practice at home, so you get use to doing the combinations. can you watch another class? i use to watch the advanced class, and saw how to put steps together.> it will take some time before the nerves get use to class.> have a great class, david[/i]