Leveraging Ballet Techniques for Success in Professional Dancing
Across diverse disciplines, ballet’s foundational techniques have been widely recognized as instrumental in building a strong and versatile dance foundation.
Much like how business magnates attribute success to well-established roots in business acumen, professional dancers can attribute their prowess to the tried and tested techniques of ballet.
These principles, rich in their potential to strengthen and sculpt the future of dance, offer dancers a compelling advantage on the stage of professional dancing.
Ballet, traditionally perceived as the “disciplinarian of dance,” imbues dancers with a unique blend of technical proficiency, aesthetic sense, and physical endurance. Ballet’s potent mix of grace, agility, and power gives dancers a competitive edge.
Acclaimed ballerina and choreographer Marine Fritschay says the first major benefit of incorporating ballet techniques into professional dancing is its focus on building core strength and enhancing physical flexibility: “Ballet dancers are often lauded for their seemingly effortless balance and controlled movements, which require a strong core.”
This body control can be transferred to other dance genres, making ballet techniques a vital tool in a professional dancer’s kit.
In addition, the focus on flexibility in ballet makes dancers more resilient and less prone to injury.
Ballet also emphasizes discipline, precision, and timing. Fritschy says being able to master these as part of your practice can translate into improved performance in various dance styles: “Every pirouette, plié, and pas de deux is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that ballet demands.”
This level of precision is respected and desired in professional dancing circles, as it often distinguishes good dancers from great ones.
Ballet training also aids in understanding body lines and aesthetics—an understanding that proves invaluable in all forms of dance.
Fritschy says: “The focus on postural alignment and symmetrical body lines in ballet translates beautifully on the stage, regardless of the dance style.
“This ability to present oneself appealingly can distinguish between a forgettable and an unforgettable performance.”
Ballet also has a unique storytelling ability through expressive movement and emotional connection: “It’s another valuable lesson for professional dancers,” says Fritschy.
“The narrative aspect of ballet helps dancers develop their ability to convey emotion and story, which can captivate an audience and make performances memorable.”
It’s crucial to note that the perseverance, discipline, and resilience instilled by rigorous ballet training foster a mindset of continual improvement.
Fritschy says: “This growth mindset, essential for any professional dancer, promotes consistently honing skills and pushing boundaries—a key differentiator in the competitive professional dance industry.”
About Marine Fritschy
Marine Fritschy is a professional dancer and choreographer. She started dancing when she was four years old and realized very quickly she was passionate about nothing else.
Marine trained at the renowned Silva Ricard School in Millau, France, taking a multidisciplinary approach to studying dance. Here she learned the nuances of classical, jazz and ballet as well as the importance of anatomy and the history of dance.
Marine turned professional aged just 16, which is relatively early for a dancer. She went on to be one of the most proficient members of the Silva Ricard Ballet, and performed across France and Europe.
When Marine was 18, she studied under the famous dancer Bertrand Giampetri and joined his company Le Ballet Intemporel, without even having to audition after completing an internship. She was uniquely positioned to be a principal dancer in two different companies—a testament to her excellence in the field.
Marine has also danced at the inauguration of the president of Senegal, Abdoulaye LAYE and more recently was requested to choreograph a performance in Bad Salzuflen, Germany. Her career has also included choreographing shows for Jet Tours and several of its luxury hotels.
She has also starred in hundreds of performances of the Harlem Swing as a main dancer, in Paris, and managed the dancers for renowned ice skater Philippe Candeloro in his spectacular farewell tour Hello and Goodbye‘ which was held at ‘La Grande Halle de la Villette.The show played to 15,000 strong audiences on a nightly basis, and then toured France. It was hosted at some of the largest venues in the country.
Marine also holds the Diploma of Classical Dance and has choreographed and judged dance competitions all over France.