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The Zen of Practice
Every ballet class begins at the barre in the same way, with plies, a movement where dancers stand with their feet turned out, bend at the knee, then straighten the leg. After that, we move on to a set of exercises that slowly warm the body in practically the same sequence, no matter where the studio. I’ve done these exercises many times a week, for many years, and I never get bored. There’s so much to think about with each movement, so much challenge and rigor, I love the chance to work on it again and again, hoping the next time, I’ll get it right. It’s a lot like life.
Marilyn Monroe in a Hollywood dance class, 1949. Photo by J.R. Eyerman for Life Magazine.
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I feel the very same way each time I hit the yoga mat.
Because ballet takes so much concentration, the other huge plus is that it takes me out of my head. When I’m through with class, I’ve forgotten what I was worried about. I’m sure yoga does the same.
I LOVE barre work! Nothing gets me more focused and “zen”.
I was at the barre this morning. One of the happiest parts of my day.