Ballet Bar
...History, Heights and Hand Placement

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Back when ballet first started, the dancers used steps from popular ballroom dances. This would include the pavane, galliard, volta and others.

The steps from these dances gradually became more complex for the dancers. Therefore, the dancing masters had to ask their pupils to practice holding onto the backs of chairs.

This gave dancers more balance and stability so they could practice more of the complex steps. This is how the bar was developed.

The bar is now a vital part of a dancer's training. Nowadays we don't only use it for balance but for preparation for further training.

It can be made out of either metal or wood. Each would provide a strong surface for a ballet dancer to place their hand on.

The bar should be at about waist height. It should be at the right level so that your hand can be placed comfortably on it.

If it is too high then the shoulder may rise up; or if it's too low it may displace the posture.

It is best to keep a light hand on the bar. This is something that can very easily be forgotten because dancers get so carried away with the exercises, that they stop thinking to keep testing their balance.

Keeping a light hand on the bar is helpful for when the bar is taken away and when you dance in the center. It is good not to rely on the bar.

Another great tip is the way you place your hand on the bar.

You should try and make sure your thumb is together next to your other fingers on top of the bar. Your thumb shouldn't slip underneath the bar for more stability.

This is an easy habit to get into but it won't help in the long run.

Dancers have gone from using a chair to a ballet bar. That is quite extraordinary to see how much ballet has developed.

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