Networking activities for id Magazine have recently put me in contact with the Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT). OBT recently obtained an extension for operation with recent fundraising activities. As most of the company is out a few more months during the summer, OBT staff is busy conducting summer intensive classes for Oregon’s upcoming stars—the youth of Portland. Adult classes are offered year-round.

After watching a lesson provided by Christopher Stowell, artistic director, a stroke of inspiration hit. Battling a plateau with standard weight training for much of the year, partaking in a series of ballet classes may break the rut. Previous compliments to the thickness of my legs matching those of dancers also fueled the interest. Finally, there is no better way communicating the complexities of the sport to id Magazine readership without experiencing ballet first hand. As owner of The Leotard, Bob Summer explained I would be joining one of the largest dance communities in the nation per capita. Even iconic urban diva, Sara Jessica Parker, trained in this classical art form (with NY Ballet) so partaking would be a “Ballet Challenge in the Rose City.”

The standard package for a series of lessons at OBT is ten; with summer adult beginners classes offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Taking a class a week, my ballet introductory experience will complete just in time to meet the rest of the company returning from summer break. With tights on, here goes my challenge for you id Magazine readers to witness.

Humbleness was expected for the first class as most of the movements and proper alignment were going to be new to pushing a heavy weight up and down mentality. Most of the footwork was manageable, but adding coordination with arm and head movement in proper tempo sequence resulted in nothing graceful. Neural connections between brain and muscles have not established yet, and practicing at home will be key to success. I can see why it is recommended to start ballet at a young age for such reasons. Despite early downfalls, a sense of addictiveness for continuation of has set in as I found myself not walking, but passé all the way home.

Posted by admin on Friday, July 17th, 2009 at 9:00 am.