Information taken from Progressing Ballet Technique | Excel in Dance Training (pbt.dance)
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students' technique by focussing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. It is a unique training system using ballet-technique specific exercises to train skill acquisition in a graded and progressive manner from junior through to advanced levels. PBT helps teachers around the world prepare their students to receive the strength they need to achieve their personal best.
The program helps with injury prevention and rehabilitation and enhances the ability of athletes to perform at their best. It can be difficult for students to feel which muscles initiate the correct alignment in training. However, with the use of an exercise ball, the students gain a great sense of posture and weight-placement whilst feeling each correct muscle group working throughout each exercise, which then stays with them when whilst performing in dance or their chosen field of sport.
PBT focuses on core strength, weight placement and alignment of the body with a gradual approach of carefully designed exercises and repetitions of these exercises that trigger their muscle memory. The program is designed with safe dance methodology to promote a long, healthy career and is now being taught by over 4000+ certified teachers worldwide and over 3500 schools globally have added PBT classes in their curriculum for students.
PBT is not only a program to improve technique in ballet dancers, it is now being appreciated and incorporated in training by all forms of dancers, athletes, physiotherapists and even footballers!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To get the most out of your PBT class, it is recommended that you bring your own equipment as listed below:
Exercise Ball
Also know as a 'Swiss Ball', 'Fit Ball' or 'Yoga Ball'
Use your height to size up your ball using the guide below.
When you stand next to an exercise ball, it should be even or slightly above your knee level. The best way to size up your ball is by sitting
on it. When you sit on the ball, knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs should be parallel or even with the floor.
Find your height and see which ball size you should try first.
Height Recommended ball size
Under 4'8"/142cm 45 cm ball
4'8" to 5'3"/142-160cm 55 cm ball
5'4" to 5'10"/160-178cm 65 cm ball
5'10" to 6'4"/178-193cm 75 cm ball
**The measurement of the ball is diameter (measuring from one side of the ball to the other)
Fusion ball
Known as a Soft Stability Ball or Pilates Soft Ball. A Soft Toy Ball can be used and found in many toy shops.
Size: Between 20 to 23cm in diameter.
Or closest to 54cm (22") in circumference (measurement around the ball)
Resistance Band
Also know as a TheraBand
9.8 feet / 3m in
length & 6” / 15cm wide
Medium strength
Note: the colour of the strength changes depending on the supplier.
Yoga Mat
Yoga mats are specially fabricated mats used to prevent hands and feet slipping during exercise.
PBT classes are highly recommended for all dancers. If you would like to join our new PBT class on Fridays at 7pm - 7.45pm, please contact www.ellitestudios.co.uk.
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