Today’s class was a full class, instead of just barre.

I wasn’t amazing, today. But I exceeded my expectations.

Based on my performance the last two classes, I wasn’t sure that I’d make it through center. I was breathing hard once again by the end of barre, and dripping sweat. I had to mark the jumps at the end of barre instead of doing them full-out, because my bad ankle was starting to hurt. My right hip was tight and cramping by the end of barre, as was the outside of my right foot. Although barre went well enough, and the teacher even complemented me – “Much better, Allison” – there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from center, though I was desperately hoping it wouldn’t be anything like the men’s center that was given on Tuesday (which I failed miserably at). It wasn’t. Thank goodness.

Tendus were alright. It takes a bit of getting used to, dancing with the new posture that I’ve been working on. It’s one thing to do it at barre; a whole ‘nother thing to get used to doing it in center.

Developés were a little wobbly, but not bad. I have a feeling she’ll be correcting my leg placement and muscle usage one of these days… but we haven’t gotten there yet.

Turns… ah… we’re going to pretend I wasn’t falling all over the place, okay? The floor here is much slipperier than I’m used to – not so much that I’m at risk of falling, but enough that turns feel significantly different. I was babying my left foot… which I know, gah, I shouldn’t. I try not to, but it’s hard – I’m so paranoid about injuring that bad ankle again.

Jumps. Hey, not bad! Pretty much the entire class kept messing up the combination (myself included), but what I managed to do correctly wasn’t awful. I even managed a few beats that I was somewhat happy with.

Then we went across the floor. I wish I had someone taping me, so I could say for sure whether I did well or not. I got a correction in the middle of it (“Arms, Allison.”) and was able to apply it right away. Piqué turns felt good, as did my jumps.

Not bad, not bad.

So I’m working. I’m getting there. I’m feeling good about the improvement I’ve been able to apply.

I’m applying her corrections as much as I can. I’m well aware that there are some things I feel good about now, that she’ll probably correct and completely change in the future. And although there’s a big, impatient part of me that wishes she would just give me all the corrections now so I can work as hard as I can… I realize that maybe it’s better this way, focusing on only a few things at one time. My impatient self is just going to have to deal with that.

Next week, the real classes start. Between one and three classes a day, six days a week. It’s going to be tough, but I think I can do it.

Monday, two classes: a normal ballet class, followed by a pointe class. (I could take a third class that day, but I think it’s best I wait at least a week and get a feel for how my body will deal with it before I try to do too much.) I’m nervous, definitely – although I’ve taken classes on pointe recently, it’s been ages since I’ve actually taken a real pointe class. It’s going to be a challenge for sure… we’ll see if I can get through it.

But as challenging as it may be, it’s all very good for me. I need this, if I’m ever to dance professionally.