We all have our favorite pre-class ritual. And every teacher has their favorite warm up to get class started. But since the purpose of a warm up is to progressively take dancers through the range of movement they will need for the center portion of class, barre work itself---in its entirety---is a warm up. Getting the snap-crackle-pops out of the way is incidental. So why even bother with a pre-barre sequence?
Because its a secret opportunity to build better habits.
Skeptical? Let's go through some common corrections and break down how they all can be avoided by a targeted warm up.
Pull up. First of all, this isn't a great correction but we'll save that conversation for another day. Usually this correction is aiming to get better pelvic alignment and core engagement. So before your students' posture gets wonky, integrate some planks or other posture-reinforcing exercises into your pre-barre sequence.
Engage your turnout muscles. Clamshells are a great exercise to gently prepare the hips for turnout, plus they strengthen the external rotator muscles as well. They aren't as glamorous as a super-high leg swing, but they are more helpful. And they activate the exact muscles this correction is talking about.
Lift your elbows. Side planks are an effective way to help dancers find and strengthen the muscles they will need for port de bras. Shoulder circles are also helpful, especially for dancers with lots of strength but not a lot of somatic awareness. Try doing smaller shoulder circles with students lying on their backs with their arms up to the ceiling.
Stop crunching your toes. Doming exercises help students build the strength in their feet to avoid this bad habit. They are a great addition to pedaling out the feet while standing, facing the barre.
So if you wanted to combine all of these your warm up might be 8 reps of doming, 8 shoulder circles, plank, side plank, 8 clamshells R, plank, side plank on the other side, 8 clamshells L. The sequence doesn't take very long, wakes up the feet and core, and strengthens some key muscle groups.
If you don't love, love, love your current pre-barre sequence, take a closer look at it. What needs are you meeting? What needs do you want to meet? Are you emphasizing the same need over and over? A pre-barre exercise can be a very valuable part of your well-organized ballet class.And if you do love yours, take a minute to notice how well-designed it is. It feels good to give yourself credit when you create a great combination!
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