Literature Review 3

I will be reviewing the introduction of 'Pilates for Life; A Practical introduction to the Core Programme' by Darcey Bussell. The principle dancer with the Royal Ballet, Darcey Bussell was promoted in 1989 at twenty, two years after winning the Prix de Lausanne and was awarded an OBE in 1995.

Although this book is not necessarily for advanced dance training, Bussell explains in the introduction that she 'really believes' in Pilates and how it 'enhances your life'. While admitting she is not a teacher of Pilates she discusses her very positive opinion stating that 'Pilates is the best thing I have ever done for my body'. She goes on to outline it's physical benefits for men and women. As a professional dancer having undergone intense physical training for her career, I am highly compelled to take store in the information she offers.

General facts and the history of Pilates is discussed and Bussell tells us of a 'unique' 'body conditioning method' that works on 'strengthening, lengthening and toning the muscles as well as improving posture and balance.' She talks about its fame, how the technique established itself  and 'became popular among dancers' in New York when successors such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine became fans. She offers the reader other more accessible 'less daunting' examples of its beneficiaries comforting us with the fact that it can be done 'by anyone of any age'. This I think is for benifit of sales. If Darcey Bussell is selling a book to 'anyone of any age' she has to consider the lower end of the training scale.

George Balanchine: 'a pioneer of ballet in the United States, co-founder and ballet master of  New York City Ballet he created modern ballet, based on his deep knowledge of classical forms and techniques.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Balanchine

Martha Graham: 'American dancer choreographer regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Graham

Darcey Bussell deliberates, that as a young dancer was very supple and 'needed to know how to control her body'. She explain's that on the whole dancers use this method because without bulking it is the best way to exercise/develop every muscle in the body. For it is 'important' to 'not appear muscle bound on stage'. Furthermore, Pilates allows dancers to stay 'leaner' and 'stronger as dancers for longer'. This is worth noting for my Inquiry, as I teach Body Conditioning in a Dance College using Pilates based influence in the exercises. This gives me insider knowledge that a professional supports for my developing professional practice.

Bussell feels that Pilates is 'invaluable' helping dancers to recover from injury as ballet training and performing has 'become so intensively physical'. It allows excellent 'recovery too'. Suggestions and advice is given to followers for their own practice, according to ability. Pilates combines breath and relaxation, elevating stress. For Darcey doing two hour and a half classes twice a week offers equilibrium. This balance I feel is incredibly important to equip a dancer appropriately when faced with the overall strains that they may endure. Either, within a dance lesson, audition or performance.

Pilates gives Darcey Bussell 'Ultimate confidence' as she declares 'if Ive done my exercises before I start my working day, I know I am prepared and ready for anything that comes my way.' Darcey leaves us feeling incredibly positive about our lives and motivated towards possible training outcomes. Positive mental attitude is very important for dancers due to knock backs and rejection, sometimes on a daily basis. She offers us an escape and a chance to become in tune once again with our physical and psychological selves.

A combination of interesting angles to research. Pilates as a physical and mental training tool. One that is so successful that famous professionals in the industry such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham became 'fans'. A body conditioning method so good and different that it is inspirational for those who use it. How can I further apply this method to achieve what is needed in advanced/professional dance training?

Bussell, D. 2005, 'Introduction' from Pilates for Life; A Practical introduction to the Core Programme. Penguin Group.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Balanchine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_Graham