The Foundations of Great Training

“We don’t rise to the occasion, we fall to the level of our training.”

It’s a saying I return to often — not just for my students, but for myself as a teacher. Because in ballet, as in life, our ‘big moments’ don’t magically appear. They are built quietly, layer by layer, in the studio.

I see this every day: confidence doesn’t bloom from end-of-year concerts or performances alone. It grows through consistent, intentional work — the quiet repetitions, the small refinements, and the disciplined commitment to showing up.

So how do we build a strong foundation? Here are three simple yet powerful reminders for every student.

First, show up religiously and consistently. Your teacher can only guide you as far as you’re willing to go, and that journey begins by simply being in the room. The more often you show up, the more your body and mind can absorb corrections and build lasting muscle memory. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had students express frustration at a plateau in their progress, only to gently remind them that their attendance has been inconsistent. Missing classes creates gaps that no amount of talent or effort can fully bridge. As teachers, there is only so much we can do if you’re not present. Growth happens when we work together, week after week. It really is that simple.

Second, choose your teacher and school wisely. Look for a place that values professional development, continued learning, and recognised qualifications. Too often, I see students training under teachers who lack a syllabus, structured planning, or a clear learning pathway. The right teacher will nurture not just your technique, but your growth as a whole person. This is the essence of holistic ballet training.

It’s easy to spot a teacher who continues to grow and evolve versus one who has become stagnant, still teaching as they were taught decades ago or relying on the same exercises year after year. Yes, every teacher develops their own style and go-to staples, but those should be in a constant state of refinement. The best teachers are curious. They’re always questioning, adapting, and learning. As a student, choose to surround yourself with that energy.

Finally, trust your teacher. True progress requires openness — to corrections, to guidance, and sometimes to being lovingly challenged. I’ve learned over the years when to push and when to step back. But the hardest situations often arise when a student’s training is diluted by consuming too much online content or seeking instruction from multiple sources.

Healthy curiosity is wonderful. Asking why we do something a certain way leads to a deeper understanding. But mistrust because a trending video on Instagram showed a different technique only creates confusion and stalls growth. Choose one path and lean into it fully. Trust that your teacher can see potential in you that you may not yet see in yourself.

The little details we refine in the studio today create the big, beautiful moments tomorrow. It’s not about rising to the occasion. It’s about the level of care, dedication, and humility you bring — week after week, class after class.

This is the art of training, and it’s what makes ballet so transformative. Not just for your dancing, but for your life.