Ballet Fitness relaxes, invigorates
Every Saturday at 1:30 p.m., instructor Milton “Mel” Lockett happily leads an hour of simple ballet to anyone who is interested in a fully equipped dance room upstairs in Clubhouse 6. Dancers leave reportedly feeling both relaxed and invigorated.
Barre none, ballet dancing is among the best ways to achieve good posture, a strong core, balance and grace. Lockett warms up the class with port de bras, an exercise designed to develop graceful movement and disposition of the arms, then moves to such classic barre exercises as plies/bends, tendu/stretch, rond de jambe/round of the leg, etc. After the barre, Lockett and dancers continue the exercises in the center. At the end of the class, dancers thank Lockett and their fellow dancers with bows and curtsies. All routines are accompanied by classical ballet music.
There is no dress code. If one feels uncomfortable wearing tights or leotards, a comfortable T-shirt and sweatpants will do. Ballet slippers are typically made of either canvas or leather. The dance floor upstairs in Clubhouse 6 is smooth, so beginners may bring socks or soft booties or even dance barefoot in their first classes. For more class information, call (562) 252-9676 or email Jojo@JojoJoe.com.
