An insidious class.

-premature lowering becomes a danger in allegro; complete turn, then lower
-demi-toe begins to creep into our barre exercises; the working leg lifts the body into demi-toe
-obsessive study of & fixation on the details of temps lie adagio at center is encouraged-- no, demanded of us; a seamless transition from sus-sous croisE to coupE en face; leg reaches at developpE front as if going somewhere; principle of bending in which pliE of supporting leg is delayed; the upper arm holds the weight of the high arm (but does not give reason for the rest of the limb to relax); etc.

Notes on the Nature of the Barre:
-presents itself as a great aide in our quest for balance
-is always there for you to lean on when you're not strong, to catch you when you fall, to help you carry on
-appears to have everything you look for in a good friend
-is not your friend
-does not give rise to warm and fuzzy feelings behind the navel
-is the avatar of Evil
-preys on your naive willingness to accept its proffered, iron-clad arm during every combination
-will drain you of all your energy and leave you a cripple at Center
-ballerinas should look at it slightly askance and with a wary eye
-ballerinas should aim to lay no more than half a finger's worth of weight on it