#non... mon beau danseur ♡

[krenenbaker]

Rook Ballet Headcanons!

Now that we know Rook has CANONICALLY started taking ballet lessons, these are some thoughts I have as to some of his possible preferences with it! While I know that he's still learning the basics, if he were to continue further, he would probably get quite good!

He already has some of the necessary core and upper-body strength for ballet, and I'm sure that the cardio aspect wouldn't be a huge challenge for him, either. However, he stated in his Platinum Jacket vignette that he has struggled some with balance and ankle stability, so for the most part, he would be primarily working to strengthen his leg muscles - specifically those of the hip, thigh, and ankle - and increasing overall flexibility. With that work, in combination with the poise and grace he already has in his movements, he could become a fantastic danseur!

Now, for his preferences...

To begin, his uniform: I see Rook as likely preferring tights rather than shorts, and a leotard rather than a shirt. He'd also likely choose a cap or short sleeve over a tank, at least for the most part. and he seems as if he'd be quite drawn to a zip-front (or high-neck) leotard.

He'd also prefer grey canvas ballet slippers, grey tights, and a white leotard, though there's a chance he'd wear black slippers and tights instead.

For reference, Rook's preferred dancewear would be somewhat like this:

or perhaps this:

He'd also need to tie his hair back, of course, as he does for P.E., Beanfest, etc. (It would be wise for him to pin back the loose strands, too... though chances are, he wouldn't do that, except for recitals.)

Now, for the steps, I've added in some video examples, in case you aren't familiar with ballet terminology.

I'll begin with what Rook may struggle with, at least at first. Based on his main problem areas (ankle stability and balance), any sort of step which involves being en relevé ("on rise" on ones' toes) would be somewhat difficult, as well as some centre work. Grand pliés and développés in the centre would likely be hard for him when he first begins, until he has toned the proper muscles. And for a similar reason, he may struggle with turns, especially fouettés, pirouettes, and chaînés. Rook may dislike chaînés especially, as even with proper spotting technique, they can be quite disorienting.

However, he'd LOVE things like cabrioles, Italian pas de chat (in this video, alternating with glissés), saut de Basque, jeté en tournant, tour jeté, and similar steps. They each have a certain... sensation about them; when performed, these steps give a feeling of almost soaring through the air. He'd find them to be beautiful, and powerful to both perform and watch.

Rook would also adore the fluidity of pas de valse / balancé, and have a lot of fun with exercises which feature them!

he'd also love dancing any sort of pas de deux, even if he didn't have much chance to do it. being able to feel the interplay and balance between him and his partner, and build that sense of trust would be fantastically beautiful to him, possibly even more than watching a pas de deux.

There are likely a number of other steps and various variations (perhaps the Coppélia Act I Franz variation, for example?) which Rook would find to be enjoyable during his time taking ballet. And - should he continue with dance - Rook may just find another form of art he falls in love with!

#twst #twisted wonderland #rook hunt #twst rook #rook platinum jacket #holy crow... my ballet background was REAWAKENED by that vignette #and did I heavily insert my own preferences into this post? #...no #(yes) #although I do honestly think that these would be the steps that Rook would struggle with and the steps he'd enjoy #also... that Coppélia variation is maybe my favourite one - it has most of my favourite steps; plus it's from a fantastic ballet #mon beau chasseur ♡ #non... mon beau danseur ♡ #je t'adore ♡ #je t'aime ♡ #krenenbaker's :) #scheduling this to post in the morning because I finished writing this rather late :)