The first time I saw Maya in a video, I was IN AWE, captivated by her performance; however, I initially overlooked it, assuming she was either an already established professional dancer or a teaching assistant (“Wow, she’s one of the best I’ve seen in a while, but she’s a professional ballerina, so of course she is”). When I later learned that she was, in fact, a fellow student, I was astonished, as her abilities clearly set her apart from her peers (“She’s only a young student? How is she so amazing?!”). It comes as no surprise that she surpassed the unjust favoritism and politics of the ballet world and advanced to the position of soloist with such remarkable speed. She humbly dances beyond her years. Great job, Maya! ✨
What's incredible is that even though she has always been a dancer, she only took up ballet at age 13. And within 5 years, she's already part of one of the most prestigious companies in the world. She's amazing.
You are such a humble and sweet young woman. I am 57 and dance and figure skating has been a part of my life my whole life. One thing that makes me proud is that I still have a lot of my hip flexibility left. That flexibility comes at a cost though because I have terrible back problems because of lack hip stability. Maya you are an exquisite dancer. I do see the Russian influence although that could just be me projecting as well since your teachers are Russian. You are so humble as well. People think it is easy being a solo artist but it means you have a lot more work than the others as well and it can be lonely....etc etc. I am always impressed with how this company actually seems to care about its dancers. By having such a strong social media presence it can open you to criticism but it can also show those of us who know, the good ones. You can tell a company by its dancers. Seeing them being allowed to actually enjoy dancing is key and you have a great balance between the need for a certain quality of dancing expected to the need for diversity of talents and all the personalities in between....and all young...It makes me happy to see a place where they can enjoy their craft while working hard and becoming experts in it as well. I am a big fan. Keep up the amazing work It is truly appreciated....on so many levels... ALOHA from Maui Hawaii.formerly San Francisco CA
20:25 This has to be the most difficult stretch to do it as flat as Maya. I love how long Maya holds this stretch position!! I'd like to see this stretch from the side view to see the knee alignment, thanks !! Also, is it necessary to sit in this type of split raised on yoga blocks under each knee to hyper extend this further?
My warm up then and now are a few pliés at the bar with port-au-bars, both sides, shake out everything and a couple of slaps for circulation, but I had and have pretty physical days (after a lot of sports back then, now it’s walking around factories and construction sites) so I come in pretty warm already. I guess if I did get to Maya’s level and just did ballet first thing every day then I would warm up much more.
Oh I remember I saw a picture of Rhythmic Gymnastics training where they did the same frog split, except they lean back so their ear touches the top of their knee? They use their arm and swing it back while leaning backwards as far back as possible, tilt their head towards their knee, and then they were able to bring their ear to touch their knee in this split. OH MY GAWD.
Wait, so when you are in a splits you’re foot on your back leg should be facing forward like hers or down towards the floor. Min is always down towards the floor. Maybe that is why I can’t get the splits
Riiight. Mabye in early 1970's the expectations of more flexibility were not standard. After this time however, expectations of high arabesque, extensions and multiple turns/fouettes began a new training experience and regimen. It was an expectation for pre class/post class to work on stretching in open or standard over-splits for 40 plus minutes. We did foot in hand stretches at barre. Many stretches were common place in Vaganova-style classes even in late 70's/80's if you were lucky enought to be at a "good school."
Oh yes they did. They did it in their rooms, at any time they weren't in class. You do anything you can to put yourself apart from those with lower extensions and fewer turns. Do you think professionals didn't suffer to stand out? Do you think Osipova just walked on stage with those capabilities? Google her.
Wait, so when you are in a splits you’re foot on your back leg should be facing forward like hers or down towards the floor. Min is always down towards the floor. Maybe that is why I can’t get the splits
The first time I saw Maya in a video, I was IN AWE, captivated by her performance; however, I initially overlooked it, assuming she was either an already established professional dancer or a teaching assistant (“Wow, she’s one of the best I’ve seen in a while, but she’s a professional ballerina, so of course she is”). When I later learned that she was, in fact, a fellow student, I was astonished, as her abilities clearly set her apart from her peers (“She’s only a young student? How is she so amazing?!”). It comes as no surprise that she surpassed the unjust favoritism and politics of the ballet world and advanced to the position of soloist with such remarkable speed. She humbly dances beyond her years. Great job, Maya! ✨
What's incredible is that even though she has always been a dancer, she only took up ballet at age 13. And within 5 years, she's already part of one of the most prestigious companies in the world. She's amazing.
Well, even if she's letting her toes be destroyed, it's nice to know she takes such good care of the rest of her body.
You are such a humble and sweet young woman. I am 57 and dance and figure skating has been a part of my life my whole life. One thing that makes me proud is that I still have a lot of my hip flexibility left. That flexibility comes at a cost though because I have terrible back problems because of lack hip stability. Maya you are an exquisite dancer. I do see the Russian influence although that could just be me projecting as well since your teachers are Russian. You are so humble as well. People think it is easy being a solo artist but it means you have a lot more work than the others as well and it can be lonely....etc etc. I am always impressed with how this company actually seems to care about its dancers. By having such a strong social media presence it can open you to criticism but it can also show those of us who know, the good ones. You can tell a company by its dancers. Seeing them being allowed to actually enjoy dancing is key and you have a great balance between the need for a certain quality of dancing expected to the need for diversity of talents and all the personalities in between....and all young...It makes me happy to see a place where they can enjoy their craft while working hard and becoming experts in it as well. I am a big fan. Keep up the amazing work It is truly appreciated....on so many levels... ALOHA from Maui Hawaii.formerly San Francisco CA
Her teachers are Polish though
Love seeing Baby Hairs back with the MBA gang
5:01 Michal’s reaction when he found out Felipé is warming up with Maya!
I got backpain just from watching them. So flexible...
Maya is such a sweetheart 💝
Danke schön
The suffering during the plank! Same!
20:25 This has to be the most difficult stretch to do it as flat as Maya. I love how long Maya holds this stretch position!! I'd like to see this stretch from the side view to see the knee alignment, thanks !! Also, is it necessary to sit in this type of split raised on yoga blocks under each knee to hyper extend this further?
Yes yes yes yes 😊
My warm up then and now are a few pliés at the bar with port-au-bars, both sides, shake out everything and a couple of slaps for circulation, but I had and have pretty physical days (after a lot of sports back then, now it’s walking around factories and construction sites) so I come in pretty warm already. I guess if I did get to Maya’s level and just did ballet first thing every day then I would warm up much more.
Oh I remember I saw a picture of Rhythmic Gymnastics training where they did the same frog split, except they lean back so their ear touches the top of their knee? They use their arm and swing it back while leaning backwards as far back as possible, tilt their head towards their knee, and then they were able to bring their ear to touch their knee in this split. OH MY GAWD.
Hi, can you upload the long uncut version so i can do the stretching as long as you do ?
Fascias 👍
i too cant eat breakfast either
Wait, so when you are in a splits you’re foot on your back leg should be facing forward like hers or down towards the floor. Min is always down towards the floor. Maybe that is why I can’t get the splits
your back leg should always be turned out while in splits, it also helps to not hurt your knee
Felipé desperately trying to keep up with Maya on the splits! Great job!
Hold up, is Maya back at the academy??
She goes back there during her breaks. I think Eva said iirc that she gets a few months break after a season.
Yeah normally over the summer and during her winter break
Typically pros are allowed to take classes at their old studios for free when they're on break from their company.
Your knee is going past your toes?!?!
the exposed feet 🤣
?
I don’t think trad ballerinas had to break their bodies like this.
Riiight. Mabye in early 1970's the expectations of more flexibility were not standard. After this time however, expectations of high arabesque, extensions and multiple turns/fouettes began a new training experience and regimen. It was an expectation for pre class/post class to work on stretching in open or standard over-splits for 40 plus minutes. We did foot in hand stretches at barre. Many stretches were common place in Vaganova-style classes even in late 70's/80's if you were lucky enought to be at a "good school."
Oh yes they did. They did it in their rooms, at any time they weren't in class. You do anything you can to put yourself apart from those with lower extensions and fewer turns. Do you think professionals didn't suffer to stand out? Do you think Osipova just walked on stage with those capabilities? Google her.
Wait, so when you are in a splits you’re foot on your back leg should be facing forward like hers or down towards the floor. Min is always down towards the floor. Maybe that is why I can’t get the splits
Facing forward is the case when you are turning out your leg enough