The History Behind PBT
PBT or Progressing Ballet Technique, is a revolutionary training method that has become increasingly popular in the world of dance over the last few years. This innovative technique, which focuses on strengthening the core and improving balance and stability, has been used by dancers of all levels to enhance their skills and improve their technique.
What is the history behind PBT?
The story of PBT begins with a woman named Marie Walton-Mahon. Marie is a renowned ballet teacher and choreographer who has trained dancers worldwide. She has also been the artistic director of several prestigious ballet companies and taught at the Royal Academy of Dance.
In the 90s, Marie noticed a troubling trend among her students. Despite their natural talent and hard work, many of them were struggling with their technique, particularly when it came to turns and jumps. Marie realized that the problem lay in their lack of core strength and stability, which was preventing them from properly executing these movements.
Determined to find a solution, Marie began experimenting with different training methods to build core strength and stability. She drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Pilates, yoga, and physiotherapy exercises.
Eventually, Marie developed a set of exercises that she called "Progressing Ballet Technique". These exercises were specifically designed to help dancers build strength and stability in their core muscles, improving their technique and enhancing their performance.
Marie's students were amazed by the results they saw from practicing these exercises. They found that their turns and jumps were smoother and more controlled and that they were able to execute more complex movements with greater ease. Word of Marie's technique began to spread, and soon dancers worldwide were clamoring to learn more about it.
How did it all start?
Marie experimented with these exercises, which formed the basis of the PBT program, with a 16-year-old male dancer, Daniel Roberge, who had no previous ballet training in 2005. He was told to do PBT every day in addition to ballet classes to demonstrate progress. He improved so much that, two years after his first ballet lesson, he sat for all senior ballet examinations and won silver at the Genèe International Competition in Singapore. Daniel signed a contract with Washington Ballet the following year. Marie acknowledges that nothing can replace good ballet training, but she is convinced that PBT accelerates technique in addition to ballet training.
Today, PBT is widely recognized as one of the most effective and innovative training methods in the dance world and is being officially taught in thousands of schools across 40 countries. Dancers and teachers alike swear by its ability to help improve technique, build strength, and enhance performance.
Marie Walton-Mahon is a revered figure in the ballet world, having made significant contributions throughout her career. As an artistic director, she has led prestigious ballet companies and imparted her knowledge as a teacher at the esteemed Royal Academy of Dance. Notably, Marie served as the director of the Marie Walton-Mahon Dance Academy and the National College of Dance, shaping the future of ballet through her unwavering dedication. Her expertise also extended to the Royal Academy of Dance, where she worked as an examiner and tutor. In 2021, Marie was rightfully awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her exceptional service to the arts. Her profound impact on dance education continues to inspire aspiring dancers worldwide. Marie Walton-Mahon is a true visionary, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of ballet.
PBT is a training method that has evolved over the years to become a valuable tool for dancers looking to improve their technique and performance. Developed by Marie Walton-Mahon, this technique has helped countless dancers build strength, improve stability, and enhance their dancing skills.