9 classes into Beginning Ballet- update

I just checked.  Classes began Sunday September 8th.  This means I have taken exactly 9 "Basic" ballet classes.  Oh, and I've really been lying this whole time.  I keep saying I'm in "Beginning Ballet" but actually that's a way more advanced class than the "Basic" ballet class I'm in.  I wouldn't dream of joining the Beginning Ballet class next door.  Sounds terrifying.

So, I am 9 classes in and today I'm more frustrated than when I started.  After the first few classes I felt some improvement.  But now, 9 classes in I feel like I'm getting worse.  I've been reassured that many beginners feel this way sometimes, but I'm not so sure.  I just cannot follow some of the combinations that we perform in the center without holding on to my barre for dear life.  The barre keeps me upright and keeps me from falling.  When we do floor work and attempt something as simple as a passé developpe or an arabesque I pretty much just topple over.


Passe developpe

These girls below know how to do an arabesque without holding on to the barre for dear life.

We also do this one combination where you start in 5th, plié, tendu to 2nd, plié, fifth, releve, passé and a 1/2 turn? I can do it at home but for some reason I can't do it right in class. I also probably said that all wrong. 

Today we also did some battement frappes which were much harder than you think.  My grand battemenets were ok I think but I wasn't looking in a mirror.  Anyway I need more practice.  But for today I'm frustrated. 

Here is a picture of my daughter and I today, stretching at the bar today before class.



In happier news I've been playing more volleyball lately and that makes me happy because I don't SUCK AT IT.