Adult ballet. Is it worthwhile?

2 years ago, when I discovered that adult ballet exists, I wanted to learn as much as possible about it to see if it is for me and what is required to sign up for classical dance classes for amateurs. If there were 100 articles on this subject, I would certainly read them all, but in fact there are not many such posts. That is why I am adding mine. This article will answer some very basic questions that someone hesitating about enrolling in adult ballet classes has. I wrote down the answers to the questions that I was asking myself at that moment.

Adult ballet: at what age to start? Are there age restrictions?

You can start being at any age. I started classes at the age of 39. Nobody asks anyone about their age in class, but I think the average is twenty-something. In any case, age is not a limitation.

Amateur ballet versus the barre classes. Is it the same?

No, it is not the same. Barre-type fitness classes are a combination of ballet elements with elements of yoga and pilates. So it’s more a fitness with the bar. In adult ballet classes, you learn regular classical dance – you practice your technique and learn ballet figures and even choreography. It is much more developing both physically and mentally. The next step in many schools will be learning dancing en pointe (in pointe shoes).

Adult ballet – do I have to have any knowledge about dancing?

Nope. You can step away from the computer now and come to the beginner class. You will learn everything from scratch in the classroom. You don’t have to be fit, you don’t have to dance in your childhood, etc. As a rule, these are classes for amateurs and nobody expects you to know anything. Of course, if you have at least a bit of physical condition, it will definitely help, because contrary to how easy and light it looks on the stage, ballet exercise can squeeze out a lot of sweat.

Do I have to be stretched to take adult ballet classes?

You don’t have to, although it will definitely help you a lot. By regularly attending classes, you will gradually stretch your body and strengthen your muscles. It is also worth doing stretching between classes. I have never been stretched. In elementary school, I got the worst grades on PE when I had to touch the floor with my hands. The best I could do was bring my fingers to my ankles. After a year of ballet classes, I can see an amazing difference. Now I am planning to stretch myself to the splits 🙂

Or maybe it’s better to learn ballet from youtube?

Well, better do not. Ballet requires special body positioning. It is best to learn it under the supervision of an experienced teacher, otherwise you may hurt yourself. The knees are very sensitive to incorrectly performed positions, and injuries can cause irreversible changes. If you learn the basics in the ballet room and know what to pay attention to, you can also practice at home, but in the classroom, the teacher has the opportunity to spot your mistakes and correct your body posture. Then it makes sense.

Adult ballet. What is there for me?

Fit body, slim straight figure and satisfaction. During the classes you will feel that you have muscles where you would not expect them to be :). Ballet corrects posture, teaches you to pay attention to your own body, rebuilds your figure, slims your thighs and buttocks, and teaches concentration. Full of positives! Although we don’t think about it at the first glance, it is a really great, very developing form of sport.

What does the class look like?

In the first part of the class we do exercises at the bar, during which we perform repeated sequences of movements. Then we move on to other exercises at the centre without help of the ballet bar. The teacher supervises the correctness of the exercises.

What to wear for first adult ballet classes?

A comfortable sports outfit that will allow the teacher to see your body movements and correct you is something worth wearing. Leggings and a fitted T-shirt will work best. You don’t need soft ballet shoes for the first class, socks are enough. You can (but you don’t have to) invest in a ballet outfit only when you are sure that this is it.

What should I take to the classes?

Apart from the sports outfit, you obligatory need water and something to tie your hair (if long).

What if I am embarrassed? Will other people laugh at me?

They won’t have time for it, believe me :). Classes are very absorbing and beginners are so focused on working with their own body and performing excercises the best they can, that they don’t have time to look around. In the classes for beginners, the vast majority really are beginners. There are also people who danced in their youth/childhood, but their presence is helpful because they usually know how to do the exercise and can you imitate them when you don’t get it yourself.

All in all, if you’re considering whether to go to classical dance for amateurs, there’s no need to wonder. I only regret one thing – that I found out about these classes so late!