Ballet for adults

[MadamSamba]

Hi, folks! I've always wanted to learn ballet, but never did as a child. I know you're supposed to learn it as a young'un, but has anyone had any experience learning ballet as an adult?
Similarly, does anyone have any suggestions/advice for me. I'm seriously considering taking up ballet even though I'm an "old lady". I'm going to do it and have found one place locally that teachers adults, but I have to admit to being a bit scared. Also, I hope it might help with my turns and stamina.

[Sagitta]

I believe dancersdreamland talked about ballet, maybe even as an adult? There's another DFer too, for sure, but can't think of her at the moment. :)

If there wasn't the toe/feet deformity issue I probably would have liked to dabble in ballet a bit, too. So here's a question? How far can you get in ballet as an adult without feet deformation?

[pygmalion]

I've wondered about this too, but probably won't do it, since my dance plate is SO full. But from what I've heard, it really helps with spins, turns, and hand and arm styling. Ballerinas have beautiful hands! :D

[tasche]

Really you can go pretty far without feet deformaty as that doesn't really start until you go enpointe and for more adults thats not a reasonable goal bc of the time commitment.

There are two types of adult classes one where your trained serious and others where its all about fun and you might not be corrected if your technique is poor

[Sagitta]

Welcome to the DF family Tasche! :)

It looks as if I have another thing to add to the list of dance things to do!!!! After WCS, jazz, argentine tango, line/C&W dancing...

So, have you had any experience of ballet helping out with other dances? If so, how exactly has it helped?

[tasche]

I think ballet makes you more aware of how your body moves adn teaches you the language of dance more so than the other dances which you can appy to partner dances.

Definately you learn better use of your arms not oly on how to create a better line but also to effectively counterbalance yourself in turns and suchlike

[dancersdreamland]

Tasche - Welcome to the Forum family! I look forward to seeing you around the boards!

Madam Samba - I, like you, am an adult and would LOVE to learn ballet. I didn't start taking formal dance lessons until college and actually wanted to start with ballet. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an adult class in my area. I have danced along with a couple VHS tapes: Miss Christy's Ballet (for ages 7 and up, covers VERY basic ballet steps) and the NYC Ballet Workshop 1 (designed as a workout video using stretches and ballet moves used by the New York City ballet, fantastic!). My advice, GO FOR IT and ENJOY ANOTHER FORM OF DANCE!!!

If you're looking for more resources on ballet, check out the "Resources" section of www.dancersdreamland.com.

Please keep us posted on how it goes! All the best!!!

[tasche]

Some studios may allow you to take classes with children with a proviso that you not disrupt the class or expect special treatment. This really means dont ask question. Classes for kids/young adults tend to have a set barre routine while adult beginner classes have more variety

Check out your local community college alot of them have dance classes including ballet

[Adeline]

Hey MadamSamba... don't be afraid to do something you wanna do!!! Good for you that you are fulfilling your dreams, no matter how old you are!!! :wink:

[pygmalion]

Hi Adeline! Welcome to the forums! :D

[Adeline]

Thanks pygmalion!!!

[SwinginBoo]

I think I had posted in another thread about how I always had wanted to dance ballet but was never given the opportunity. Well my boyfriend's mom was a professional ballet dancer in New York in her younger days. She also used to teach other ballet teachers. Tonight she gave me my first lesson. I learned 1st - 5th positions. I also learned all these french things, which I can't pronouce so I won't bother trying to write them. But she said I actually have a good turnout, which is unusual considering I've never danced ballet before and I'm now almost 24. But anyways a friend of hers teaches adult ballet and I'm going to probably take up class. I'm so excited. This is something I have always wanted to do and I'm finally going to do it. :D

[dancersdreamland]

Adeline - Welcome to the Forum Family!


...But anyways a friend of hers teaches adult ballet and I'm going to probably take up class. I'm so excited. This is something I have always wanted to do and I'm finally going to do it. :D

WAY TO GO!!!!! Keep us posted on what happens!

[Adeline]

Thanks, Miss Dance!!! And yeah, SwinginBoo, Go For It!!! :banana: ...haha just thought this dancing banana was cute... and quite appropriate...

[SDsalsaguy]

:banana: ...haha just thought this dancing banana was cute... and quite appropriate...
Yes...just try not to dance your ballet like it! :wink: :lol:

[tasche]

awesome you'll love it! Your muscles will hurt like heck but you'll love it.

For those intrested in taking up ballet as an adult but were discourage. Joffery Schools book Ballet-Fit is an awesome read. Its so encouraging and tells you everything you actually want to know but were afraid to ask. Lie how not to look like a newbie in black slipper and it ahas a good chapter about adults enpointe.

[dancersdreamland]

Thanks for the book suggestion. I'll have to head out the library and see if its available.

[pygmalion]

I've known several ballroom people who took ballet clasees as adults, in order to improve spin/turn technique, posture, or hand/arm styling.

[DancingMommy]

I've known several ballroom people who took ballet clasees as adults, in order to improve spin/turn technique, posture, or hand/arm styling.

Ballet is one of the most demanding classes I've ever taken (adult or youth) and I'm not *even* talking pointe-work. that said, I LOVE what it does for me.

Some of the benefits include better posture and alignment, but I think the best benefit is the added awareness of your body in space and motion.

Unfortunately, here in our area, I've yet to find a studio that works for me. I took some classes at a local place close by my home, but the emphasis on "recital" for us retired ballerejects was just too much for me. Besides, I didn't like taking class with a bunch of teenagers who were young enough to be *my* children...... Especially since it was a "baby beginner" class.

I'm sure I'll never go "en pointe" again (except in my dreams) since my foot surgery, but the feeling of utter control working in soft slippers is AWESOME!

Incidently, has anyone noted the correlation between the 5 dance positions of ballet and ballroom? 8) It's coolio!