Starting ballet as an adult or coming back to ballet after a long hiatus can be intimidating and downright scary! While it may seem like most dancers begin at a young age and continue honing their technique as they age, it is totally possible to begin to dance later in life. It is also equally possible to come back to dance even if you haven't entered a studio in 10, 20 or 30 years!
Still not convinced? We've listed some reasons why adults should take up ballet class below!
You've always wanted to take ballet class
Perhaps your parents never enrolled you in a ballet class? Perhaps you focused on a different activity when you were young? There are many reasons for starting ballet 'late', though as discussed above, it is never too late to begin to dance. Unlike kids, who may or may not be taking ballet because of their personal desire versus that of their parents, adults have the autonomy to decide if ballet is for them or not. This leads to classes filled with very passionate and dedicated students who really yearn to dance. The maturity and life experience allows adults to really digest the material given, rather than just following the teacher!
You want to improve your physical fitness
The physical benefits to ballet class are obvious. Ballet training for adults is an excellent way to increase flexibility and muscular strength. It also improves posture, coordination, endurance, balance, range of motion and overall cardiovascular health. While you can work on all these aspects of physical health in a gym for example, some of us may not find the sound of that very appealing. Ballet class is a workout that doesn't feel like any boring old workout! The music, artistry and graceful movement can add to the experience and disguise the fact that you are indeed working hard and improving your fitness!
You want to train your brain
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to keep challenging our brain and ballet class is a perfect way to do just that! Not only is ballet physically demanding, it uses a lot of 'brain power'. Think remembering a combination, doing it technically well, to the music, and incorporating artistry sounds like a lot of multitasking? It absolutely is, and can be quite the challenge, however like anything, with practice every dancer becomes more and more proficient.
You need time for yourself
Especially in times like these, it's very important that we incorporate time for self-care. The studio can be a safe space where you can focus on yourself and allow your worries to float away with the notes of the music. You deserve some time to yourself and ballet class is the perfect opportunity to leave reality for a short time.
You want to express yourself
Do you feel the need to express yourself in a way other than words? Ballet is a wonderful tool of artistic expression. Along with developing technical skills, ballet class pushes you to connect with music and express your emotions through your body rather than your voice. The experience can be cathartic and can help you develop confidence in other areas of your life.
Les Petits Ballets' adult program includes four levels of instruction (Beginner, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) with classes taking part on weekdays, weekday evenings and on weekends. We also offer online classes through Zoom. Participants include experienced dancers, as well as those with no previous dance experience. New students are encouraged to try a class to assess their level.