Thread: People who have done ballet - advice please?

Hi chaps and chapesses,
I have a little query for those dancer-like people among you. I have recently found an opportunity to start taking an adult ballet class. I have some dance experience although I am not one of nature's natural dancers and I have never done ballet. However I have heard rumours that ballet is notoriously hard to start as an adult (compared to other dance styles). So hard infact that most adult beginners don't stick with it.
I wonder if anyone here has had any experience of this or knows anyone who started ballet as an adult. I do really fancy giving it a go (just for pleasure - I don't expect to be the next Darcey Bustle!) and who knows it might even improve my movement onstage in my acts, but I am concerned that it might end up being something I can't stick with if it's really, really hard for adults.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
xxx
Emerald

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I actually had ballet recommended to me to help sort out my back but it took me ages to find a class and I only found one a week before I started a job which I meant I couldn't keep it up! Though From my brief exposure I would say definitely give it a try - you feel fab and all flexible and stuff afterwards and that alone is worth it (for me anyway!) barring any other benefits to your performance

Hello!

I too am currently looking to find a studio that teaches ballet to adults on a regular basis (if anyone knows one in the bristol area??) But since starting my performance course a year ago a lot of my movement technique classes included ballet. I found this extremely valuable physically and mentally because it really improved my co-ordination. I also found that it helped immensly with my flexibility and posture. I guess the same could be said for most types of dance, but i found ballet the most useful. I spoke to other people on my course who have a lifetime of ballet training and they said it can be more difficult to start as an adult, but only really if you want to do pointe. But i guess nothing is impossible, so i say go for it girl!

I don't think it should matter! The only thing that may make it "harder" is that the older you get the less flexible so you might find some stretches a bit painful to begin with but if you work at it then you just get better and better!

If it's advertised as a beginners ballet class then it should do exactly as it says on the tin! If your a bit worried you could ring the teacher up and ask her about it or turn up before the class and see if you can have a quiet word!

I honestly don't think age will affect anything but it will help improve posture and muscle tone so it's worth a go! Good luck!

I started taking ballet classes in January and yes it is very hard work but I've loved every minute of it! I'm going to start pointe classes soon, got my shoe fitting tomorrow *squee*

I say go for it!!

x

Give it a go, if you don't like it try something eles!
As you said it's not like your considering taking over where Darcy left off, and but as a way improving posture, flexability and getting a tight butt why not!
kx

Originally Posted by Ms Lotus

Give it a go, if you don't like it try something eles!
As you said it's not like your considering taking over where Darcy left off, and but as a way improving posture, flexability and getting a tight butt why not!
kx

a tight butt indeed, it's magical how round and pert it goes!!!
x

i've been doing ballet for a year and a half...i lost almost 2 stn in 6 months. its hard work but i love it soo much. just started pointe classes and my teacher thought i'd done it before!

there are loads of adult classes out there if you look hard enough. mines in Long Eaton if any one in the notts area is looking...






http://wix.com/pinkbonsai/little big tree

I think you should go for it!
I've been ballet dancing since the age of 3 & it has definitely helped me with other dance forms. I see it as a way of life, as it affects so many different things- posture, flexibility, tone, grace, core strength, balance, stamina & self-discipline. I am extremely self-disciplined when it comes to excercise & eating well, which I think comes from ballet dance. You do get good results like a pert butt, but you have to put the work in! It is also the dance form I feel I can truly express myself through the most. With ballet, you can really enjoy it & go for it.

It will be difficult to start as an adult, but don't let that put you off. It will get easier & more enjoyable the more you practice & it is well worth the effort. Let us know how you get on!
xxx

I'd love to find a ballet class near to me (Solihull). I used to have great posture as I rode but too much time sat at a desk and now I've curled over! Not good!

I can imagine it may be a little more difficult to learn as an adult but I can't see why it wouldn't come with time! x