Attending ballet classes as an adult

[marghini]

So after many years of indecision, I finally took the plunge and signed up for a ballet course! My class will start next week.

I used to take ballet classes when I was younger for about 13 years, so I should have a pretty solid base, but gosh I am so nervous about how rigid and unfit I've become since the last class I took!

Anyone attending ballet classes? What should I expect? I am so excited!

[SomedayMyPrinceWillCome]

I started ballet as a complete novice about a year ago (had to stop due to childcare). There were between 5-9 in the class and the average age was over 60. It was very relaxed and everyone was as bad but as enthusiastic as each other. Enjoy!

[Fannycraddock79]

You are me a couple of years ago. Did ballet/tap/modern/jazz from 4-18 and went back at 31. It was an adult elementary grade so not beginner and I bloody loved it. I was not the oldest, there were teenagers doing the class to do exams but I was just for fun as were most of the oldies. It was great to get back into, my mind sharpened (having to remember exercises and routines) and I have never ever sweated as much as I did in those classes. Unfortunately finances and 2 children have out paid to it for the moment but I would love to go back at some point. I have some beautiful leotards and skirts (not to mention my lovely shiny pointe shoes ) that id love to get back into (in a stone's time of course ).

[fastdaytears]

I'd love to do this but never did ballet as a child, so nothing to remember. Main reason why I wasn't sent to ballet was total lack of co-ordination which I suspect hasn't changed.

Hmm. Still tempted to google it though.

[Fannycraddock79]

Do it, you don't have to have done it before, there are loads and loads of beginner classes around. Don't let that put you off. Even if you look clumsy when doing it, if you feel like an elegant waify wisp twirling round the room then that's the whole point. Ballerinas are always beautiful in their own mind and that's where it counts. It would probably make a difference to your body tone and posture too.

[fastdaytears]

Maybe I could find a class that's held somewhere without mirrors and think I'm doing great.

I separately wanted to be a ballerina as a child. I was 100% the kid in the John Lewis insurance ad!

[lavenderhoney]

I used to go, then I discovered a barre work ballet thing on YouTube by a rather fabulous ballerina so I do that now. I love barre work and hate the dancing. I get up early and chuck on my ballet shoes, use my kitchen work top and follow the routines now- much cheaper and better - it depends why you're going.

The class I did was very small and quite professional - everyone in ballet shoes and yoga stuff really. A few v much older ladies whom did ballet " 50 years ago" and were incredbly graceful - as if they'd never stopped - that was lovely to see.

[Fannycraddock79]

Yy fastday, my village hall does a class too-no mirrors, most probably no leotards either, just nice ladies doing ballet. Dooooooo it!!

[Fannycraddock79]

Ooh lavender could you tell me who? I'd love to do barrefit but no classes near here.

[lavenderhoney]

Mirrors are essential for checking posture and form, if you don't have one where you dance, practice at home in front of a full length mirror til you are sure.

I like Lisa maree follow along ballet leg workout on YouTube - I get up, I sling on my ballet shoes, pop the sausages for the DC in the oven, make my green tea which i sip whilst following Lisa in my nightwear:) Watch and you'll understand:)

She is lovely, and it's silent which is great for anyone avoiding waking uo the DC, plus she has others videos - the foot work out helped tremendously with my turnout although I doubt I'll ever be discovered and suddenly dancing Odile:)

[Fannycraddock79]

Thankyou lavender, I will have a look. There won't be any early mornings for me with a 6 month old and 4 year early riser but there could be a chance in the evenings!

[MrsMook]

I returned to ballet for a couple of years in my mid 20s. It's great for strength and toning.

Although I did last use my tutu for a fun run. I got it 20+ years ago when I was about 12

[RookieMonster]

I did it for a while, it was great! I have weak ankles and it helped enormously.

[maybemyrtle]

Ah you see I tried a few beginners classes and everyone else was just "rusty" rather than an actual beginner. Such a shame because I really wanted to have a go but just found it intimidating. Maybe I should try to find another class.

[allegretto]

I did it from the age of 4 - 22 and then took it up again when I was 37. However, I just found it too tiring as the class was from 9 - 11pm and I had twins who didn't sleep through the night so was exhausted. Maybe I'll look around for another one.

[ohdearlord]

FannyCraddock - I use Kathryn Morgan's barres on youtube. She's wonderful! Her story is pretty inspiring too!

[whatevva]

Its fun - look around for a class that suits you. Every class is different, and every teacher is different. I am 52 and falling apart, but still love it.

My worst teacher was a 19 year old who was only doing her teaching qualification (she used to make up the next exercise whilst we were doing the previous one) (didn't think the RAD allowed this ). The best was another mother who used to be a ballet teacher in a big European city school, and was doing it for fun. I have also had a former prima ballerina who could not get the music right, a very old fashioned teacher who was big on poise, and rubbish with the music technology, and others who have given up performing and going into teaching and love music.

The teachers with varied life experience and lots of knowledge of how bodies work are the best. They can make your dreams fit your body