Anybody taken up Ballet as an adult?

[2022IamHavingYa]

I’ve got my first ever adult ballet class at lunchtime. I am excited but nervous.
I am 38, a bit heavier than I’d like, short and as flexible as a brick!

I normally run, cycle or swim so really looking forward to it. Ideally, I like to get more flexible and toned and if I could lose a few pounds I’d be happy with that.

So has anybody taken up ballet as an adult and what benefit has it had?

Not anymore but I did a for about a year a few years ago and I loved it! Definitely improved my strength and posture (and my humility!)

Not ballet but I do like barre lessons. They have helped with my flexibility and posture.

I did. It was full of women who had done ballet as kids and me jumping about like an elephant. I did a few classes and stopped.

How did it go?

I did. It was full of women who had done ballet as kids and me jumping about like an elephant. I did a few classes and stopped.

🤣🤣🤣

I tried an adult ballet class (having never done much as a kid), I liked it but I have migrated to barre fitness videos which are shorter and more focused on fitness rather than pretty arms and graceful turn-out etc.

I did a few years ago. I loved it. Unfortunately we moved areas and I haven’t found another class as good.

I absolutely loved it! My legs are much stronger than I thought but also as flexible as a brick!

I will definitely be back 😊

I did it for a few years in my 20s. I had done ballet in childhood but have no talent for it or flexibility. The class was lovely and a complete mix of newbies who didn't have chance in childhood to those who had experience and aptitude.

This me at Barre class.
I convince myself I'm elegant then the mirror reminds me I'm a size 16 and 56 years old!!!

Yes I signed up when I signed by daughter up. She did a few months and stopped, I went for about 5 years. Hoping to go back after covid.

Loved it. Health benefits mostly flexibility as quite fit already, running and cycling like you. But mental benefits as well the fact you have to concentrate on just the steps. I found it really cleared my mind

Can anyone recommend an online class?

I have. Started about 3 years ago. I’m reasonably flexible, but have zero coordination!! It’s good fun though.

Ballet is lovely for making you feel elegant.

I did it for years as a kid - never had the flexibility to take it further, but always missed it and would do the odd ronde de jambe or pirouette while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Doing it again in my 40s was great for an awareness of where your weight is and what your core is doing that helped a lot when I took up pilates

Did a couple of years of barre at Central School as an adult.

I was RUBBISH.

But it was really fun.

I did - took it up about 5 years ago but had to leave when we moved. Love, love, loved it! It’s much more cerebral than I expected - you really have to think about what you’re doing. I discovered I’m distinctly lacking in coordination! But on the plus side, had lots of fun and improved posture and core strength. Would love to find a good online class as now live too far from any availability studios…

Also great for people watching. There were “good” dancers coming back from injury, students, a mum and daughter adult duo, 20 somethings like me who were clearly living out their 90s teen dance movie dreams, and my favourite, a woman whose husband had left her suddenly and in a very dramatic fashion, and she had decided just FUCK HIM and was doing everything she’d wanted to do for years. Including ballet.

It was so good. I’d forgotten how much I loved it. I even bought the shoes and a bag for my dance stuff that I thought looked “dancey”.

I keep thinking about it, but I'm fat, the far side of 40 and so uncoordinated I was invited not to return to step class after falling over my block and knocking the person in front of me over too... That and the fact I hated it as a child too.

@hopeishere

I did. It was full of women who had done ballet as kids and me jumping about like an elephant. I did a few classes and stopped.

I did ballet when I was younger and am so self conscious when I join a new class as I don't want to put people off!

My previous dance school ended up having to close during lock down and I'm now on the hunt for a new one. Online lessons in my kitchen don't quite cut it for me, but this teacher runs a range of classes which look good: myballetfit.com

Thank you all! I have my third class tomorrow and so far I’m loving it!

Yes I do a weekly class in the evening and love it. I've been doing it for the last 3 years. I'm the oldest in the class at 59, and don't always grasp the moves quickly, but we're a really friendly bunch and it's a lovely hour of relaxation.

Yes and I was as shit at ballet then, as I was when I was 5. There is no elegance and grace about me at all

Good for you OP I would love to start ballet I just can’t work up the courage to go!

Oh this is making me want to go. Did it as a child and teen and loved it but not very good. I don’t have good turnout so I’ll never be good. Now mid 50s and overweight.
But in my fantasy life I’m on the stage at the Kirov in st Petersburg with Tchaikovsky playing …

Yes, I do a weekly ballet class with Silver Swans, ballet for the over 55s. Love it, not too strenuous, but a good workout for brain and body. Lovely teacher and a great friendly group. My favourite bit is the barre work.