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?

^*
“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.”^*

@DownyEmerald - this is why I come onto Mumsnet, to learn how other people live in their kitchens!

Not taking it up, but watched an interesting programme about men in ballet recently.

I think it was called ‘Men at the Barre’ or ‘Boys at the Barre’ and was on BBC4 (so maybe on iplayer).

I started back at ballet in my mid-40’s and I love it! I find it so therapeutic as I have to focus and concentrate, it is a total break from the outside world! I am very lucky to have found a wonderful teacher and our class is a great mix of absolute beginners up to ex-teachers, I love it!!

@Proseccoagain

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.

I've tried to find Silver Swans classes round here and there are several. Unfortunately all the dance schools seem to think that over 55 = retired, so all the classes are during the day when I'm at work.

@HopingForMyRainbowBaby

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

This was me, even my own Mother does the meanest cruellest impression of me at the barre 😂😂😂

I prefer being at the bar so fuck it

Yet.::: I’d love to go to one

I've taken up ballet after dancing as a child, but have friends that have picked it up for the first time as an adult.

There are loads more options for adult classes than there used to be, so to anyone interested, there definitely are beginner adult classes out there.

@2022IamHavingYa look up The Ballet Retreat - they do workshops in London/Leeds predominantly, all abilities welcome taught by ex professionals from Northern Ballet.

Took it up at 18 as part of a project with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
2 years and it was brilliant, toned so much as well.
Didn't carry on after the project ended but would like to go to a couple of classes to give it a try! Just the cost can be prohibitive.

Yes, I was a complete dance virgin until 30, now at 39 I'm still ballet dancing, taking exams and dancing en pointe. I was completely rubbish for the first 4 years at least! So many people have started and quit my school over the years. Its sad, because really you just have to keep going. Hope you have.