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Original poster

Ballet classes for grown-ups

55 replies

luckywinner · 02/03/2009 13:17

Please don't laugh, I don't want to release my inner Darcy Bussell, I just want to find a way to get some exercise in my life. Someone suggested ballet! I am in London and just wondered if anyone could recommend anywhere.

OP posts:
frankbestfriend · 02/03/2009 20:04

Ime experience, a complete beginners class would probably be at around grade 2/3 level, so about the same standard as an 8 or 9 year old. I'm sure you would be fine with that even with no previous experience.

Be prepared to ache the next morning though, it's tough on the leg muscles

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 20:13

Ewe, giantkatestacks I'm going to go to Danceworks on Friday evening. I will def be downing something before I go in and it won't be vitamin water. I'll let you know how I get on. Perhaps we could form a dance trio. Surely that's a mumsnet first. Do you think this place has a beginners class?

Just think of the pretty ballet pumps we can buy

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Ewe · 02/03/2009 20:20

Oooh I am def up for a MN dance troop trio! Danceworks is v.near my office so let me know how it is.

PMSL at that link, very accurate!

PurlyQueen · 02/03/2009 20:52

I still attend her classes when time permits.
The classes look scarier than they are, but the teacher, Karen, is really friendly.

Ewe · 02/03/2009 20:57

Oooh I might try her too. If I decide to be brave!

[quick hijack, come back to PN thread sometime, let us know how DS is etc ]

PurlyQueen · 02/03/2009 21:01

If you see a plump, 30something black woman sweating in her class, try to drop 'Mumsnet' into the conversation as it could well be me

Nontoxic · 02/03/2009 21:02

Just a thought - I'm out in the sticks but a local gym here does adult ballet classes. Never tried them, but gyms might be another avenue worth investigating.

In fact, I've been meaning to myself for ages - think I'll give them a call tomorrow!

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 21:34

PQ your class sounds fun although with faster classes I always imagine myself in a heap on the floor as I can never get my brain and body to co-ordinate .

How long have you done it for?

At this rate we will have enough dancers for a mumsnet dance troup. Do you think they'd have us on Britain's got no talent?

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giantkatestacks · 02/03/2009 21:39

My complete beginners class was actually a bit weird - the static stuff was all fine but then she made us move across the room in a way that was way beyond us - like linking up moves that we hadnt done before...

Am really interested in going to something again but not really ballet - am using my pumps as slippers though - would go to tap or jazz [does jazz hands] or disco if that still exists...

Loving the MN dance troop thing - we could be sponsored by fruit shoots...

PurlyQueen · 02/03/2009 21:56

I started doing the classes in 2004 - at the grand old age of 32 .

Ewe · 02/03/2009 21:59

[practices her split leaps]

We could def do Britains Got Talent

Original poster
luckywinner · 02/03/2009 22:01

I'll be 34 in a month so there's life in us yet .

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poppy08 · 02/03/2009 23:48

frankbestfriend is this college in North London? If so I would love the details. I used to go to danceworks, but now just don't have the time to travel there.

frankbestfriend · 03/03/2009 09:11

Sorry Poppy, I am in the north of England, not London

PurlyQueen · 03/03/2009 19:16

This thread reminds me that I tried the Michael Jackson-style dance class at Pineapple a few weeks ago. I was the oldest one there by at least a decade - I felt like someone's aged aunty on the dancefloor . I shan't be attending that particular class again!

giantkatestacks · 03/03/2009 20:34

PQ - thats very much what I am afraid of with some of the central london classes - as if the school gate humiliation wasnt enough - at least that doesnt take place in a leotard...

MoshiMoshi · 04/03/2009 10:59

Angelene - would you recommend Rambert? I live very near by and have been wondering about adult ballet for some time, but have no previous experience.

trixymalixy · 04/03/2009 13:08

MamacitaGordita, where did you do ballet classes in Glasgow?

I have often thought about adult ballet classes, but have never got round to looking into it porperly.

Is everyone dead thin?

Can you learn to go en pointe as an adult?

PurlyQueen · 04/03/2009 13:22

In my experience, you get all shapes and sizes in beginners' classes. Plus, with adult ballet, no one is under any illusions that they're training to become a prima ballerina, so there's no need to starve yourself .

No chance of going en pointe as an adult - the bones in your feet are too fully formed by then.

Original poster
luckywinner · 04/03/2009 16:05

RIght ladies. I have called Danceworks. I am off to the 4.30 class on friday for beginners. I am officially scared. But also excited. Here's hoping I like it as I really want to buy a pair of proper ballet shoes

PQ I love the sound of Michael Jackson style! Do you think they would Bananarama classes for us 80s children?

OP posts:
giantkatestacks · 04/03/2009 16:21

good luck lucky let us know all about it...

redflipflops · 04/03/2009 16:31

Hi again

can I honestly reassure all you dance lovers that it really isn't intimidating or scary. Places like Pineapple and Danceworks get such a mix of people (all ages and abilities) it really isn't scary. The teachers and dancers who go there are used to a real mix.

IMO you'll get better teachers and more likely a 'real' pianist or musician (as opposed to cd) at one of the London dance studios. Local gyms might not be same standard - although this isn't always the case...

Also if you don't get on with the first teacher try others and other styles (huge variety on offer). Jazz is fun for adults and also Contemporary is great for adults (a bit more forgiving technically - more free movement and less turnout and technique etc..)

I'd just say try a wide range of classes before you settle on a favorite.

Scottish Ballet do evening classes in Glasgow (for adults and beginners and kids) - currently nr St Georges Cross but moving next year to south side).

goodluck and enjoy

(sorry if I sound like a know it all but I used to be a dancer and have also taught beginners ballet etc..etc..)

Original poster
luckywinner · 04/03/2009 16:44

Thanks redflipflops. I am really looking forward to it, just a bit apprehensive.

And if you ever fancy teaching a mumsnet ballet class you know where to come .

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Original poster
luckywinner · 06/03/2009 13:44

Oh I am so disappointed I can't go to the danceworks class this afternoon as my son's playdate has been cancelled!

My new plan is to try one at pineapple next monday. Will let the mumsnet dance troupe know how I get on.

OP posts:
steamedtreaclesponge · 11/03/2009 13:01

Just bumping this - Luckywinner I'm dying to know how you got on, did you go on Monday in the end?