Beginning ballet as an adult – what can you expect?

Excitement, nerves, apprehension…..these feelings are to be expected when you arrive for your first ballet class!

Many adults believe that without having studied ballet in childhood, the opportunity to experience ballet training has passed them by. Yet that couldn’t be further from the truth! As an adult, you have all the skills that you need to learn classical ballet. You have the added benefit of emotional maturity and understand the commitment required to study this challenging art form.

“Thank you again for an experience that I thought I would never have.”
Lois E

As you enter the studio for the first time you will feel a sense of awe – your journey is beginning. You will take your place at the barre, continuing the tradition that started centuries earlier.

You will start to learn the steps of the classical vocabulary, why we do them and how to execute them correctly. You’ll immediately be introduced to traditional French terminology though this will also be explained in English so you’ll understand both the meaning and the steps represented. Your body will start moving in ways it may never have moved before and you may feel a little like you’re learning to walk all over again. This is all completely normal and to be expected.

You’ll enjoy working with other students in the class setting. Even adults feel safety in numbers and reassurance in knowing that everyone is experiencing the same challenges. The collegiality that develops between adult beginner students gives the sense that “we’re all in this together!”

You will leave the class feeling as though you have been challenged but desperately wanting more. Don’t worry; the first class is just a taster of things to come!

“Last night was my first class at ballet and I absolutely loved it. Loved it doesn’t come close to how happy I feel and I am very excited to continue my journey.”
Stephanie R

It’s not unusual for your first class to feel like something of a blur. You may arrive home and not be able to remember anything that happened in the 90 minutes gone by. Don’t panic as there won’t be a quiz when you return in week 2! Gradually you will remember more and more as both the technique and terminology “osmose” into your body. The learning process is slow and steady. Nobody leaves their first class a prima ballerina, but consistent attendance and effort will be rewarded. As the weeks and months go by, your ballet vocabulary will strengthen and you’ll feel more and more like a dancer.

The day after your first class (or two days if you are over 25 years of age), you may have some aches to remind you of the class. Ballet uses muscles in ways that they don’t get used in everyday life. It should feel like a ‘good’ sore and will lessen as you take more and more classes.

Ballet comes with its own rule book. The structure, discipline and required etiquette of a ballet class can be daunting in the early stages. However, the expectations are clearly explained. The old-fashioned concepts of respect, rules and personal application will transport you to a glorious space where the “fast food” world is left behind.

The 90 minutes of a ballet class are precious. You won’t have capacity to worry about external stressors, whether the kids went to sleep on time, etc. Your mind will be fully consumed in the ‘here and now’ and you’ll need all your concentration in class. It’s your time out for the week. It’s YOUR time.

“The 90 minutes goes by in a flash. I would continue class all afternoon if I could!”
Margaret G

Ballet is the most wonderful journey. If you have ever thought about it, give it a go and you won’t look back. You might even catch the BALLET BUG. But I warn you, there is no cure if you do!