A personal experience of the Elancé Entry Level Program
It took me about 5 years to pluck up the courage to complete the contact form on the Elancé website. I was filled with dread because I already knew I didn’t have the right feet, legs or body type. To top it off, I had the flexibility of a plank. What I do have is a great love and respect for this art and a bundle of enthusiasm.
Little did I know, that was all was required of me at Elancé – an able body, enthusiasm and love for this art.
I was lucky enough to start my journey with Elancé going through the structured program and I’m grateful how it gently introduced me to the world of ballet.
There’s a reason why the structured program just works for everyone – whether you’re someone who has no ballet experience or an adult returning after being away from ballet.
We were taught how to stand and how our weight should be placed. Every minute detail would be taught with care, love and utmost patience. Our skills and ballet vocabulary is built week upon week. This naturally translates to growing our confidence to execute the steps to being able to explore our creativity and artistry.
The structured program also lends an air of certainty to students who have no idea what to expect from ballet. It gives students a rock solid foundation in ballet vocabulary. As we progress through the levels, the complexity and intensity of steps would be increased to keep us sufficiently-challenged.
There was no expectation to lift our legs up to the ear. Nor was there an expectation to stay balanced forever and ever (though being able to find that sweet spot to do it eventually makes you feel like you can conquer the world!).
2 years down the track, I look back and am amazed by how much I’ve learnt and gained. I’m so grateful this program has gently built my confidence in this art form that I can’t imagine not having ballet in my life.
If you’re contemplating in beginning your ballet journey at Elancé, don’t wait 5 years like I did. Don’t even wait 5 minutes. I am living with the regret I should have returned sooner. I may not look like your typical ballerina but that’s hardly the reason why I return week after week (and often multiple times in a week!). In this safe and non-judgemental environment, I am able to express myself and allow my creative side take charge.
That’s all I can really ask for.
By Vicky L