Adult Ballet – What’s Really Holding You Back?

You’ve made the excellent choice to investigate adult ballet classes, but for some reason the phone call or email just hasn’t been made yet. So what’s holding you back? It’s time to debunk those excuses! The following are the most heard reasons (excuses!) for not taking the first step towards adult ballet.

I’m not fit enough

Actually, how you are right now is just fine. The perception is that you must have a strong level of fitness for ballet, when in reality, your ballet class will develop fitness, strength, co-ordination, musicality… The list goes on. The point is that learning ballet is an accumulative process and fitness will develop in time. The ballet class includes diverse ways of moving, from a steady controlled adage to an energetic allegro. Your body will learn to respond to each of these commands generating both cardio fitness and muscle fitness. It is of course desirable to be fit for life in general and ballet can form a magnificent part of that fitness regime.

I’m not flexible enough

Flexibility is not a prerequisite for adult ballet. A good adult ballet teacher will expect a willingness to learn and an ability to pay attention, and is not interested in whether you can tuck your ankles behind your ears or not! As with fitness, flexibility will develop over time. Adult ballet will cultivate strength and stretch through your muscles so your body will feel supple, giving you a greater awareness of your physicality. So it’s okay if you can’t touch your toes when you start. At the end of six months you’ll be surprised to see how much you have gained.

I don’t have time

At Elancé Adult Ballet School, we understand the time pressures of family, work and studying. We also understand the desire to strike a balance between commitments and ‘me time’, and therefore have developed a timetable that can fit in with even the busiest of schedules. Our comprehensive timetable includes weekend, daytime and evening classes, some starting as late as 8pm to accommodate those who work late. So carve out that time for yourself and indulge in an activity that is emotionally rewarding as well as good for you.

I’ll feel judged by my ability

Feeling judged is a horrible experience that no-one puts their hand up for! Whether you are an absolute beginner or have had had some experience in your past, Elancé Adult Ballet School will have a level to suit your ability. As we are exclusively for adults we have created an environment that is encouraging and supportive. It is our job to teach you, not to judge you. When making your enquiry it’s always important to be honest about your abilities and previous experience. That way you can be matched to the level that is going to suit you best. We welcome all levels of experience.

I love ballet, but I don’t want to wear a leotard

As an adult you have the choice about what to wear in class, whether it be full ballet regalia or simple workout gear. As long as your teacher can see how your body is moving, it really doesn’t matter.

Usually we are our own worst enemies when it comes to making the enquiry to start something that takes us beyond our comfort zones. It’s no different with starting adult ballet. Now is the time to really consider what’s holding you back. Leap your own barriers and reward yourself in the world of adult ballet.