Tips for Adults Starting Ballet for the First Time
For adults, taking up ballet for the first time is a big deal, even if you’ve been dancing for a while. Although more and more adults are being inspired by the wonderful benefits that ballet exercises offer, there is still a certain stigma behind it. Some people think that ballet is only for children. Others don’t take adult dancers that seriously unless they are professionals or teachers. Well, I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t let these stereotypes hold you back. You belong in the studio. Otherwise the classes wouldn’t exist! Once you practicing ballet, it becomes a part of your personality and improves your life in so many ways. Let’s take a look at some tips to keep in mind as you begin your journey.
1. Don’t settle for just any studio.
If you have a choice between several dance studios in your area, take the time to do some research. While some studios may offer the same classes, they may differ in their teaching style and philosophy. Some studios are more relaxed, while others are strict and by the book. Finding the right studio for you depends on your goals. Do you just want to get a good workout while learning a little ballet, or do you want to get into the technique and details? How often do you want to train? Do you only want to learn ballet techniques or also improve your figure? Do you like social group classes or do you prefer to focus on your personal needs? If you find a studio that helps you achieve your goals, you will enjoy your training more.
2. Bring a water bottle.
It goes without saying that hydration is important! Don’t be fooled by the cliché that ballet is easy. You will work up a sweat, especially as you get to know your body better and become more aware of it. Learning to feel and use your body correctly takes time and dedication. The more often you practice at the beginning, the quicker you will reap the rewards.
3. Come to class a little earlier.
If you are brand new to the studio, you will have some time to familiarize yourself with the space and maybe even get to know a few people from your class. This will help you get over your nervousness. It also gives you more time to warm up if you need to.
4. Choose your space and spacing.
Where you stand at the barre can make a difference. We recommend that adults starting ballet for the first time choose a place in the middle of the barre. The exercises are performed with one hand on the barre and you turn around to repeat the exercise on the other side. If you stand in the middle of the bar, you will have someone to watch on either side. It’s easy to focus on yourself, but don’t forget that there are others around you! There should be enough space in front of and behind you at the barre so that you can extend your leg without hitting another dancer. (Don’t worry, your teacher will guide you!)
5. Learn to use the mirror.
Next to your instructor, The mirror is your most important tool! You may feel like you are doing something right, but you won’t know for sure unless you look at yourself in the mirror. Really pay attention to how your body looks. Pay attention to things like your curves and lines. If you’re working on choreography, pay attention to your spacing and timing.
6. Don’t worry about other people watching you.
Everyone is taking the class to learn. The only person who will be watching you closely is your teacher. Remember that everyone else, just like you, are trying their best and concentrating on their personal progress.
7. Pay attention to every correction.
There are a lot of things to remember in ballet. It may look simple, but there are a lot of details to remember. You are not expected to learn everything at once or immediately. Listening to corrections, even if they’re not your own, will help you learn all those little details.
Dance teachers don’t correct dancers for fun, so don’t take it personally. It can be frustrating, especially if you feel like you’re doing everything right, but teachers are correcting you for your safety and to help you improve. For example, corrections about your turn out is for your safety and progress.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The time to ask questions will depend on your teacher, but don’t be afraid to ask them! Your teachers are there to help you learn.
9. Be persistent and consistent.
There will be days when your body just won’t cooperate or you just can’t get a move done. It happens to everyone. You will get there eventually if you keep focusing. Once you get there, keep practicing so that this skill becomes second nature. As with anything in life, consistency is the key to improvement.
10. Don’t compare yourself to others!
You will meet people from different backgrounds in adult ballet. Some dancers have taken lessons at a younger age and want to start dancing again. Others have no experience and are taking dance lessons for the very first time. No matter where you are, remember that it is your personal journey. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
11. Have confidence in yourself. Starting out as an adult has its advantages!
Starting as an adult doesn’t mean you have to dance for years just to learn the basics. As an adult, you actually have some advantages!
Adults can understand concepts on a deeper level, you have made the decision to train without the influence of others, so this is your personal aspiration and motivation. You will be surprised how much adults can learn in just one dance season!
Ballet has a very defined structure that has been developed and refined over many years. This concept allows anyone to join at any time and make progress after just a few lessons.
We look forward to seeing you at our classes and workshops! xoxo
Source: chassesnlattes.com