Beginning Ballet Question?

Question:

Beginning Ballet Question?

Hi everyone! I am a mom and 28. My step daughter has convinced me to take adult ballet classes. (BTW, she has been dancing since she was 3 and does pointe now too) I'm excited but also a bit intimidated. I have little dance experience but the school I contacted said that was ok and most of the adults were in the same boat. What is the best advice you have for the beginner? Any other adult ballet dancers out there? How was/is your experience? How can I be the best dancer I can? How many days a week should I dance? Any advice, thoughts, encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: To be the best dancer you can be is to put your whole heart and soul into it a little at a time. Dance is something that requires an inner drive and can't be done [well] without it. Getting enough practice at home and at the studio will prepare you.

To be prepared for class, you can start limbering up. It will make barre exercises easier. Stretching of the hamstrings and back would be the best places to start. You can look up exercises online or even start a yoga routine! I know they show them early in the morning on TV channels like Oxygen.

How many days a week you should dance? Start off with one or two classes a week. You don't want to overload yourself with ballet and you will probably be sore the first few weeks!But once you get in the groove and have more experience, try to get more and more classes in a week as you can without conflicting with your work or personal life.

The most important thing is to NOT be intimidated. It is normal for you to feel this way, but you shouldn't. Though everyone else is just starting out too, there are going to be ones that develop skills easier and move ahead and you might be jealous, intimidated, and even feel like quiting. However, there is always going to be someone better than you and you should not worry about it. Who knows? Maybe you could be the one that people look up to!

I wish you fun and luck in the ballet experience. I have every confidence that you will enjoy yourself and be the best dancer you can be!