Here’s what to know before your first class.
My classes have grown up to the point where Ill have 50 people in one class, she says.
Especially since COVID, people really have this need for connection and shared sense of purpose.
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Its really different from going to an exercise classits a little bit of a meditation.
After all, its an art form often depicted as elite and exclusive.
But Landis says the vibe of most adult classes couldnt be further from the cutthroat worlds ofCenter StageorBlack Swan.
People do feel like it has an exclusive aura, she says.
But were really trying to include rather than exclude.
Ive had students say they were always too scared to come, but they were so glad they did.
When people discover it, it really becomes something meaningful in their life.
Inspired to hit the ballet barre?
What to know before your first adult ballet class
Beginner doesnt always mean beginner.
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Confusingly, just because a class is labeled beginner doesnt mean its appropriate for first timers, says Landis.
Instead, look for classes called absolute beginner or fundamentals to learn the basics.
Its like a language, says Landis.
Its not like a yoga class where you might go in and follow along.
If you arent sure, call the studio to ask if a class is intended for first timers.
Go see the teacher, and watch how they interact with the students, she says.
Thats the single best way to know if its a good fit for you.
It isnt a fitness class.
Yes, ballet is a form of exercise.
But a ballet class is not a fitness class.
Theres a real artistic aspect to it that doesnt exist in an exercise class, she says.
(FYI: Thoughbarre classesoften claim to be ballet-inspired, real ballet classes are actually very different.)
Expect your ballet teacher to speak in metaphors and imagery more than you may be used to.
Theres also the focus on moving to the music, and on performing for an imagined audience.
Everything is taught based on how your audience is going to receive it, Landis says.
You dont have to splurge on leotardsunless you want to.
If your adult ballet dreams involve a leotard, pink tights and a ballet skirt, thats great.
Hillen says for some students, feeling like they look the part enhances their experience.
Be respectful, but dont worry too much about ballet etiquette.
If you come to a dead stop and people are traveling behind you, people can get injured.
Embrace the corrections.
If a teacher turns their eye to you, its a gift, she says.
She says ballet also develops strength, flexibility, mobility, coordination, balance and good posture.
There are also the mental benefits, she says, like greater spatial and body awareness.
Youre constantly being asked to remember new things, Hillen says.
So youre making a healthier brain by learning something quickly and producing it physically.
Everything else goes away.
Its a very restorative space.
That is so missing from our general lifestyle.
Ive made a lot of friendsits been wonderful, she says.
Everyone cheers each other on.
Its always a joy to see students discovering something they didnt know about themselves, she says.
Your confidence will increase if youre training with a good instructor who allows you to discover that in yourself.
Theyre just immeasurable, says Hillen on the benefits of ballet.
It expands your life.
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