How to get started with ballet as an adult
Deciding to try something new can be somewhat daunting – typically, we fear the unknown or feel anxious about starting a new hobby ‘too late’ in life. However, we have compiled a list of everything you need to know to get started and enter into the world of ballet.
Ballet really is for everyone - (literally!)
Here at Ballet Fusion, we are firm believers everyone should be given the opportunity to dance. No matter your age, gender, height or skill level – everyone is welcome.
Ballet is not just for children – and no, you do not have to wear a sparkly, frilly pink tutu and a crystal tiara (although we are fully supportive if you do!).
We like to think of Ballet as being a universal language - learnt, understood and enjoyed by all.
Do your research - how do I choose my instructor and the type of ballet class I want to attend?
It’s important to research, research and research - not just about Ballet in general, but also about your chosen instructors and the subsequent classes you will be joining.
Our Ballet Fusion instructors are all fully qualified within ballet, other dance genres and/or fitness. Take a look at our amazing team:
Rhea – Founder of Ballet Fusion. Taught ballet and fitness for 15 years (adults and children).
Alicia – Trained at the Royal Ballet School and is now a fully qualified ballet teacher.
Alyssa – Part of the Royal Academy of Dance Vocational Programme and now teaches ballet, jazz and yoga.
Chloe – Qualified ballet teacher/full-time fitness instructor. Chloe also holds a BA (Hons) degree in Dance Performance and is a national level Olympic weightlifter!
Dani – Studied a BA (Hons) in Dance and Musical Performance with Urdang Academy in London and is also a qualified ice skating and gymnastics coach.
Completing your research before attending any class is vital – an under-qualified instructor could cause unwanted injury if a high standard of teaching is not provided.
What type of class would you like to attend? Would you like a structured class, purely focusing on the basics of ballet? Perhaps you’re more experienced and feel more confident about attending a faster paced class? These are all questions you should ask yourself before signing up to any class.
Ballet Fusion offers a huge range of adult ballet and fitness class types (we have 24 classes to choose from right now!) –something for everyone to enjoy!
Dancewear - what to wear and how should I style my hair?
As mentioned before, you do not need a pink tutu! In fact, you don’t even need the traditional ballet attire (leotard, tights etc) if you would prefer not to!
There is huge flexibility when it comes to your outfit choice (plus it gives you an incredible excuse for a shopping spree!) - leggings, sport tops, t-shirts etc are all popular choices amongst our Ballet Fusion clients!
For some outfit inspiration, take a look at our Instagram @balletfusionltd - P.S our founder, Rhea, has some amazing leggings!
If you would prefer a more traditional look, we have an amazing range of leotards and popular dancewear in our online dancewear shop.
In terms of popular hairstyles, our best piece of advice would be to make sure your hair is tied up and out of the way of your face – although ballet is often identified by the famous ‘ballet bun’, instructors and clients alike often wear their hair in ponytails and braids!
Ballet shoes – do you really need them for your first class?
Of course, when trying a ballet class for the very first time, you may not want to go out and spend money on a pair of ballet shoes you may not use again. At Ballet Fusion, our clients often have bare feet or socks (although we would advise against socks if you are on a slippery laminate flooring).
We are positive you will love our classes, but feel free to try out a class before you buy!
Before class begins - what exactly are ‘warm-up clothes’ and how should I prepare for class?
We advise clients to wear ‘warm-up clothes’ before and at the beginning of class - more traditional styles include wrap cardigans/shrugs, ankle/lower leg warmers etc (again all of these can be purchased from our online shop and include popular dance brands such as Bloch, Intermezzo and many more).
If you would prefer to wear more general fitness attire, garments such as sweatshirts (without a hood) or a tracksuit are all great options.
When your class commences, we often begin with a series of warm-up exercises at the barre (pliés, tendus etc), however you may want to do your own simple warm-up to begin with (head rolls, gentle calf stretches, small jogs on the spot etc) to help prepare your body for the class ahead at your own pace.
What should I bring to class?
First and foremost – WATER! It’s also a good idea to make sure you have a sturdy water bottle which doesn’t tend to leak everywhere. It’s super important to keep hydrated throughout class and stop for a break as and when you need to take one.
Secondly, within most of our Ballet Fusion classes, we often finish with some core and strengthening work which requires a yoga/exercise mat.
Finally, within our online classes, we often take exercises at the ballet barre – we advise having a chair/countertop to hand which is close to your hip level.
During class – what if I don’t understand the terminology you use?
Please don’t panic if you hear words and terminology you have never heard before – these will become familiar over time and our Ballet Fusion instructors will usually use ‘plain’ English, alongside the French and Italian alternatives.
Before your first class, you could familiarise yourself by watching basic YouTube videos with hints and tips about the various ballet positions we use regularly.
Alternatively, please ask questions during class! We love passing on our knowledge and we will explain everything in thorough detail if you have any questions or concerns!
What if I feel others are more advanced than me?
Please remember, even professional dancers had to start somewhere – they were once beginners like you.
It’s really important not to compare yourself to others in the class – everyone who attends wants to learn. We are all individual and deserve to acknowledge ourselves as unique.
Secondly, as instructors, we often give individual advice as well as general corrections for the whole class. If you can, try to apply all corrections given throughout.
Finally, the good old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ couldn’t be truer – take your time to practice the exercises and positions you have learnt within class. We all learn at different paces and sometimes different steps can take longer to achieve. Don’t become impatient with yourself – we often become frustrated when we can’t do something, but with time and patience, you will master tricky movements with ease.
What if I’m concerned about others watching me?
Our classes at Ballet Fusion are built around a warm, friendly and positive atmosphere. No one should ever feel uncomfortable.
If you feel particularly anxious, you may prefer a more personalised 1-1 experience. Ballet Fusion offer private ballet lessons and packages where we can tailor the class entirely around you (including the pace of the lesson, your class focus etc). If this is something you would like more information on, please contact the Ballet Fusion team via our e-mail address: hi@balletfusion.co.uk
Alternatively, you can follow the following links to our website:
And finally...
ENJOY! Seize the opportunity to learn a new skill in 2021 and join the Ballet Fusion family!