The Benefits And Challenges Of Starting Ballet Classes As An Adult

Many little girls and boys dream of one day becoming ballet dancers — but some of them never end up taking ballet classes. If you dreamed of dancing ballet when you were young but never quite got the opportunity, it is not too late! There are ballet classes created specifically for adults like you. Keep reading, and you'll learn about some of the benefits of joining such classes, as well as how to address some of the challenges you'll encounter along the way. 

Benefits of Taking Ballet Classes as an Adult

Self-Expression

Many adults feel like they don't have a lot of opportunities to express themselves. You may not be able to voice your true opinion at your job, and your everyday family duties may not allow you to use your creativity to your fullest. Ballet classes will teach you how to express yourself with the art of dance. You'll leave class feeling like you let your true self be heard.

Exercise

Chances are, like many adults, you could use more exercise. But common forms of exercise like going to the gym or jogging around the block can get pretty boring. Ballet is excellent exercise. You'll do strength work, stretches, and plenty of aerobic work in the course of one class. It really is a full-body workout, and it's one that will hold your attention. An hour-long class will be over before you know it — not drag on like the hour you spend on the treadmill at the gym. Staying active as you grow older will reduce your risk of ailments like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

Friends

Do you feel like your opportunities to make new friends are limited? You probably go to the same places each day, and you may not have as many chances to meet new people as you did when you were in college. Ballet classes are a good opportunity to broaden your social group and meet other people who share your interest in dance. 

Challenges of Taking Ballet as an Adult

Aches and Pains

You're not as young as you once were, and neither are your joints. You might have some aches and pains, especially after your first few classes as you begin to use your body in new ways. To ease the aches and pains, try soaking in an Epsom salts bath after each class. The magnesium in the Epsom salts help ease muscular pain. Also, make sure you warm up fully before each class and take time to stretch after every class. 

Coordination

Ballet has a lot to do with muscle memory. The first few times you try a new move, you may feel uncoordinated. Adults have a harder time learning new moves and performing them in a coordinated manner than children do, which is one reason why the best ballerinas start young. However, you can make up for this deficiency by using repetition. Practice moves that you struggle with on your off days. Do them again and again and again until they feel natural.

Making Time

You're busy. You have far more things to do than there are hours in a day. Making time for ballet classes is important since you deserve to spend some time improving yourself and your own health. Here are some practical ways to do that:

• See if a friend would be willing to watch your kids for a few hours one night a week during your ballet classes.
• Choose a ballet studio that offers classes for kids, too. They can take a class while you also take a class.
• Cut out an activity that is no longer serving you, such as going to the gym.

Ballet classes are a lovely activity for adults of all ages. Take your first class, and enjoy heading down the path to a new and improved you. Talk to a local dance studio like Mercury Academy of Dance for more information.