This week’s profile is of Belén Aguilar, who runs En Dehors Blog in both English and Spanish. Make sure to like her blog on Facebook too, because she updates there more frequently!
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I started Ballet when I was 18. And it was cause I had back problems and my doctor told me the best would be whether swimming or ballet. And I had a ballet academy just around the corner, and I started there. Till that time I have never been interested in ballet and less in taking ballet classes, but now I can’t live without Ballet!
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
I did have taken dance lessons, but not ballet lessons. I danced my whole life Spanish dance and Flamenco, which has all the ballet technique of the arms and some steps.
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
At first time I only thought that it would be good for my back health, but then I realized that it was good for my whole body, mind and soul. And now is my passion.
Where do you take classes?
I’m taking classes in Madrid (Spain) but I also took Ballet lessons in Leipzig (Germany, that was a really interesting experience, cause at the beginning I didn’t speak so much German, but it is not a problem if you wanna dance, and I actually adore dancing there. I think is a good experience to change sometimes your academy (summers, or periods of time) to learn about different people and to enrich yourself.
What is your favorite part about ballet?
My favorite part is when you feel that your body belongs to the music.
What is your least favorite part?
The en Dehor part…I find it so hard to get to that. It takes years and years of training, but without that Ballet wouldn’t be the same…
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
My ballet inspiration has always been Polina Seminova and also the girls who dance ballet with me, they’re such a hard workers and never give up.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
I think my motivation is that I see the results of working hard.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I love languages, travelling and bakery.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
If you are constant and make effort on what you really like, you’re gonna see the results, you just have to be really really patient and keep the hard work. But the most important thing is to enjoy. I think dance has to be a passion.
Do you have a blog?
Yes. But due to my work and studies I can’t write that much, but on my facebook page I try to update everything about my favorite ballerinas and their videos. I usually write in English and Spanish.
