This week’s profile is of Meghan. Check out her blog: Wellies and Pearls and Ballet Shoes.
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I returned to ballet in 2014 so I’ve only been back for a short while.
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
I took classes for a year or so when I was 6 to 7 and then my family moved overseas so my early ballet career was short lived. I’ve always loved ballet, but it made it difficult to stick to anything as a military brat. Thankfully, I discovered musical theater when I was about 11-years-old so I had plenty of opportunities while growing up to sing and dance and ham it up! Later, I took ballet in college which was a great experience, and also after graduation when I was an intern working in D.C. … then I took a decade-long break!
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
The short answer is that I love ballet and found I really missed it! It was something I always said I would come back to when I had a good work and life balance so that I could fully commit.
Where do you take classes?
I take classes in the adult program at the School of the Richmond Ballet and feel so fortunate to be able to dance there. I especially love that that the SRB has such a wonderful program geared at adults. I also take classes at a small studio near my work a couple of times a week.
What is your favorite part about ballet?
I love the whole ballet environment – the structure, the discipline, the combination of athleticism and artistry required, and especially, I love the challenge.
What is your least favorite part?
Um… that ballet is so hard! Actually, I love the difficulty, but I hate how long it sometimes takes to get a step from my brain to my feet!
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
I could go on and on with this one because so many people inspire me. Each time I walk into the SRB, I’m inspired by the professional company of the Richmond Ballet and feel so honored to be able to dance in the same space as the amazing pros. I’m also inspired by other adults starting or returning as adults. One of my favorite things to do after my class at the SRB, is to peak in and watch the more advanced adults students in their class so I can remember what I’m working for!
What motivates you to keep dancing?
I don’t need much motivation because I love it so much! Something I learned from running, however, is that it’s important to have goals in place so I have something to work toward otherwise I’ll get stuck in a rut. Right now my goal is to be ready to be ready for my first ballet intensive this summer and that keeps me practicing as much as I can and helps motivate me to make every possible class!
Do you take any other dance classes?
Yes, I also take Irish dance classes.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I spend my time outside of ballet recovering from ballet classes, running, reading, writing posts for my blog, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time my dog.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
Well, first I would say, just give it a try and don’t let your nerves get in the way! My first few classes were very nerve-wracking but after a few weeks, the butterflies finally vacated my stomach! I spoke with a new student this past weekend and she said she was shaking her entire first class too, so obviously, nerves are normal. The important thing is to just dance through them!
The second thing I would suggest is try to find a program geared at adults. I dance at the SRB which is an open class format for adults. I also dance with teens at a school with more of a syllabus-based/recital-at-the- end-of-the-year type of program. Both have their merits but I love the community and encouragement of the adult program. I’m actually more intimidated by the teens!
Anything else you’d like to add?
As a follow on to my last comment, if you want to take ballet classes but can’t find a program for adults, definitely engage in the online community of adult ballet dancers. There are a ton of great blogs out there and everyone is very warm and encouraging. It’s important to have that type of support because a lot of the time you feel like you’ll feel very isolated as an adult ballet dancer.
Do you have a blog?
Yes, I have a blog called Wellies and Pearls and Ballet Shoes: http:// welliesandpearlsandballetshoes.wordpress.com/
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