When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I started ballet Fall 2014.
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
No, I [and my two sisters] was so involved with sports that there was no extra time to take dance. We did gymnastics so we received a lil dance training for floor exercise, but other than that all dancing in our home was self taught.
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
I’ve always wanted to take ballet and a friend of mine, who grew up dancing, mentioned she still attends dance class as an adult. That got me thinking, “Hey, I bet I can find a beginners class somewhere”. I also found this blog and it made me realize I wasn’t the only person interested in adult ballet.
Where do you take classes?
Adagio Ballet
What is your favorite part about ballet?
The clothes. Haha, just kidding. I mean, I love my tights, leotard and skirt, but there is so much that I enjoy about ballet. I love the beautiful lines in a simple plie or in a jete, ballet is just so clean and precise. However, my favorite part of ballet is mastering a new move and knowing you’ve nailed a combination that’s previously given you trouble.
What is your least favorite part?
The flexibility and foot control. I have bad ankles from years of soccer and it makes releves hard to master. My balance normally is pretty stellar, but on releve I’m extremely wobbly. I am also incredibly INFLEXIBLE so my movements aren’t nearly as beautiful as I’d like them. Oh and my tight hips, yeah they don’t really help either.
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
This blog was a big inspiration. Adult ballet was on my mind for awhile and when I stumbled across this blog it was like the go ahead I needed to try a class. The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are my other inspirations. I’ll never get tired of watching either ballet.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
The desire to get better and the high of nailing a new combination or receiving praise from my teacher. Sometimes I’m dragging at the beginning of class and my plies are just blah. But, by the end when we’re going across the floor I find myself wishing for a longer class because I’m having so much fun. I enjoy the challenge of something new every class.
Do you take any other dance classes?
No, unless you count the occasional Zumba class. I took beginners modern, jazz and ballroom dancing in college and those were some of my favorite courses.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I still play coed soccer, am on multiple kickball teams, run, play tennis, workout at the gym and sporadically attend yoga classes. [Squats don’t really come in handy when I’m trying to plie, my teacher calls me out all the time for an untucked tush]. I also love to read, blog and cook in my spare time.
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
Take the plunge and just do it. Even if you’re scared you’ll look silly, in a beginners class everyone is new. Remember to take each class at a time and that Rome wasn’t built in a day. You’ll have good classes and challenging class but don’t give up.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’m just really happy I took the plunge and attended a class. It is such a fun activity and I love ‘playing ballerina’ once a week. I’m not very good and I have so much to work on, but I truly enjoy the challenge.
Do you have a blog?
Yes, my lil piece of the internet is http://pinkypersistence.blogspot.com
__________________________________________________
