This week’s adult ballerina profile is of Isabelle Roybal, a fellow adult ballerina and follower of the Adult Ballerina Project. Check out her own blog thespicymermaid.com
Adult Ballerina Project: When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
Isabelle Roybal: I started up again in the beginning of September 2012. At first I did DVD’s at home, but shortly after I found an adult only dance studio. It was meant to be.
ABP: Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
IR: I competed in artistic roller skating for 10 years and we took it regularly, but mainly worked on upper body movements since we had our own thing going on with our feet.
ABP: Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
IR: At first, it was a desperate search for a weight loss program. I’ve gone through so many fads: Zumba, yoga, hula hooping, running, the gym, racquetball, the treadmill, circuit workouts. One day late August I came across an article about Mary Helen Bowers training Natalie Portman for “Black Swan”. I had an epiphany! I always loved the fluid and grand movements of ballet. I tried a couple of her DVD’s and went from there. Since skating isn’t an option for me, ballet was the obvious choice. Now I’m addicted and can’t think of much else.
Loving the tutu, Isabelle!
ABP: Where do you take classes?
IR: There is an adult ballet studio called Room To Dance only 10 minutes from my house. It’s convenient and very low cost. Jackpot!
ABP: What is your favorite part about ballet?
IR: I love the effortless look of obvious strength the most. When I skated I basically had 5 pound weights strapped to my feet. This is more freedom. Something I can really use to dance away my daily stresses.
ABP: What is your least favorite part?
IR: I haven’t had any physical issues yet but I know this will be my problem. I’ll be putting my all into it and I expect there will be some annoying injuries or obstacles to overcome especially at my age.
ABP: Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
IR: Me. Another reason for taking actual classes was that this was something I could do and do well. My daily job is one of basically tending to the needs of others. Kissing butt without question. Taking negativity with a smile. Ballet is mine. No one can take it from me.
ABP: What motivates you to keep dancing?
IR: Although I’m overweight now and shy in my “old” age, I’d love to be on stage again. I miss performing. I’ve always been a ham! Oh, and the shopping. I love shopping for ballet junk.
ABP: Do you take any other dance classes?
IR: As soon as I can get up the stairs to the studio without huffing and puffing I’d love to take ballroom and/or salsa. It’s like what I did when I skated but sans wheels!
ABP: What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
IR: I love my dogs. I have 3 chihuahuas that I love coming home to every day. I also couldn’t live without camping and travel. I’m lucky enough to have found a wonderful man to take me on tropical destinations at least once a year.
ABP: What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
IR: What else could they say? At our age, we’ve obviously seen some stuff and been through some things. It’s scary to start a new adventure in life. I never, EVER thought I’d be leaping and jumping in skimpy clothes in front of people. But this isn’t high school. If there are mumblings, who cares?! I’m very very self conscious about my weight and I’m not even that big. It was more than worth the effort and it turned out everyone was awesome! Start small, you’ll want more.
ABP: Anything else you’d like to add?
IR: Don’t be afraid. Of anything. Except the tuna at Subway. *shudders*
Want to read more? Check out more profiles on David Wilson and Legal Ballerina.
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