Beginner Ballerina Profile: Zoe Simms aka Bush Ballerina

Our first nominated Beginner Ballerina is Zoe Simms, aka Bush Ballerina. Check out the profile below and make sure you follow her blog to read more about the upcoming ballet classes she’ll be attending with her daughter!

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When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I started ballet in March this year (2013). I was 35 years old.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

I only took a handful of ballet lessons in my childhood. I did a little jazz and tap.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

Ballet was a style of dance that I had never tried properly as a child, and it had always kind of baffled me. It looked complicated and intense. I was overwhelmed by it. Especially the ballet language – “You want me to pirou-what?” I mean, I thought it was absolutely beautiful and enchanting, and I had always wanted to learn it. But I was too scared.

I decided to start ballet as an adult to help me fight my way out of a depression. It was essentially therapy. I needed to spend time each day focussing on something that was completely new to me, and was only for me – not for anyone else. It needed to take me out of my comfort zone. I chose ballet to do that, and it worked.

It’s amazing how something you can be so afraid of can end up being so healing.

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Where do you take classes?

I live in the bush and don’t have access to any adult classes, so I teach myself. I read books on teaching ballet and I search the internet for great ballet videos to learn from. So I take classes in my lounge room. And sometimes by the river.

I will be travelling back and forth to Sydney for some medical treatments for my daughter soon, and I have lined up some ballet classes at Studio Tibor while I am down there. I’m really looking forward to that.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

Ballet soothes my soul. That’s my favorite part.

What is your least favorite part?

Not being able to do everything I wish I could do. Why can’t a retire in releve be easier to hold?

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?zoe ballet hilltop

Oh, I have a mega Polina crush (Polina Semionova)! Haha. Actually, the people who inspire me the most are those who aren’t technically supposed to be dancing ballet but are doing it anyway. Traditionally there has been discouragement around starting ballet any older than teenhood, but now there are all these people starting ballet all through adulthood . It’s both beautiful in contrast, and courageous.

I’m also inspired by the teachers who are not only instructing adult dancers in ballet, but are holding them to high expectations. Those teachers are telling adults starting ballet that they shouldn’t expect less of themselves just because they are not spring chickens. I think that is an inspiring way to view life in general.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

The acute awareness that one day I won’t be able to dance anymore, and that I may be unable to dance sooner rather than later, is a major motivational factor.

I have a connective tissue disorder which makes my body pretty high maintenance. I need to work really hard to keep my body functioning (sometimes only semi-functioning). Ballet has become an important form of physical therapy for me. It’s also, as I mentioned earlier, my emotional therapy. So basically I become a a bit of an all round mess if I don’t dance! Lol.

Do you take any other dance classes?

No. But I would love to have a go at some of the ballroom styles before my dancing days are over. That would be even harder to learn on my own, in the bush! “Bush Ballroom?” Haha.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

My blog. Watching movies. Attempting to fish. Oh, and I am an unabashed Dancing with the Stars geek. Our Australian version just started a new series, so that is my Tuesday night hobby at the moment!

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

You won’t always be able to dance your heart out. So do it while you can.

Remember that every day you are able to dance is a blessing. It’s easy to feel disappointed and frustrated with our physical limitations (especially as adults entering ballet) but it is a blessing to even be in the position that enables you to feel that frustration. Feel blessed that you have a studio or a lounge room to walk into for ballet. Feel blessed to have a teacher or access to amazing teachers who wrote books that you can learn from. Feel blessed when the music starts. Feel blessed when you move your body – even if it’s in the wrong direction. It’s kind of neat that you have a body you can move, because not everyone has that. Ballet really is a gift.

Beginner Ballerina Profile: Bethany Keats

This weeks profile is of Bethany Keats, who started ballet after her gym closed and she couldn’t find another one that offered what she wanted, but needed to stay active. Read more below and be sure to watch out for her blog (bethany.merindolhall.com), which is coming soon!

Bethany getting in some ballet stretching on a ferry!

Bethany getting in some ballet stretching on a ferry!

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I started in the middle of 2012, so I have been doing ballet for a year and a term now.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

I never took formal lessons as a kid but there was one hour of ballet as a part of my gymnastics training to help our movement for floor routines. I hated it and I don’t count it as doing ballet as a kid.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

My gym closed down and not liking what other gyms in my city offered, I needed something to keep me active. My commute to work is over 90 minutes each way therefore my usual outdoor sports I had been involved in were out of the question as there was no daylight when I got home. I started to think about taking some dance classes to blur that line between fun and exercise. I was also concerned about my posture from sitting at a desk all day and ballet ticked all the boxes I was looking for.

Where do you take classes?

I do classes twice a week at The Loft in Geelong.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

I enjoy the movement and muscle control. It’s a great feeling when you’re able to exercise that control and move your muscles exactly how you are supposed to.

What is your least favorite part?

Being in a class of adults with a varied background, the rate of learning is different for everyone and it can be frustrating when it’s moving too slow or two fast – but that’s just about patience (if I’m finding it too slow) or reminding myself that it’ll click another week (if I’m finding it too fast).

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

I couldn’t name a professional dancer to save my life. I have never been to the ballet and I know nothing about it beyond my adult class. Growing up, the only ballerina I knew was Jessi from the Babysitters Club.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

Sheer enjoyment. I have also set myself a goal of pointe as something to work towards.

Do you take any other dance classes?

Not since primary school when I did contemporary. Although there was my debutant ball in year 11 and one term of Latin at university. I’d jump at doing Latin or ballroom again.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

Unfortunately, I don’t have much in the way of free time but I love rowing and I wish I did more of it. It was my primary sport for a number of years but working life just got in the way. I’m also involved with my local community radio station and I learn French.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

Be patient. You won’t get everything straight away and sometimes you just need to let the teacher’s instruction sink in. It can be really frustrating but when it eventually sinks it, it feels great knowing that you had to work hard for it.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I don’t have kids, but I often wonder if ballet would be something I would encourage any future kids, or friends’ kids, to do. I was on the eating disorder spectrum for a number of years and as much as I love ballet as an adult who is aware of body image risks involved, this is something that I’m uncomfortable with when it comes to young people. I think you’d have to choose the teacher very wisely.

 

Q & A with Breaking Pointe’s Allison DeBona

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I started taking ballet a few month’s before the first season of Breaking Pointe started airing.  Since it began, it has been one of my favorite shows on TV as well as an inspiration to me. Although there has been a lot of controversy behind the show (ranging from complaints of not enough dance to too much drama)–the show has done a lot to get ballet back into the spotlight. It’s definitely helped foster my appreciation for dance and makes me want to keep doing ballet although sometimes it has been really tough.

Allison DeBona has definitely been one of my inspirations on the show. Even though she was portrayed as the villain in season one, we got to see a different side of her in the second season. I also love the fact that Allison is super active on social media and loves her fans. She even created a stretching video for them:

Here’s my interview with Allison:

Adult Ballerina Project: When and why did you start dancing ballet?

Allison DeBona: I started ballet at the age of three! I remember loving it from the beginning. I loved pretending to be someone other than myself!

ABP: Who or what inspires your dancing?

Allison: Story telling really drives me to dance. I love being able to bring things to life on stage. I also like to make my family proud. They have done so much to help me get this far and its the only way to pay them back.

ABP: What made you want to pursue dancing as a career?

Allison: I’ve always had a thirst to be onstage. I can’t imagine ever having a desk job!

ABP: What made you decide to go to college instead of immediately pursuing a career in ballet?

Allison: I had taken time off of ballet as teen and I was 16 when I went back to ballet. My parents and I thought it would be best to train longer and we felt college was the best route.

ABP: What has been your favorite dance role?

Allison: I honestly love them all and am grateful for any opportunity I have on stage.

ABP: Who has been your favorite choreographer to work with?

Allison: I can’t answer that!!! Every person has something different to offer. You can learn from anyone!

ABP: What are you currently working on?

Allison: We just finished Sleeping Beauty on tour at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago and next we are working on our fall rep. We are performing “Fire Bird,” “Petite Mort” and “Who Cares?.”

ABP: Do you workout outside of ballet?

Allison: I love going to the gym. I usually run on a treadmill and lift weights.

ABP: What are some of your favorite healthy snacks?

Allison: You can always find me drinking a protein shake after class or between rehearsals. They make me feel strong.

ABP: Do you watch any other dance shows? How well do you think ballet is represented on TV?

Allison: I think there is a dance show for everyone out there. They are all different and they all offer a different perspective. Any opportunity dance has to be exposed is good for our art form.

ABP: What changes in Breaking Pointe would you want to see in Season 3?

Allison: That’s a tough question. Maybe if we get Season 3 we can talk more about our journey’s to being professional. That might be interesting to people.

ABP: What’s it like to be a soloist in Ballet West?

Allison: Amazing. That’s all that I can say about it.

ABP: How has your fame on Breaking Pointe affected your dance career?

Allison: I don’t feel any different in the studio. I do, however, feel a little more nerves dancing live knowing that everyone knows who I am. It’s a bit more pressure.

ABP: What advice would you give to adults (or anyone) who wants to start ballet?

Allison: Ballet is mind over matter. Stay focused and determined and you can accomplish anything!

Find Allison on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to her YouTube account for more stretching videos!

Beginner Ballet Profile: Heidi Edwards

Heidi Edwards was encouraged to start ballet while working as a receptionist in a studio and a ballet instructor inspired her when he told her, “You know, Heidi…it’s never too late to start ballet. If you want to learn, just go for it.” Read the rest of her Q&A to learn more about her inspiration and about her journey to become an adult ballerina!

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When did you start doing ballet as an adult? 

I took a two ballet classes in college because I needed art credits to graduate. After that, I started taking ballet at a studio in 2006, when I was 24.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

 My mom put me in ballet when I was 2, but I didn’t like it. I took jazz and tap lessons a few years later and then joined my school’s dance team. After 9th grade, I quit because our dance coach was verbally abusive. I thought I would never dance again.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult? 

Initially, it was just to get those art credits for college. I was surprised at how much I liked ballet. I took classes after graduating at my husband’s suggestion…he said: “You always look so happy when I watch you dance.”

Where do you take classes? 

DancEncounter Ltd. School of Dance in Geneva, IL It’s a great local studio with a very positive and encouraging atmosphere. They are very good about including the adult dancers in performances and studio events.

What is your favorite part about ballet? 

My favorite thing about ballet is how therapeutic it can be. When I’m in class, all I can think about is my body and how it’s moving…there’s no room for anything else. When life gets difficult, I just go to ballet class and forget all my worries. Ballet also helps me express my emotions. My father recently passed away and instead of speaking at the service, I danced. It really helped me through the grieving process.

What is your least favorite part? 

My least favorite thing about ballet is that it takes a lot of flexibility, which I do not have. Now that I’ve had a child, it’s even harder to do certain things in class. I also hate frappes…I usually get caught making faces during that part of class.

Who/What is your ballet inspiration? 

I was 21 and working at a studio as a receptionist. There was an older male ballet teacher who caught me “dreamily watching” a ballet class from the office. He said: “You know, Heidi…it’s never too late to start ballet. If you want to learn, just go for it.” I tried the studio’s adult ballet class once and he came in to watch and cheer me on. Later that year, he passed away. I made a promise to myself to never forget him or how much he inspired me with his words, attitude and amazing dancing. He opened my eyes to the possibility of dancing as an adult.

What motivates you to keep dancing? 

My family! My husband is so supportive of me, even though I have to spend two nights a week at the studio (sometimes more!). My son is only two and a half, and he tells me constantly: “Mommy, I proud you. You go dance class and wear pointe shoes!” Who could stop dancing after hearing that? My other motivation is performing! I love being on stage, so all the hard work in class is worth it! 

Do you take any other dance classes? 

Not right now…just ballet twice a week. In the past, I have taken jazz, lyrical and tap as an adult.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

 I like to sew, read and watch documentaries. I love board games…my husband and I like to get together with our friends and have game nights. I also enjoy drawing and making crafts with my son.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started? 

Take the time to find a studio and a class that is right for you. Every dancer has different needs and goals, and every studio has different expectations and teaching styles. If you try a class and it’s not what you want, don’t hesitate to try something else. Don’t dance below or above your ability. If you’ve danced before and adult classes are too easy, ask if you can take class with the older teens at the studio. If the adult class is too difficult, ask if there is a basics class or stretch class for teens/adults. And remember…don’t compare yourself to anyone! Everybody improves at their own pace.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

For those of you who are mothers, don’t be afraid of going back to dance (or starting dance) after having a baby. Yes, your body is different. Yes, everything will be harder for a while. But, with the right teacher and the right class level, ballet can still be part of your life. Plus, it gives you much-needed “me time” away from the kids. 🙂

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Beginner Ballerina Profile: Jackie of A Dancer’s Fairytale

This week’s profile is on Jackie of A Dancer’s Fairytale, make sure you check her blog out! She started ballet in June after this year because the national dance company she works for inspired her!

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When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I started on June 15 this year!

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

Yes I started at 3 years old and did dance until I was 15 years old. Dance was everything to me when I was a kid.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

I work at a national ballet company and I was inspired by seeing the ballerinas and dancers every day. I was kind of jealous so I started again. I also wanted to start again because I put on a lot of weight and I wanted to lose it and feel good about myself again.

Where do you take classes?

I take class at CCP Dance School which is the dance school of Ballet Philippines. So besides the company they have a connecting dance school.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

The performance. Isn’t that what dancers live for anyway? For me it is the costumes and the thrill of being on stage and dancing. I have to be on stage a lot for my major but dancing on stage is so much different for me. I just love the preparation and the hard work you put into your dancing to get to that final performance.

What is your least favorite part?

The least favorite part for me is getting frustrated when I can’t do a step or I work so hard on a step and still can’t do it. That for me is the worst. I feel like sometimes I expect too much and when I have a hard time doing something I will get so mad at ballet but I guess that is part of the dedication and I think I am perfectionist which makes it even more difficult for me. Also a silly thing is when I cannot pronounce the step. I am studying French so I am trying to perfect it so I can say the steps better.

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

Who inspires me would have to be my dad. Since I started again he has been putting up with my ballet talk ever since I started working for the company and he helped me decided to start back up again. Sometimes he says I have “ballet brain” and encourages me and not let me worry and lets me stay positive. Another thing that is an inspiration to me is myself. I try and motivate myself to do ballet because it is such a passion of mine. Seeing professional dancers every day also adds to that but if I believe I can they nothing can stop me.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

Besides the company dancers, I would say the break I had. I regretted taking 5 years off which you would think is not really a long time but to me it was like forever. I pretty much try to motivate myself so I could do what I always dreamed of doing which is becoming a dance teacher.

Do you take any other dance classes?

Not right now because I am in the last year of college but after I graduate I plan on starting and teaching tap at the dance school I take classes at.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

I write. I love writing novels and making stories in my head. I am taking up a communication course as my major so I get to write often. Another hobby I love to do is read I guess but that’s kind of similar to writing because you need to read if you want to get inspiration for writing. Other than dancing I don’t have much of a hobby.

What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?

My advice would be to start ballet if it is your dream. Don’t be scared because someone will judge you. I was afraid to start again but I did it and I love being back. If you think you want to start don’t let anything hold you back because the regret will eat you up. Just have fun and everything will follow because in the end it is always worth it!

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for letting me do this interview. I really enjoyed doing it and answering it. I wish everyone luck in their adventures of dancing!