Ballet = Fun, But Sometimes That’s Easy To Forget

About two weeks ago, I had a pretty miserable ballet class. I was upset with how I was doing in center floor and pretty much beat myself up about it for a while afterwards. I forgot that ballet class was supposed to be fun.

I didn’t make it to another class until this past Friday.

Part of the reason I didn’t go back was because I was feeling exhausted and sick, but deep down I was too nervous go back. So I didn’t.

I made excuses as to why not to go — I needed more sleep, I should do some work, I’m too tired. But I finally forced to go on Friday even though I didn’t get much sleep the night before.

There were only five of us in the class and I ended up standing at the front of the barre (technically the back) and had someone who was taking her first class following behind me.

That’s a lot of pressure for a “first” class back, and I definitely sweat more than I usually do. But I was really proud of the fact I managed to remember (most) of the combinations, even those in the center. I was practically in tears by the time I left.

Happy tears. Ballet is supposed to be fun. I need to remember not to beat myself up so much when I have a “bad” class.

I went to class again on Saturday morning. I also did pre-pointe in my soft shoes afterwards.

My body has been really sore and tight lately after class too, so I’ve decided to try to make more of a point (no pun intended) to stretch more at home, especially now that I have the room to  do so. I cleared off my barre (I had been using it as a drying rack) and did some stretching earlier today.

Another exciting thing that came out of this weekend is the fact that my instructor plans on starting at square one again in a pointe class on Fridays, so I’ll finally be able to start again.

How have your classes been going now that it’s practically fall?

Beginner Ballerina Profile: Carina Perry

Here’s another great profile of Carina Perry, who takes classes at the Dance Hub in South Africa. Susan, who owns the studio, wrote a guest post for ABP a few months ago here.

IMG_7162When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

January 2012

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

Yes I had lessons for plus/minus 2 years when I was 9.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

I knew I had to do some exercise but don’t like the gym. So I was looking for adult tap dance classes and couldn’t find, And then I discover Dance Hub and that was a new exciting phase in my life.

Where do you take classes?

Not that far from home at a gym.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

Discipline in another fun way, lots of laughing and meeting new people. Good exercise and toning of the body. Last year I did a pilates class also and that helped a lot to becoming more fit.

What is your least favorite part?

When I miss a class due to guests, illness or work.

Who/What is your ballet inspiration?

I always loved ballet, don’t need inspiration, enjoy all of it.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

It changed my way of thinking, in the beginning I couldn’t concentrate on nothing, just thinking of work. Therefore its good for body and mind.

IMG_7172Do you take any other dance classes?

Currently I’m doing one absolute beginners class and two beginners classes during the week.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

Photography, gardening, crocheting and knitting

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

Never give up, you don’t feel on top of the world the first couple of months. I struggled so much in the beginning, nothing make sense. And after 4 months I started feeling more comfortable. I’m 42 years old and did no exercises except from running and smoked 30 cigarettes a day, I stop smoking in my forth month of ballet and still going strong. I gain a lot of weight after stopped smoking but still I’m proud of myself.

Anything else you’d like to add?

An extra bonus is Susan, (owner of the dance school) allows me to take photos of the more advance dancers and there shows and that is so great. I’m privilege to combine two hobbies and grateful that my health is still good to do ballet. Susan is the actual soul of the ballet school, she is such an inspiration, she started with no experience and is a great adult ballet dancer today. She is good fun and put a lot of effort into the school. I’m privilege to be part of Dance Hub 2013.

 

One of the photos taken by Carina.

One of the photos taken by Carina.