Check out this week’s profile of one of my favorite fellow ballerina bloggers, Remedial Ballerina !
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I started taking class in August of 2012.
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
Many! I started taking ballet at age 3, all the way through age 18. I dabbled in tap and jazz, but ballet was always my favorite.
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
I was stuck in a rut for a long time. I gave birth to my daughter, and everything changed in my life. I put on some weight, my old slight dancer figure was no more, and it really bothered on me. I tried running, biking, swimming, zumba and weight lifting. I was interested in all of those things for awhile, but nothing ever stuck. I needed a way to shape up, increase my strength and give me some release from the daily grind.
Oddly enough (and embarrassing to admit!) I started watching the show Dance Moms, which reminded me how much I loved to dance growing up. I spent all of my childhood learning ballet, it was a natural transition. At the age of 26, I decided to take the plunge and join an adult ballet class. Since the semester started I’ve never missed a class. I’m actually panicking now trying to locate a studio that offers summer adult classes!
Where do you take classes?
I take classes at a lovely little studio in the Milwaukee area.
What is your favorite part about ballet?
My favorite thing about ballet is that everyone is there for the same reason, to improve themselves in some way. I always felt judged at the gym, never welcome. Ballet is amazing because everyone is so engrossed in their own technique, nobody has time to watch you make stupid mistakes. Even better, EVERYONE makes at least one stupid mistake each class, looks ridiculous doing a certain move, etc. Ballet is non-judging and an amazing way to forget about everything else in your life.
What is your least favorite part?
My least favorite part about ballet is that I gave up dancing, and now I’m playing an intense game of catch-up.
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
I dont have a favorite dancer, but I’m inspired by my own progress. It’s been 8 months back at it, and my body has changed dramatically. I have more to work on, and I see my own improvement week after week. It’s unlike any other fitness program, sport, or hobby I’ve ever tried.
What motivates you to keep dancing?
I’ve lost 22 lbs since I re-started ballet in August 2012. I know that doesn’t sound like that much, but I’ve gone down 2 pant sizes, I’m significantly more toned and only getting healthier every day. The quest to be healthy and strong is what drives me to pursue dance again.
Do you take any other dance classes?
I do! I’m taking lyrical and pointe in addition to technique class.
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I’m motivated by and pretty good at most creative projects I try out. My favorite hobby aside from ballet is art quilting and fabric collage. I really enjoy making intricate fabric collages out of tiny pieces of fabric. Aside from that, I love reading, writing, and playing various instruments
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
DIVE IN! Don’t worry about trying to lose weight before you join a ballet class. You’ll melt it off during class. Ballet is hard, but very physically and mentally gratifying.
One last thing– ALWAYS wear a leotard. Even if you think you’re not in shape to wear a leotard, ballet involves lots of bending/spinning/jumping, and you’ll want the leotard to keep your midsection covered!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Ballet has literally changed my life. It sounds cheesy, but I think it will change yours too. Try it out!
