Today’s profile is of Riette Hartzenberg, who also takes classes at Susan Attfield’s ballet studio in South Africa.

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

About 3 years ago.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

No.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

It was something I always wanted to do and finally got around to doing. I also read an article about the toning benefits of a good ballet session.

Where do you take classes?

At the Irene dance hub.

What is your favorite part about ballet?

Getting something right after lots and lots of practice. Furthermore it forces you to concentrate on nothing else for an hour. For an hour you are “forced” to spend some me-time with yourself. Plus it is really very toning. I made some good friends and we laugh a lot.

What is your least favorite part?

Pirouettes. I don’t handle turns very well.

What motivates you to keep dancing?

I really enjoy it.

What are your hobbies outside of ballet?

I go the gym a few times during the week, and enjoy doing arts and crafts.

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

Go for it! Just enjoy it and give yourself time to grow into it. We all like to be perfect from the start, but you have to be between 5 and 15 to master it in a day.

Riette Hartzenberg is 2nd from left

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