How can adults start ballet and what are the benefits?

Ballet is often seen as a dance form that is primarily practiced by children and teenagers, with most adults assuming that they have missed their chance to start ballet.

However, this is far from the truth.

Adults can start ballet at any age, and it can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity that offers both physical and mental benefits.

First and foremost, ballet is a great form of exercise. It is a full-body workout that improves flexibility, balance, and strength. Ballet movements require control, precision, and coordination, which can enhance the mind-body connection and improve cognitive function.

Moreover, ballet can help adults maintain a healthy weight, increase flexibility, creativity, and improve your general health and wellbeing.

In addition to the physical benefits, ballet can also offer emotional and mental benefits. It is is a creative and expressive art form that can provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment as well as a form of stress-relief.

If you choose to attend group classes, you may even discover a supportive and inclusive environment where you can make new friends, socialise, and connect with others who share their passion for dance.

But, it is important to keep in mind that starting ballet as an adult can be challenging too. Adult bodies are different from children's bodies, and adults may have to work harder to achieve certain positions and movements.

As an adult dancer, you may even have to deal with preconceived notions about your abilities, which can be discouraging.

However, this blog post is here to show you first, that you're not alone, and ultimately how ballet can become a life-changing new passion!

Where do I start?

Great, so you've decided to try out ballet as a new hobby- congratulations and welcome aboard! You'll want to start off by deciding whether you would like to jump straight in to in-studio beginner classes with other adult dancers, or if you prefer to ease your way in with online lessons; be it on-demand or live one-to-one video classes.

Studio classes:

Have a look online to see if there are any local "drop-in" adult beginner ballet classes in your area.

These are classes where you do not need to register beforehand for a series of classes or a course, you simply turn up at the venue, pay a one-off fee and jump straight in.

Adult ballet classes are designed to cater to the unique needs and limitations of adult bodies and offer a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes are typically between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 mins in length and if you're lucky you might even have a live pianist!

The downside of this type of class is that many dancers often feel intimidated by joining a large class full of potentially more experienced "beginner" students who seemingly know what they're doing, where to stand, what to wear etc, along with the sometimes fast pace and crowded studio.

It is also quite difficult to find absolute beginner classes that explain the basics in great detail as most "beginner" students have been dancing for at least a few months, sometimes even over a year.

This can mean that a true beginner might have to jump in at a slighter deeper end and risk missing out on valuable information.

Of course, this shouldn't put you off as most classes are very welcoming and progress at a manageable speed and the great thing about drop-in classes is that if you don't enjoy them, they're commitment-free!

Average cost per class: £10 or $13

Private lessons (in-person and online)

As a ballet teacher, most of my private adult students are beginners who decided that group classes weren't suited to their needs or who felt frustrated with the pace of local drop-in classes.

Even though private lessons are more expensive, they are a great way to ensure a more tailored experience and education and are perfect for the more serious students who are keen to learn and progress faster.

If you have set yourself a particular goal, like taking an exam for example, private lessons may end up being more cost effective as you should take less time to reach your goal with a private teacher fast-tracking you and offering personalised corrections and exercises, compared to a group class where you are not guaranteed to receive feedback.

You are also far more likely to develop your skills further with private tuition which in itself can feel hugely satisfying.

A great way to save on private coaching if you have clear space at home, is to ask your tutor if they would be happy to conduct the classes at you house rather than to pay for the hire of a dance studio.

If this is the case, why not take it one step further and book online lessons which tend to be even cheaper!

Average cost per in-person private class: Between £50-£100 ($70-$130) depending on your location and the chosen teacher

Average cost per online private class: Between £30-£50 ($40-$70)

On-demand classes and courses:

This is definitely the cheapest and most accessible option of them all whilst safely in the knowledge that you are receiving good quality and structured training.

You can always follow classes on Youtube, which are free, but there is no guarantee that you'll receive good advice from a trained professional and it is unlikely that you'll find a series classes that are structured to gradually increase in difficulty.

On-demand classes and courses from a reputable teacher is a wonderful way to work at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, build in confidence and expand your knowledge before you start in-studio classes or private tuition.

On-demand training can be a great supplement throughout your journey for only a fraction of the price. However, I would definitely recommend complementing your online training with occasional in-person classes as it is important to receive feedback from a professional to avoid the risk of making mistakes or picking up bad habits.

Average price per on-demand class: This can vary a lot, but My Ballet Coach offers membership starting from just over £12 ($15) a month, so if you were to take even just 1 ballet class and 1 stretch or workout a week, that would be only £1.50 ($2) per class.

Things to remember:

Invest in Proper Attire

Ballet requires specific attire, so it's important to invest in proper dancewear or clothes that you will feel comfortable to move in like leggings or shorts.

Traditional ballet uniform like leotards and unitards are not necessary, but can be worn if you wish.

Proper ballet shoes, called ballet flats (see my article on them here), are recommended as they will support your feet and give the right amount of friction as you dance.

Socks will often be too slippery and bare feet will feel too sticky (and in most classes are not allowed).

Long hair should be tied up and if you chose to wear a t-shirt, make sure it isn't too baggy so that your teacher can see your alignment.

You can find ballet attire at dancewear stores such as Bloch, Dance Direct, Sansha or Capezio for example.

For a list of sustainable brands, check out my article here.

Don't forget to bring a water bottle and towel to class too!

Warm Up Before Your Class

It's important to warm up before class to prevent injury and prepare your body for your ballet class.

I would recommend you do some stretches, yoga poses, or even a short cardio workout before class to get your blood flowing and loosen up your muscles.

To follow some of my favourite pre-class warm-ups, check out My Ballet Coach's video library here.

Listen to Your Body

Starting ballet as an adult can be challenging, and it's important to listen to your body and respect your limitations.

Don't push yourself too hard, especially if your physio or doctor has advised against certain movements, and don't compare yourself to others in the class.

Everyone progresses at their own pace, and it's important to focus on your own progress and goals.

Ballet is so much more than just striving for technical perfection, so if you feel like an exercise is too challenging, don't feel bad about sitting it out or even modifying it slightly.

Can it ever be too late to start?

Joining a non-vocational adult ballet class will depend completely on your own health, physical and mental ability, however it should be no different to starting any other style of dance in terms on memory, stamina and physical strength.

Your flexibility is likely to be pushed in ballet a lot more than in other dance styles, but limited flexibility will not prevent you from following a ballet class.

However, starting ballet with the goal of becoming a professional ballet dancer does have it's limitations. In general, once a child approaches their teen years it will become increasingly difficult for them to catch up their peers in order to be of a professional standard by the time they graduate.

Remember that ballet is generally a short career and most professional dancers start to feel their physicality decline from their mid thirties. This means a late starter to ballet will have an even shorter period of time at their peak performance level.

However, if you have trained at a high level in similar disciplines like gymnastics for example, you will find many aspects to ballet a lot less challenging, like flexibility, balance and endurance.

What are the benefits of ballet for adult dancers?

The benefits of ballet extend well beyond the realm of performance and can be embraced by adults of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Physical Fitness and Conditioning

Engaging in ballet as an adult presents an extraordinary opportunity to improve overall physical fitness.

Ballet classes encompass a holistic approach, combining cardiovascular exercises, muscular conditioning, and flexibility training. Through barre work, floor exercises, and intricate dance sequences, participants develop strength in their core, legs, and upper body, leading to a toned physique and increased endurance.

You are likely to notice your memory improve after taking regular ballet classes, as a strong memory is needed for retaining dance combinations and routines.

Improved Posture and Alignment

Ballet places a strong emphasis on proper posture and alignment, and this focus extends beyond the dance studio. Regular ballet practice helps adults develop body awareness, fostering correct alignment of the spine and improved posture.

The elongated lines and controlled movements in ballet enhance balance and stability while reducing the risk of postural imbalances and related discomfort such as back pain.

The benefits of improved posture extend to daily life, enhancing confidence and projecting an air of poise and grace.

Flexibility and Range of Motion

Flexibility is a cornerstone of ballet, and adult participants can experience significant improvements in their range of motion through regular practice.

Ballet's stretching exercises lengthen and strengthen muscles, gradually increasing flexibility over time. This increased range of motion not only enhances dance movements but also aids in everyday activities, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting joint health.

Mind-Body Connection and Mental Well-being

One of the most profound benefits of ballet for adults lies in its ability to foster a strong mind-body connection.

Ballet requires focus, concentration, and precise execution of movements, leading to enhanced cognitive function and mental agility. The art form's structured nature cultivates discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail. As adults immerse themselves in the world of ballet, they experience a sense of mindfulness and release from daily stresses, finding solace in the rhythm and beauty of the dance.

Moreover, ballet serves as a powerful outlet for emotional expression. The graceful movements and storytelling aspects of ballet allow adults to explore their emotions, providing a cathartic release and promoting overall mental well-being and a greater sense of musicality too.

Ballet classes often foster a supportive and inclusive community, offering a sense of camaraderie and social interaction that can combat feelings of isolation and improve self-confidence.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Engaging in ballet as an adult presents a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Ballet demands perseverance, dedication, and the willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.

As adults tackle new challenges, learn intricate choreography, and overcome obstacles, they experience a profound sense of accomplishment and self-empowerment.

Ballet encourages individuals to embrace their own journey, celebrate progress, and appreciate the beauty of continuous improvement. Through ballet, adults can discover new aspects of themselves, nurture their creativity, and develop a lifelong passion for the art form.

Ballet is not just an art form reserved for the young; it is a transformative and accessible practice that brings remarkable benefits to adults. From physical fitness and improved posture to enhanced mental well-being and personal growth, ballet offers a gateway to self-expression, discipline, and grace. So, whether you have dreamed of twirling on stage or simply desire to explore the joys of ballet, embrace the opportunity to embark on this extraordinary.

I believe it is never too late for healthy, open-minded adults to start ballet. Ballet can offer physical, emotional, and mental benefits and can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity. Starting ballet as an adult may present some challenges, but with practise, dedication, and patience, you can achieve your goals and enjoy the many benefits of this beautiful art form.

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