Back To Adult Ballet Class For Foot Control And Stretching Exercises



Posted: Wednesday, September 21, 2011

by Dianne M. Buxton
http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

Many adults ask me if they should try and get back to ballet class. Depending on how many years it has been since you have done ballet, or any kind of dance related exercise, I always say go for it. Call several local studios to find one that has an adult ballet class that is suitable for you. You might want to know what the dance wear dress codes are, and whether or not you will want to comply. If you are overweight, or have lost your flexibility, you probably feel very self conscious.

Most dance academies that offer adult ballet class level work will offer a one-class-pay for a new dancer, and after that you will be asked to pay by the month. There are usually other types of class packaging that are further discounted, depending on the amount of classes purchased.

Will You Get Injured In An Adult Ballet Class?

There is always a possibility of dance injuries, with ballet and most sports too, if you are out of shape. But bear in mind that every single ballet barre exercise is designed to train your muscles so that you prevent dance injuries. The basic ballet posture, for example, is a natural posture. It may not feel or look that way, since most people slouch and are slowly injuring themselves just by that bad habit.

Standing up straight is not an exaggerated military posture, but maintains the natural spinal curves, placement of the shoulders under the ears, and is completed with a relaxed and curved neck.

Ballet turnout is the main technique that prevents knee injuries. The feet should not be forced out more than the knees can match the rotation. You may never get into the performance standard fifth position - toes to heels - and yet over time you can still gain elegance and control in your adult ballet class.

You will achieve your artistic fulfillment with careful, patient hard work. You will feel the exhilaration of the air borne leaps and spinning pirouettes all the more, having the confidence that you can land from jumps safely, and reaching your ballet position after turning, well grounded, without the room spinning on without you.

Control And Perfectionism

Ballet classes truly give an ongoing sense of control and mastery, through repetition, and slow increase of strength. Yet, the affliction of perfectionism is a dead end for any dancer, especially a self critical individual in an adult ballet class. If there is any quest in your mind/heart for a perfect kind of control and a harsh way to discipline yourself, you will be the dancer to most likely injure her/himself in class.

I caution this because, a drive to be perfect usually entails over-working, not resting enough in between classes, and maybe not eating enough to achieve any muscle building. I don't mean muscle shape or bulk, but just strength, and a normal recovery. Dancing ballet, you can always get better, so there is no perfect.

The real control comes with practice, developing better foot control , and knowing how to do stretching exercises and relaxation techniques correctly.

I hope you DO get back to ballet, and find an adult ballet class that you love.
Dianne M. Buxton was led by her career teaching professional ballet dancers, to write about dancing in pointe shoesl, muscle stretching exercises, dance/sports nutrition, and the mind/body connection. She is published at Ballet Shoes and Pointe Shoes and Health Nutritional Supplements. (no personal information is collected if you click on these links).
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