I spent most of my life (age 9 +) figure skating. So as a form of cross training, I danced a lot.
In high school I went to a magnet school for the arts. So I spent a lot of time in dance classes.
Oddly enough, I was never as passionate about dance as I am now. I really fell in love with ballet in the past year.
After a few months of taking as many classes as I could, I decided to try pointe shoes again. Keeping in mind I had not been in pointe for about 10 years.
Here are a few things that helped me keep the fear of judgment at bay:
1. I dance at an all adult studio. Yes they exist.
The best part of this is that no one judges and we all push each other to become better dancers. I love my teachers and classmates because they all know what the first plie of they day sounds like (crack pop crack pop).
The best part of this is that no one judges and we all push each other to become better dancers. I love my teachers and classmates because they all know what the first plie of they day sounds like (crack pop crack pop).
2. YouTube
Yep, YouTube again. You can find a video on anything, from basic ballet terms and positions to full classes you can follow along with.
I found Ballerinas By Night to be a great help in just understanding that I am NOT the only adult ballet dancer out there.
While Kathryn Morgan is helpful with technique and her personal story is inspiring. This once New York City ballet soloist shows that life may throw you a curve ball, but you have to keep dancing.
3. Talking.
Talking to other dancers and hearing their stories can put things into perspective for you. Some adults come back to dance after decades. This can help you to understand that your not alone in the struggle.
Some adults try dancing for the first time after their children are all grown. If you fall into this category you can find friends that are going through the learning process with you.
4. Focus on your dance.
This is hard to do if you are in your first class or if you are dancing for a top company. DO NOT compare your body, technique, or anything else to another dancer. This can only hurt you in the long run. Just try to improve and be happy with your progress.
5. Enjoy it.
I know this seems simple, but some dancers get stuck on perfecting so much that they forget to smile and enjoy the art. If you find yourself questioning why you started to dance in the first place, just think about the reasons you fell in love with dance and those moments that made you smile along the way.
I hope these help you love dance as much as I do!
-Kristina B
I found Ballerinas By Night to be a great help in just understanding that I am NOT the only adult ballet dancer out there.
While Kathryn Morgan is helpful with technique and her personal story is inspiring. This once New York City ballet soloist shows that life may throw you a curve ball, but you have to keep dancing.
3. Talking.
Talking to other dancers and hearing their stories can put things into perspective for you. Some adults come back to dance after decades. This can help you to understand that your not alone in the struggle.
Some adults try dancing for the first time after their children are all grown. If you fall into this category you can find friends that are going through the learning process with you.
4. Focus on your dance.
This is hard to do if you are in your first class or if you are dancing for a top company. DO NOT compare your body, technique, or anything else to another dancer. This can only hurt you in the long run. Just try to improve and be happy with your progress.
5. Enjoy it.
I know this seems simple, but some dancers get stuck on perfecting so much that they forget to smile and enjoy the art. If you find yourself questioning why you started to dance in the first place, just think about the reasons you fell in love with dance and those moments that made you smile along the way.
I hope these help you love dance as much as I do!
-Kristina B
Posts
