How can an old person learn and enjoy ballet?

Cala M: How can an old person learn and enjoy ballet?
I’m 21 years old and have never had any dance training. However, I am slim and athletic and would love to learn and practice ballet for fitness and pleasure. How can I do this? I’m afraid it might be expensive to take lessons and most instructors won’t want to take on an old beginner like me (it would be kind of embarrassing, anyway!). Are their videos or books that would be helpful? Thanks!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Lisa J
yes, you can still learn ballet.

you can take it up at any age.

and you are still young, and fit.

people do take older students, and some places have classes just for older students. it’s good for fitness, and dancing is one thing i love myself.
i’ve been in adult ballet classes with men and women who had no dance experience before.

i know one women who started dancing at 50, and got well-known in alternative dance. so you are never too old.

Answer by lovelocket
i know that the my ballet place would be glad to have u! i think u should take lessons. this way u learn how to do it better and there is someone there to CORRECT your mistakes and that u can also learn from and change. if u rely on a video, well, u wouldn’t lern tricks or geet much better because u won’t have someone helping u. trust me, u can go to lessons and take ballet! don’t feel like ur the only 1. ur not! ur still young and fit so it shouldn’t be too hard!

Answer by mitzubishi4338
you should definitely take lessons. actually, your situation is kind of like mine, though i’m closer to 30. i’m a competitive runner in the boston area and want to take up ballet 1) to gain more flexibility and 2) because i’ve been a balletomane ever since i was a little girl. if you live in a large metropolitan area (nyc, boston, etc) there are ample opportunities for adults who want to learn ballet at renowned dance institutions and institutions of higher learning (large universities often offer dance classes taught by acclaimed dancers who still perform or have now dedicated themselves solely to teaching). you should look into any opportunity you get. just make sure that you learn from someone who is an accredited dancer. i am assuming that it is possible to check out the programme’s/instructor’s credentials before signing up for classes. you may also be able to contact a renowned dance institution (one that’s preferably close to your city) and ask them for a list of schools accredited by them.

i wish you much luck in this endeavour! it makes me very happy to know that there are adults who have aspirations to learn ballet and haven’t given up on it just because they didn’t start when they were younger.

Answer by Yarr Yarrington
a) Lessons can be draining to the pocketbook, but find a teacher and talk to them. If you’re only taking one class a week, either they should be affordable or you should be able to talk to your teacher about your situation. My studio now, I think adult beginner lessons are $ 7/class (hour long) or $ 28/month if you only take one class per week. Of course, I have no clue if that’s the average or if they’re getting a great deal or being overcharged.
b) Most studios that aren’t preprofessional offer classes for adult beginners. Even some prepro ones do, but they might turn you loose when you reach a certain level.
c) I wouldn’t depend too much on videos or books. You can learn some basics that way, but there’s no one to correct you if you’re doing it wrong.
d) If you’re really into the fitness part, try the NYC Ballet workout. It comes in book, video and dvd form. It’s not actually dancing, but it’s definitely inspired by balletic fitness.

Answer by wheeza7geeza
Wow!. Your not old at 21,but your probably too old for classical ballet. I danced in Amateur shows up to the age of 39. The secret is to keep yourself supple in the limbs. So your first quest is to do some yoga.And Stretching exercises.Do you not have Evening Classes for adult students in your part of the world? Perhaps you could check on website? There isn’t any reason why you couldn’t learn Jazz Ballet. You do need Rhythmn and a “Feel” for the dance.I guess you can practice with Videos, but books won’t really help,’cos you need to know how steps go. Isn’t there a friend who could advise you? Lessons if taken privately will be expensive. My other suggestion might work. Have you considered joining an Amateur musical and dancing group? I learnt much of my modern dance taking part in All the famous musicals-Guys& Dolls, West Side Story,OKlahoma,to name a few. It’s great fun,and you’ll meet lots of people and make friends. And learn to dance. Good Luck!

Answer by sanna
first of all you are not old; lessons are usually reasonablely prices and most studios offer adult beginner classes; some often offer things like “ballet for fitness.”

plus if you are worried about being in a class you can get videos:
the ballet workout
ballet bootcamp
the new york city ballet workout

i’m sure there are more…just go to amazon if videos are the route you want to take.

Answer by cyara118
I would suggest first of all checking out your local community college. Often they have beginner’s dance classes full of other people like you and me who are “old” (I’m 24) and still dream of being ballerinas…

Not only is it cheaper than going to lessons but there’s a lot less pressure to be any good in the beginning. Plus, the teachers are typically gentler on you because they know they’re dealing with amateurs.

Good luck!