A Ballet Journey: Finding Art in Exercise

Hi. My name is Kelly, and I’m a mid-career freelance writer and editor. I’ve always enjoyed exercise, but traditional sports and boot-camp style calisthenics never inspired me. I didn’t see myself as the athletic type, so it was tough for me to stay motivated and find meaning in repetitive physical training. But I always loved to dance. Dance is a way of working with and interpreting music, of telling stories without saying a word. Besides, it’s fun. I can relate to that. 

The Gift of Dance

I’d wanted to try ballet ever since I was a little girl, when my cousin, a beginning ballet student, proudly flounced into a family Christmas party wearing her leotard and tutu. She showed me a few steps of a dance she’d learned, and I was completely captivated. I knew I wanted to study ballet! But that opportunity didn’t materialize when I was a kid: I studied music, drama, and writing instead.

As an adult, I took a few workshops in ballroom, Latin, and swing dance, and I attended local Victorian and Regency social dances. I periodically searched for ballet classes too, but it seemed that no one wanted to take on adult students. Then, one day, I saw an ad for Align Ballet Method. Finally there was ballet instruction geared toward someone like me. Could this be my chance?

Even though I had been looking for ballet classes for years, I hesitated to join Align. It was 2020, and the pandemic was raging. My elderly father had recently passed away, and ten years of caregiving for him had left me exhausted and out of shape. I knew I didn’t have the flexibility of a dancer; I’d spent most of my adult life with my hips practically welded to a chair! I also didn’t think I had the “look” of a ballerina. I dreaded feeling awkward and having to start learning from square one. I thought the other people in class would look down on me for not being the vision of perfection I thought a ballet dancer had to be.

But in the end, I knew I had to start taking care of myself and taking steps toward my dreams, no matter how distant. I had to give myself the gift of dance.

Out of the Comfort Zone, Into New Possibilities

I was relieved when I discovered that Align Ballet Method teaches “Align I” and “Align 2;” pre-ballet classes to get me up to speed on the basics, so I didn’t feel like I was getting thrown into the lions’ den. During the pandemic I took virtual classes, and I loved the convenience of being able to study from home. Michael Cornell and his team are wonderful teachers. Their corrections are kind, with the goal of helping the students improve at their own pace. The other students I’ve met are friendly and non-judgmental. It makes sense. After all, everyone was once a beginner, and everyone is continuing to learn. Being in class is challenging, but I always feel safe there.

I still take virtual classes, but a few months ago I stepped out of my comfort zone and actually ventured into the dance studio when I took my very first pointe workshop. Pointe was probably the most physically demanding thing I’ve ever done, and I quickly realized I needed to develop new strengths and skills to perform this aspect of dance properly, but at the same time I felt proud that I put in my best effort and increased my knowledge. Before that pointe class, I could not even imagine myself up on my toes, but now I see that, with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my dance goals.

An Infinite Universe 

Ballet is everything I dreamed it would be and more. Because of ballet, my fitness level is the best it’s ever been. My flexibility and strength have improved because the traditional exercises I found meaningless before have a purpose for me now: they help me to become a better dancer.

Of course, I know I still have a long way to go. No matter how far I’m able to advance, there will always be room for improvement. That’s part of the difficulty of dance, but that’s also the delight of it. This art expands like a light-filled universe; it has no end. Even though I sometimes tend to judge myself harshly, I often repeat to myself Michael’s reminder that the “practice” is more valuable than the “perfect.” This new mindset has helped me in my career and in every other aspect of my life. Most importantly, through dance I am honoring that part of myself that has always sought fulfillment through participation in the arts.

Join me and many others who have discovered the magic of ballet as a source of strength and happiness.