From Barre to Baby: How Ballet Helped Me Through Infertility and Motherhood
I have always loved ballet as far as I could remember. When I was a child, the option to take lessons was not possible, but in college, I was able to take some ballet classes and instantly fell in love. In my 20s, that desire got pushed to the wayside while I poured my efforts into establishing my career. In my mid-30s, I knew it was time for me to start back up with some ballet lessons. That’s when I discovered the Align Ballet Method. At first I was nervous because I was still very much a beginner, but that faded away as soon as I took my first class with ABM. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt encouraged and supported in my ballet journey. I also felt like I was a significant member of the class. All of the teachers were wonderful. Not only did I learn the art of dance, but I also learned the history/development of it (from Michael Cornell), as well as ballet etiquette. I loved it!!
Ballet as Healing: Finding Strength Through Infertility
Around that time, my husband and I were also trying to start a family. I had been diagnosed with infertility after trying for years to have a child, and I was completely heartbroken. One of the things that got me through that difficult time was taking classes at Align Ballet Method. For me, ballet not only became a hobby, but it had become a mindset of determination, strength, commitment, and devotion. As I continued attending classes, I was strengthening not only my body but my mind.
After many failed fertility procedure attempts, I finally became pregnant with my daughter, who is now about to turn eight years old. Throughout my pregnancy with her, I continued to take classes at Align Ballet Method, which I believe helped give me the stamina and strength to give birth. During my pregnancy, I felt fantastic and I believe that ballet was a huge contributor to that.
When it was finally time for my daughter to be born, I was in labor for 36 hours. While I labored, I reflected on how strong I had become because I had committed to my ballet practice. That thought is what helped me get through the many hours of labor until I finally pushed out my daughter as the sun rose at dawn. I was so incredibly exhausted but so thankful. Thankful for my precious baby in my arms, and thankful for the privilege of being able to take ballet classes at Align Ballet Method, which had prepared both my body and mind for the life-changing experience of becoming a mother.
A Full-Circle Moment: Returning to Ballet After Motherhood
Since then, I’ve had my second child and life has been incredibly busy and joyful with my littles running around. Life comes in ebbs and flows … I took some time off to focus on my two children as well as return to my career. But recently, I’ve decided it was time to step back into the studio — I missed it so much!! I am so happy that I am back taking classes at Align Ballet. It is where I belong, and it feels like home to me. And it helped me start my family. For that, I will always be forever grateful.
If you’re on the fence about taking classes at Align Ballet Method, know that you are not alone! It takes guts to begin something new as an adult. For me, my ballet journey helped me manifest something dear to my heart — my children — but the journey is different for everyone. I encourage you to just go for it!! Who knows, it might lead you down a path that will lead you to your dreams.