Prioritize Safety and Fundamentals in Adult Ballet Classes – by Michael Cornell
Recently, we came across a thoughtful question on a ballet forum that raised concerns about safety and teaching practices in adult ballet classes. The student shared their experience with a new studio and asked whether the teaching methods they encountered might be dangerous. As a company dedicated to helping adult dancers thrive, we wanted to address this topic and offer guidance for anyone navigating similar challenges. Below is the original question, followed by our response.
QUESTION – As an adult ballet student with over 20 years of experience (starting at age 6), I’ve recently joined a different studio to meet new people and try a different environment. While I enjoy the social aspect, I’m increasingly concerned about the safety and quality of the instruction.
The classes seem rushed, with little attention paid to individual technique. We’re often asked to perform challenging movements, like grand jeté en tournant, with minimal explanation or preparation. It’s clear many students are unfamiliar with these steps, yet they’re quickly incorporated into fast-paced combinations. For example, after only five attempts at this difficult move, it was included in a complex sequence with fast music.
Additionally, the combinations often rely heavily on repetitive movements, like pirouettes, which feels more like a shortcut than thoughtful choreography. The lack of individual corrections and technical focus makes me worry about injury—not just for myself, but for the other students as well.
Has anyone else experienced this? Am I overreacting, or is this kind of teaching genuinely unsafe? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
ALIGN”S RESPONSE – When you feel unsafe attempting a combination, prioritize your well-being by marking the movement instead of fully executing it. Marking a step in ballet class means practicing the movement in a simplified or less intense way, often without full power, height, or dynamics. It’s used to focus on learning the sequence, timing, or placement without expending full energy or risking injury. Use the corner of the room to practice until you feel confident and safe. When moving across the floor, pair yourself with dancers you trust—those who are mindful and won’t disrupt your focus. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself during class. If you feel unsafe, communicate with your instructor and request clarification, modifications, or alternative movements. Your instructor might not realize you’re struggling unless you speak up.
A phrase I often share with my students is: “If you feel unsafe in this jump, go low and slow, reduce the power and height—most jumps can be practiced with minimal elevation.” Similarly, if pirouettes feel intimidating, focus on perfecting your balance in the same position without the rotation. This approach allows you to build strength and confidence without risking injury.
If you’re new to a class where the majority of students are long-time regulars, it’s natural to feel out of place. These dancers may already be comfortable with the material, even if their execution isn’t perfect. In such cases, the instructor is unlikely to slow the pace for one student. It’s not uncommon for beginners to join intermediate-level classes prematurely, despite lacking the necessary technique, focus, and body awareness. While eagerness to progress is understandable, safety and readiness must come first. We generally discourage students from advancing too quickly as most do not understand the depth at which the strength and fundamentals must be mastered.
It is our belief that students need training that increasing their strength prior adding a dynamic like momentum into a movement.
For example, when teaching tour jeté, I start with minimal elevation, breaking the movement down step by step from a standing position. Over the past 2 months, our intermediate students have practiced consecutive tour jetés across the floor to refine their timing and coordination. Progress takes patience and deliberate effort, not shortcuts.
At Align Ballet Method, we emphasize foundational training, even if it means losing students who prefer flashier, trendier classes. We’re okay with that—our focus is on dancers who need and value fundamental skill development. Adult ballet presents unique challenges because of the vast range of skill levels in most classes. Many studios lump everyone together, creating environments that are overwhelming for beginners and frustrating for advanced dancers.
To address this, we’ve developed a structured progression with four levels:
- Align 1 and 2: For total beginners, focusing on foundational technique.
- Basic: Simplified barre and center work, emphasizing clean single pirouettes and proper jump technique without complex combinations.
- Intermediate: A 90 minute classes introducing multi-part combinations while maintaining a manageable degree of difficulty for our average student.
Additionally, at ALIGN we repeat that same basic and intermediate material for an entire month. This allows or students to grow into the material and digest the technical lessons. We have found this to be very effective and build confidence.
Our mission is to serve the vast number of adults who need strength, precision, and foundational training—not just speed and complexity. We want your ballet experience to be challenging, inspiring, wholistic, and sane.
Ballet isn’t a race. It’s a journey that requires patience, discipline, and respect for the process. Stay focused on your growth, prioritize safety, and embrace the fundamentals—they are the foundation for everything else.