Adult Ballet Student Confesses Her Deepest Dance Fears
I was over 55 years old when I decided to take my first class with The Align Ballet Method, and believe me, it was as much a surprise to me as it was to everyone else. I had always admired ballet from afar, thinking it was a beautiful art form but never something I could actually do. When I finally decided to give it a shot, I was filled with a host of fears, and to be honest, some were downright irrational.
The Fear of Not Being Able to Follow the Material or Choreography
The first thing that scared me was the thought of not being able to keep up with the choreography. The complex steps and precise movements seemed overwhelming for someone like me, who lacked formal dance training. But what I found, to my relief, was that ballet instructors are incredibly patient. They understand that everyone starts somewhere, and beginner classes are designed for people just like me, who need time to slowly learn the basics. At The Align Ballet Method the company makes this gentle approach a priority.
The Fear of Judgment
I was also afraid of being judged. I imagined walking into a room full of young, expert dancers who would scoff at my mistakes. But what I discovered was quite the opposite. The adult classes were filled with people of all skill levels, and everyone was focused on their own progress. I learned to set personal goals and celebrate my achievements, no matter how small. The sense of community in the classes helped me shed my insecurities and embrace the joy of dancing.
The Fear of Physical Limitations
Ballet is physically demanding, and I was worried about not being able to handle the physical challenges, especially since I hadn’t exercised regularly in years. But I quickly learned that ballet is adaptable to various fitness levels. By listening to my body and working within my comfort zone, I gradually improved my strength and flexibility. My instructors were supportive and encouraged me to modify movements as needed.
Feeling Intimidated by Younger Dancers
Walking into a class filled with younger dancers was intimidating at first. However, I soon realized that ballet is a personal journey. While younger dancers might have more flexibility or stamina, I found that my unique perspective and discipline as an adult learner gave me an advantage in other areas. Rather than comparing myself to others, I focused on my own progress and found joy in the experience.
The Fear of Not Receiving Serious Instruction
Lastly, I feared that as an older adult, I wouldn’t receive serious instruction. I worried that I’d be relegated to the back of the class as hopeless. To my surprise, this wasn’t the case. The key was finding the right instructor. I tried several different instructors until I found one who felt right for me. Once I communicated my desire for feedback and serious instruction, my teacher was more than happy to help me achieve my goals.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, all those fears I had before starting ballet were unwarranted. Starting ballet at 50 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My advice to anyone considering it is to go for it, and don’t let fears hold you back. The journey is just as important as the destination, and you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. And remember, finding the right instructor can make all the difference, so don’t be afraid to explore different options until you find someone who aligns with your needs.