Ballet is a beautiful form of dance, full of poise and grace. It has become an increasingly popular form of dance in recent years, with many aspiring dancers – both child and adult – taking it up. There has been a rise in the number of dance academies and schools that are offering beginners classes, so more people can start dancing ballet. Ballet it a great class to take for any aspiring dancer, as it is known as the foundation for all dance. Ballet teaches posture and balance and improves flexibility, which gives a good basis for any other form of dance.
Those thinking about starting ballet – both young and old – should know that there are many benefits of this graceful dance. It is an incredible full body workout, improving muscles strength and tone, particularly in the abdominals. This combined with the overall improvement in posture It can help ease back, neck and shoulder problems. Regular ballet classes will also improve general health and well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, and lowering the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone loss and heart disease.
Starting Ballet as a Child
There are a number of baby ballet classes available as a fun activity for young children to attend. These pre-ballet classes are informal and relaxed, with simple instructions that very young children can follow. Young kids will be encouraged to move to different rhythms, and may even be shown the five ballet positions once they reach the age of 4. For toddlers, dance schools offer creative movement classes, that allows an exploration of movement with music. These classes serve as a useful introduction to formal ballet.
There should be no rush to enrol children in ballet training. Experts recommend 8-years-old is the earliest that formal ballet training should be introduced. Prior to this, a child’s bones are still too soft for the rigorous physical demands of ballet.
Starting Ballet as an Adult
It is a misconception that ballet is just for kids and the young. Adult ballet classes are more accessible than ever with beginner sessions available all over the country, accommodating all skill levels and ages. You are unlikely to become a prima ballerina with The Royal Ballet or the next Rudolf Nureyev, but you can still have fun reliving those childhood dreams and get fit in the process.
Those wanting to start ballet as an adult may be worrying that they are too old or too unfit, but this will not be the case. Adult classes treat ballet more as a hobby and take a fun approach to learn, rather than striving for perfection. Ballet teachers will be aware that some ballet moves will be a little out of reach, and will adjust accordingly, so everyone gets the most out of their experience.
These classes will start with barre work- to work on balance and technique, before moving to the floor to practice the new skills. Then classes will move on to combinations, where you will put together a series of steps and moves, to build up a short routine, known as a reverence. This may even include a few turns, jumps or leaps. You will be learning ‘real’ ballet in your beginner’s classes.
Adults Learn Ballet Better
There are actually advantages to learning ballet as an adult. In fact, there is a school of thought that adults make better ballet learners than teenagers and children. When starting ballet dancing as an adult you may have a more enjoyable learning experience. There are a number of reasons for this, which include:
Healthy Body – Ballet dancers who start at the young age, can experience a lot of strain on their bodies, with tendonitis, hamstring injuries, and knee, back, and ankle issues. Being common in those that start ballet seriously at a young age. Starting ballet as an adult can actually help with back problems, by improving core strength and posture.
Learn Quicker – Ballet teachers have claimed that usually adults starting out pick up the basics of ballet much faster and grasp the concept of basic techniques in a few weeks. By contrast, it can take children months or years to get their head around the same techniques and instructions. The adult brain is more mature and therefore much more capable of conceptualising what an instructor is asking of them.
Stronger Motivation – It may have taken years to build up the courage or find the time to take an adult ballet class, which means that motivation will not be an issue. Taking a ballet class just for the sheer fun of it, with no expectation or obligation, you can really let go and enjoy yourself.
Start Dancing Ballet in Dubai
There are a number of ballet classes in Dubai, suiting a wide range of ages and skill levels. For those starting on their dancing journey, there are a number of beginners ballet classes in Dubai. Brooklyn Melodies is one of the leading music and dance establishment and has 9 locations in Dubai where aspiring dancers can learn Ballet from experienced instructors.
Little dancers can get started early with their creative movers class, where children aged 3 to 4 years old, can interact with music and express themselves with movement. They can build on their coordination skills, whilst having fun in a safe and positive learning environment. They can then move on to a ballet preparation class, where they will learn the basic exercises and positions, all whilst experiencing a real joy for dance. They may choose to go on to another form of dance, continue with ballet, or choose another sport to participate in, but their time spent in ballet will provide them with a great foundation, no matter what.
Ballet is not just beneficial for the little ones, it has become an increasingly popular form of exercise for adults. It offers a full body workout, often in a fun and expressive way. Furthermore, you will notice that your posture improves, as will your flexibility, upper body and core strength, and balance and coordination. It can also have an extremely positive effect on mood, helping to relieve the stresses and strains of everyday life. So, don’t wait, sign up for an adult dance class in Dubai today.
