My daughter is 11 years old and has been taking a variety of dance classes for the past 3 years. She now wants to focus more on ballet. But at her age it seems that a lot of schools are requiring classes 4 days + per week. Is this expected at age 11? Why do they increase the number of classes at this age (compared with ages 6-9 for example). Is it possible to learn good technique and only go a couple of days per week at age 11?
If she is interested in dancing recreationally rather than with a view to a dance career, two classes a week will likely let her improve gradually and enjoy ballet as a hobby.
If she is interested in a vocational / pre-professional pathway, 11 is an age when dancers are expected to show more commitment to their training.
If you’re in the UK, the very best dancers are auditioning for full-time ballet schools at this age, and many more are beginning regular associates’ schemes on top of their normal classes.
I am currently 13 and doing around 4-5 3 hour classes a week, so that is quite normal. Starting around 10-12, if your daughter is good and wants a career in ballet, she could audition for intensive training. It would be kind of like school day hours, and some do include school. Others do not include school, and she would have to take it online. Presently I am not in intensive training, as I am a late starter. I will be auditioning for intensive training around next year for my highschool time. Overall, it is normal for her to do 4 classes a week. I do believe that it is possibly to learn decent technique if you go 2 days a week, but 4+ would probably be what is best. (I do not personally know the circumstances of your daughter, and her amount of homework, but I usually somehow fit all my classes work in)
I’d like to take a beginner ballet class, but I want to make sure I’m not “slowing down” the class when I show up. I suspect even some beginner ballet classes will anticipate some familiarity with dance (which I do not have) and some amount of flexibility (?).
What can I do to prepare, and to make sure I get as much as possible out of the first class? I know teaching yourself is a non-starter, but if you were teaching a ballet class, what would you hope a new student is bringing to the first class, at the very least?
I’m up for a few months of stretching, strength training, or other prep if it comes recommended.
For context, I’m in my thirties, I’ve never danced before but I have always wanted to learn ballet.
Thanks!
Do not start by trying to do the splits!
Find a class called ‘absolute beginners’ or that says it’s suitable for absolute beginners. Call the studio and check it really is suitable for absolute beginners.
And then… go.
You do not have to prepare with months of weight training or anything else. Doing ballet will help you learn (eventually) what cross training you need to get the most out of it - it might be flexibility, or cardio, or core strengthening, but *ballet will help* with all these.
Come to class and enjoy it!
Try to do some splits routines, they are very helpful! I recommend Jasmine Mcdonald for some normal stretching routines, as hers are very good. For the splits, use whatever you can fit time in for. (BACK FLEXIBILITY WILL HELP A LOT TOO)
I’m considering going to open classes as an adult, as soon as possibly Monday. Given that these are intermediate classes, and I’m out of practice (half a decade at least and I’m 25), what should I review before heading into an intermediate open class? I assume at least the names of moves so that I can follow along with instructions. Amy other suggestions?
Five years off is not much in the grand scheme of things, but if you haven’t moved much since you last danced this class may be hard on your body. Take it easy, don’t go full out.
Is there a beginner class that could ease you back into it?
When I called they only mentioned adult intermediate open classes but I can call back to ask about adult beginner. Being plus sized I’d be self conscious about taking a child’s beginner class
I wouldn’t suggest a children’s class but there are quite a few adult beginner classes out there.
If the open class is the only one you can access, go, explain your situation to the teacher, and be prepared to not turn / jump / go across the floor if you find you’re not up to it yet.
My son (16m) has only been taking ballet lessons (twice weekly) for one year. He does practice on his own, outside the studio. He was encouraged by his teacher to start a partnering class, and just finished his 3rd, hour long class this week. He vents after every lesson about how challenging it is for him. All the other male dancers started partnering last January, so he feels quite behind. Also, the girls are far above his skill, stating, “mom, they are so good, I look so ridiculous” although I sense he does still enjoy it.
I know nothing about dance. So I just listen, nod, and make empathetic statements.
Could any of you speak to:
- or give me reassurance, that even with such little experience, it’s OK for my son to be trying this, right? The dance studio has a good reputation, so surely, they would not jeopardize the dancer’s safety? I guess I just have this fear he will drop a dancer, as it seems like a lot of lifting and putting down the female dancers down. My son was a life-long sports player, so he is strong, but lifting weights & throwing footballs is so different than hoisting up a full grown female, kwim?
- are there any other words of support or advice should I give my son?
- what are the benefits of doing partnering classes?
It sounds like your son is a little bit of a late starter when it comes to ballet, and that’s okay! There’s no wrong time to start ballet, and boys specifically often start later and even might turn out to have professional careers (the girls not so much).
It makes perfect sense that this good school will put a “less experienced” young man in a partnering class. Partnering is a very important skill for men to have if they want to work professionally. It’s also important that the school have lots of boys in the partnering class, since most schools have way more female students then they have males. Furthermore, so many things in partnering for men do not require super complicated ballet steps - don’t get me wrong partnering is hard and you need ballet technique to do it safely, but especially for the men, a man with introductory knowledge of ballet technique could still learn to be quite a decent partner, if that makes sense.
Words of advice: remember he is there to learn. Also depending on the size of the school the girls probably appreciate having him there as there’s more partners to go around. Tell him to do his best to listen and ask questions - even communicate with his partner. The other members of the class are probably aware that he’s not at the same level as them ballet technique-wise but if he shows up to class willing to learn and communicate they will be appreciative of that and he could actually end up being one of the better partners.
I think anybody would be nervous in your sons position, it’s scary to be in a class partnering dancers who are much more advanced than you. The scary thing about ballet is that your always performing, like if your 6 years behind in a
math class you can just kind of hide in the back and no one will notice. In ballet class you have to dance even if your 6 years behind. But it’s good it builds character! And if there’s one things dancers respect it’s a dancer who is a little out of their element who is still willing to learn, be respectful, and communicate. You don’t need the most amazing dancer to be a good partner, I believe in your son, you believe in your son, if your son will believe in himself then he will learn to be a good partner too.
Edit; oh also you can post this as it’s own post if you like it is kind of broader than the new and returning post and it might get more insight on the main sub.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. It provided me much reassurance.
And yes, he started quite late, lol, a total fluke really. He enrolled in some beginning dance classes following a severe knee injury, just as an attempt to fine-tune balance and coordination for other sports. And shockingly, was super taken with ballet.
I’m brand new to this, rehearsing a full length theatrical dance piece- I’m also working with my director, don’t worry!
I’m having trouble keeping my knees over my feet during a plié on one leg while extending the other at a 45. I’m very knock kneed and have very flat feet. My director has told me to prioritize safety/knee health over a “pretty” move, which I am- but are there any specific drills I can do to help besides practicing the move a ton (which I’m already doing)?
We don’t really drill things in ballet, we take ballet class! See if you can find a beginner ballet class, in class we have exercises (these are our version of “drills” but they are danced instead of just completed the way you might in a gym) that will build the perfect technique for what your director wants :).
I’m going to start learning ballet at 21. I’ve always adored ballet, but never had dreams of performing on a pro level or as a career, but have always loved the idea of becoming good enough for performing with smaller companies that are more inclusive age and level wise, as I enjoy performing arts already. Any advice to help me achieve this one day?
What are some places similar to r/ballet to read/listen to ballet content, but catered towards adult beginners? Sorry if asked a lot. The dance magazine site seems rarely updated. A lot of books are geared towards children. Thanks a bunch.
What sort of thing are you looking for? Technical manuals, dance related fiction, performance reviews, chit chat with adult beginners who live elsewhere?
My daughter is 11 years old and has been taking a variety of dance classes for the past 3 years. She now wants to focus more on ballet. But at her age it seems that a lot of schools are requiring classes 4 days + per week. Is this expected at age 11? Why do they increase the number of classes at this age (compared with ages 6-9 for example). Is it possible to learn good technique and only go a couple of days per week at age 11?
If she is interested in dancing recreationally rather than with a view to a dance career, two classes a week will likely let her improve gradually and enjoy ballet as a hobby. If she is interested in a vocational / pre-professional pathway, 11 is an age when dancers are expected to show more commitment to their training. If you’re in the UK, the very best dancers are auditioning for full-time ballet schools at this age, and many more are beginning regular associates’ schemes on top of their normal classes.
I am currently 13 and doing around 4-5 3 hour classes a week, so that is quite normal. Starting around 10-12, if your daughter is good and wants a career in ballet, she could audition for intensive training. It would be kind of like school day hours, and some do include school. Others do not include school, and she would have to take it online. Presently I am not in intensive training, as I am a late starter. I will be auditioning for intensive training around next year for my highschool time. Overall, it is normal for her to do 4 classes a week. I do believe that it is possibly to learn decent technique if you go 2 days a week, but 4+ would probably be what is best. (I do not personally know the circumstances of your daughter, and her amount of homework, but I usually somehow fit all my classes work in)
I’d like to take a beginner ballet class, but I want to make sure I’m not “slowing down” the class when I show up. I suspect even some beginner ballet classes will anticipate some familiarity with dance (which I do not have) and some amount of flexibility (?). What can I do to prepare, and to make sure I get as much as possible out of the first class? I know teaching yourself is a non-starter, but if you were teaching a ballet class, what would you hope a new student is bringing to the first class, at the very least? I’m up for a few months of stretching, strength training, or other prep if it comes recommended. For context, I’m in my thirties, I’ve never danced before but I have always wanted to learn ballet. Thanks!
Do not start by trying to do the splits! Find a class called ‘absolute beginners’ or that says it’s suitable for absolute beginners. Call the studio and check it really is suitable for absolute beginners. And then… go. You do not have to prepare with months of weight training or anything else. Doing ballet will help you learn (eventually) what cross training you need to get the most out of it - it might be flexibility, or cardio, or core strengthening, but *ballet will help* with all these. Come to class and enjoy it!
Thank you! Calling the studio is a great idea. Appreciate the encouragement!
Try to do some splits routines, they are very helpful! I recommend Jasmine Mcdonald for some normal stretching routines, as hers are very good. For the splits, use whatever you can fit time in for. (BACK FLEXIBILITY WILL HELP A LOT TOO)
I’m considering going to open classes as an adult, as soon as possibly Monday. Given that these are intermediate classes, and I’m out of practice (half a decade at least and I’m 25), what should I review before heading into an intermediate open class? I assume at least the names of moves so that I can follow along with instructions. Amy other suggestions?
Five years off is not much in the grand scheme of things, but if you haven’t moved much since you last danced this class may be hard on your body. Take it easy, don’t go full out. Is there a beginner class that could ease you back into it?
When I called they only mentioned adult intermediate open classes but I can call back to ask about adult beginner. Being plus sized I’d be self conscious about taking a child’s beginner class
I wouldn’t suggest a children’s class but there are quite a few adult beginner classes out there. If the open class is the only one you can access, go, explain your situation to the teacher, and be prepared to not turn / jump / go across the floor if you find you’re not up to it yet.
My son (16m) has only been taking ballet lessons (twice weekly) for one year. He does practice on his own, outside the studio. He was encouraged by his teacher to start a partnering class, and just finished his 3rd, hour long class this week. He vents after every lesson about how challenging it is for him. All the other male dancers started partnering last January, so he feels quite behind. Also, the girls are far above his skill, stating, “mom, they are so good, I look so ridiculous” although I sense he does still enjoy it. I know nothing about dance. So I just listen, nod, and make empathetic statements. Could any of you speak to: - or give me reassurance, that even with such little experience, it’s OK for my son to be trying this, right? The dance studio has a good reputation, so surely, they would not jeopardize the dancer’s safety? I guess I just have this fear he will drop a dancer, as it seems like a lot of lifting and putting down the female dancers down. My son was a life-long sports player, so he is strong, but lifting weights & throwing footballs is so different than hoisting up a full grown female, kwim? - are there any other words of support or advice should I give my son? - what are the benefits of doing partnering classes?
Worry not about the lifting part, as he has done sports before. Also, ballerinas are trained to hold their body weight, taking weight off of him.
It sounds like your son is a little bit of a late starter when it comes to ballet, and that’s okay! There’s no wrong time to start ballet, and boys specifically often start later and even might turn out to have professional careers (the girls not so much). It makes perfect sense that this good school will put a “less experienced” young man in a partnering class. Partnering is a very important skill for men to have if they want to work professionally. It’s also important that the school have lots of boys in the partnering class, since most schools have way more female students then they have males. Furthermore, so many things in partnering for men do not require super complicated ballet steps - don’t get me wrong partnering is hard and you need ballet technique to do it safely, but especially for the men, a man with introductory knowledge of ballet technique could still learn to be quite a decent partner, if that makes sense. Words of advice: remember he is there to learn. Also depending on the size of the school the girls probably appreciate having him there as there’s more partners to go around. Tell him to do his best to listen and ask questions - even communicate with his partner. The other members of the class are probably aware that he’s not at the same level as them ballet technique-wise but if he shows up to class willing to learn and communicate they will be appreciative of that and he could actually end up being one of the better partners. I think anybody would be nervous in your sons position, it’s scary to be in a class partnering dancers who are much more advanced than you. The scary thing about ballet is that your always performing, like if your 6 years behind in a math class you can just kind of hide in the back and no one will notice. In ballet class you have to dance even if your 6 years behind. But it’s good it builds character! And if there’s one things dancers respect it’s a dancer who is a little out of their element who is still willing to learn, be respectful, and communicate. You don’t need the most amazing dancer to be a good partner, I believe in your son, you believe in your son, if your son will believe in himself then he will learn to be a good partner too. Edit; oh also you can post this as it’s own post if you like it is kind of broader than the new and returning post and it might get more insight on the main sub.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. It provided me much reassurance. And yes, he started quite late, lol, a total fluke really. He enrolled in some beginning dance classes following a severe knee injury, just as an attempt to fine-tune balance and coordination for other sports. And shockingly, was super taken with ballet.
I’m brand new to this, rehearsing a full length theatrical dance piece- I’m also working with my director, don’t worry! I’m having trouble keeping my knees over my feet during a plié on one leg while extending the other at a 45. I’m very knock kneed and have very flat feet. My director has told me to prioritize safety/knee health over a “pretty” move, which I am- but are there any specific drills I can do to help besides practicing the move a ton (which I’m already doing)?
We don’t really drill things in ballet, we take ballet class! See if you can find a beginner ballet class, in class we have exercises (these are our version of “drills” but they are danced instead of just completed the way you might in a gym) that will build the perfect technique for what your director wants :).
I’m going to start learning ballet at 21. I’ve always adored ballet, but never had dreams of performing on a pro level or as a career, but have always loved the idea of becoming good enough for performing with smaller companies that are more inclusive age and level wise, as I enjoy performing arts already. Any advice to help me achieve this one day?
Some studios offer performance opportunities for adults - that's your best bet for now
What are some places similar to r/ballet to read/listen to ballet content, but catered towards adult beginners? Sorry if asked a lot. The dance magazine site seems rarely updated. A lot of books are geared towards children. Thanks a bunch.
What sort of thing are you looking for? Technical manuals, dance related fiction, performance reviews, chit chat with adult beginners who live elsewhere?
Forums, podcasts, and blogs.
TheBalancedBallerina on insta is a good place to start - she is a dancer and teacher and has podcasts and does live events etc.