Taking my first class - nervous!

[Guest canbelto]

Hi all,

First, a bit about me: I'm 26, a huge balletomane, and recently have gone through so hard hard times. My therapist suggested ballet as an outlet, so I signed up for classes, starting next week. Beginners, of course. I am nervous about a lot of things. For one, I'm 26 and it'll be unnerving to have a 9year old bunhead do a 180 degree attitude when I can barely get my legs to waist level! So for people who've started taking dance classes as adults, does anyone have any advice? So far I've just been working on the New York City Ballet workout (the one with Peter Martins narrating) and breaking in the soft shoes I got.

I'm still nervous though, I think I'll just die if the class teacher says "This class is not for old arthritic ladies" or something to me

[jayo]

Hooray! I hope that you love your classes. Don't waste any energy being nervous - use that energy to have fun! Here are some thoughts:

 

1. No one (teacher or student) will look at you and think "what a spaz", no matter how uncoordinated you think you are. We've all been there! If anything, you'll make others smile as they remember their (halcyon) beginner days.

 

2. No one should be mean, not the other students and especially not the teacher. If they are, find a better studio. Good studios treasure their beginners (adults and kids) and try to give you the support you need to foster a lifelong love of dance.

 

3. Don't be concerned with how you look in the mirror. (this one is hard) Instead, try to enjoy the challenge of trying a new, very different way of moving.

 

4. If you're enjoying yourself, you'll do better. Start off on the right foot by going in with a "this is fun!" attitude instead of a "oh my gosh! I'm going to make a fool of myself" attitude.

 

I hope that the class is great and you have a wonderful time! If this in an ongoing beginner class (as opposed to a class specifically for people who have never taken a ballet class), let the teacher know beforehand that it's your first time so they can give some extra explanation when needed. Expect to be sore the next day. Have a blast!

 

jayo

[lampwick]

It'll be fun. No 9 year old is going to be doing crazy 180 degree extensions either. Your body at 26 is totally capable. You know the ages of some of the dancers in major companies... It ain't over yet.

 

You'll feel clumsy and uncoordinated. Laugh at yourself and keep trying.

 

Have a blast!!

[Guest canbelto]

Hi all, thanks for the great advice. I'm taking an "open" class, meaning I think people can just show up and start dancing. I've been practicing with the workout video, but it'll still be different dancing with a barre and with other students! I'm so excited, but also nervous. When I put on my first pair of soft shoes I almost cried I was so excited. I know it sounds stupid, but I was always so shy I couldnt even go my high school proms. So I can't believe I'm actually taking dance classes!!! I'll let y'all know how it went.

[cheergdgt2]

I wish you the best of luck ... I'm really excited for you You'll have a great time!

[EvilNinjaX]

Hi all,

First, a bit about me: I'm 26, a huge balletomane, and recently have gone through so hard hard times. My therapist suggested ballet as an outlet, so I signed up for classes, starting next week. Beginners, of course. I am nervous about a lot of things. For one, I'm 26 and it'll be unnerving to have a 9year old bunhead do a 180 degree attitude when I can barely get my legs to waist level! So for people who've started taking dance classes as adults, does anyone have any advice? So far I've just been working on the New York City Ballet workout (the one with Peter Martins narrating) and breaking in the soft shoes I got.

I'm still nervous though, I think I'll just die if the class teacher says "This class is not for old arthritic ladies" or something to me 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

i started dancing late (older than you!) and was nervous. i was fit but a lifetime of martial arts taught my body to move antithetically to dance! what i found out in class was that most people aren't even looking at me; they're all too busy working on their own techniques or marking the combinations. And if they are watching a group, they're always just watching "the really good ones."

 

in the end, no one's going to look down on you. most likely, they'll think it's great. That has been my expereience.

 

-goro-

[Jaana Heino]

Good luck and it's great you are starting! You seem to have an edge already over most adult beginners, by the way, being familiar with lots of the terminology. Open classes can be overwhelming to begin with, but just keep at it, and it will be great. Please let us know how it gows!

[ami1436]

YOU GO! Enjoy yourself.

 

I just convinced another balletomane friend of mine, in her 40s, to start - and she's loving it! Now just gotta work on my mum.... ;)

 

Seriously, enjoy it!

[Guest milky]

Good for you! As a recovering shy person, I want to second the advice that no one will be looking at you except the teacher - and they've seen it all! And that you should hang in there for the first few classes - most teachers repeat themselves, and it gets exponentially easier once you get used to their favorite exercises.

 

Also, if you can afford it, you might treat yourself to a flattering and comfortable leotard - maybe after your first class? I feel more confident if I'm wearing something that I like! Of course, maybe I have a little shopping problem...

Edited April 7, 2005 by milky

[BarreTalk]

The hardest step in ballet is that first one through the studio door!

[EvilNinjaX]

and one other thing: are you taking an ADULT Beginner's class? b/c there shouldn't be any 9yr old in that class and certainly everyone in the beginner's class has THEIR first day quite vivid in their memory.

 

I took some classes with 8 and 9 yos. the only embarassing thing was the first day when some of them asked if I was going to be teaching them!

 

The key to dance is HAVE FUN!

 

-goro-

[cassy]

i totally agree with barretalk - i found the the first class the hardest - actually turning up and introducing myself to everyone

once there everyone was great - i knew instantly that i would love and look forward to going again, i havent looked back and just cant get enough!!

cassy

[Guest canbelto]

Here's another question: do you think I should introduce myself to the teacher before class begins to say I'm 26, just looking to dance recreationally, etc.? Or should I hide by the barre until he/she says, "Who is that girl over there?" I gues I am most afraid of the teacher I think I'll just be crushed if the teacher is like a Diaghilev-figure.

Also, what's the general attire for these classes? I got the shoes, but I'm thinking of just a tank top with cotton leggings -- my yoga outfit, in other words. But is it considered rude not to wear a leotard and tights?

[lampwick]

Wear your Yoga outfit to the first class if that's what you are comfortable in. Leotard and tights are ideal, so the teacher can really see your body but a tank top and leggings should be fine.

[jayo]

I would introduce yourself to the teacher beforehand. Don't be shy - teachers love new students. No sane studio would allow a Diaghilev-figure teach beginning adults. You should tell them that it is your first ever ballet class - it will help them ease you in. Don't worry if everything seems over your head - it'll take a while to learn the terms and figure out the routine. This is normal and expected.

 

Wear whatever is comfortable for the first class (or two, or three, or whatever). If you like the classes, then you can venture into the leotard-tights look.

 

jayo