To highlight the physical benefits of ballet training for adults would be plentiful – strength, stamina, increased coordination, and better posture. But this would merely skim the surface of the deep impact the artistic discipline can have on dancers’ lives.
I decided to go straight to the sources to delve deeper into the subject and spoke with several adult ballet students who agreed to share with me their personal journeys about how taking class has changed them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
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The benefits of adult ballet training are available to those wanting to learn in-person and in the privacy of their own home.
Thanks to a boom in popularity, there are so many options for adult ballet training available nowadays. From local recreational dance schools to major vocational and professional companies offering both in-studio and online programs for all ages: New York City Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, and Scottish Ballet to name just a few.
Perhaps adults who used to dance as children might return to ballet as a meaningful pursuit or way to keep fit. Or those who have never danced before might seize the opportunity to try something new as a beginner.
Alison Hartley, Head of Participation at English National Ballet, talks about Ballet Active, ENB’s on-demand online dance and wellbeing platform for adults to enjoy regardless of experience, level or location. It is a convenient way for dancers at home to learn and grow whether they’re looking for recreational activity for joy or artistic expression.
“One of our beginners started classes after a knee replacement, to build back strength in her legs.” said Hartley. “And another participant in her eighties said she loved the limited mobility classes because they kept her moving and feeling energised!”
Online participant Marie enthused, “I have always been a ballet lover and decided this year that I would try taking classes again. It feels wonderful to be dancing again!”
Shelby Beeden trained in ballet from a young age and returned to it as an adult with an interesting viewpoint. “Dancing as an adult feels very different. I work in an office and my back sometimes hurts, and my shoulders are more rounded. I used to have more stamina, and more flexibility, whereas now I have to work harder to achieve results. I used to find that frustrating, but now I think it feels a lot more rewarding. I walk out of every class sweating!”
Singer, composer and orchestral librarian Julia Simpson restarted ballet as an adult after a twenty-year gap. As an adolescent, she enjoyed the physical and mental challenge of working towards and passing the Royal Academy of Dance Grade (RAD) 8; as an adult, having tried different forms of aerobics and gym classes, she realized that “nothing worked for me until I went back to ballet.”
More than a fitness class, adults at all levels and abilities are discovering keeping fit via immersion in an artistic discipline is reaching them on multiple levels.
“Ballet helps me connect with myself in a way I have never done before.” explained Natali Butt who has been training in ballet for nine years as an adult. “It challenges me, helps with my confidence and to understand and express emotions too. There’s nothing in the world that matters to me when I’m dancing. I’m completely captivated, and I feel like a different person to who I was before I started dancing.”
Adult ballet dancer Peter Olofsson got hooked on ballet several years ago following a summer intensive course. He offered a similar view: “When you enter the studio, you have to be fully dedicated and concentrated on your body which has helped me gain confidence as I am very shy.”
“So many wonderful benefits – it’s given me confidence and a real sense of joy. I’ve also made new friends and connections, all of us on different journeys but united through our love for ballet,” agreed Natalie Field, who began training in ballet as an adult three years ago.
“Physically, ballet has made me stronger and fitter, and overall it’s had such a positive impact on my life. I especially value learning purely for fun; the experience feels so much lighter and more rewarding – less pressure and it’s something I truly do for myself.”
As the Principal of her own school, as well as leading workshops for adult dancers at venues such as RAD, Dilek Taptik revealed how meaningful it is to her to teach adults ballet. Coming from a professional training background, Taptik has a deep admiration for those choosing to take up ballet and reflects that ballet can offer that escape from daily life, comparing the concentration required in class as therapeutic-like.
“It’s inspiring to see the joy and sense of connection adults find in class, both physically and mentally.” said Taptik. “Their progress, however small, is incredibly rewarding and the gratitude they express creates a truly special community of like-minded individuals.”
Simpson described feeling day to day stress leaving her as soon as the pliés start. “It’s challenging, holding your body the correct way and remembering all the terms, but it makes me happy just to try! It’s good for my heart and soul as well as my body!”
Olofsson also acknowledged that “Ballet helps me to focus and shut out work-related stress, and even life-related stress too. I’ve also gotten kinder to my own body, realizing there are good and bad days, and those in between.”
Community is so important. Finding who your people are.
Damien Lee Stirk teaches at The Dancers Studio London and feels privileged to be part of the journey for adults whose commitment often stems from a lifelong admiration of ballet.
“What I enjoy most is the dancer’s motivation and curiosity.” Stirk said. “They come to class with a genuine love of ballet, a willingness to work hard, and a respect for the art form that is incredibly rewarding to nurture. [Ballet class] gives adults the chance to connect with others who share the same passion and to feel part of something larger than themselves.”
Stirk goes on to explain the mental benefits that taking class in a ballet studio can provide. “Ballet training can be deeply grounding, even meditative, offering a welcome balance to the pace of modern life.
Research increasingly highlights how movement, music and learning choreography can support cognitive health, with some studies suggesting links between dance and the reduced risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.”
“Dancing is like a therapy to me.” agreed Beeden. “I always feel better and lighter afterwards. During class, you’re so focused on your technique or remembering the choreography that you don’t have time to think about your worries. It gives me a safe space to block out the outside world. I really notice a dip in my mental health if I go a week without some form of dance or Pilates.”
Stirk offered a beautifully eloquent summary:
“One of the most inspiring aspects of teaching adults is seeing them realize their potential. I’ve had students come to class feeling intimidated or convinced they had ‘missed their chance’ only to discover how much progress they could make with consistent training. Others have surprised themselves by learning complicated repertoire they once thought beyond their reach.
The pride and joy they feel in these moments is deeply moving, and it reinforces my belief that ballet is an art form that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.”
If that is not enough to convince anybody on the fence to give ballet a try, nothing is!
Featured Photo of adult ballet dancer Peter Olofsson. Photo courtesy of Peter Olofsson.
I went back to ballet at age 94, after 86 years without lessons, and I am thrilled to have found Ballet Academy East, where I, about to turn 97 years old on 28 December, take three lessons a week. I even did force myself to 40 minutes of Bill’s wonderful beginner class, having just returned late yesterday afternoon from nearly four weeks in Europe, chasing my pre- and during WWII childhood throughout France and Central Europe. It was the most emotionally and intellectually successful trip of the many I have enjoyed, but right now, after my brief (and painful) reintroduction to ballet after a 4-week lapse, I am overweight (5 pounds of Beuschl-mit-Knodl), cramped (after just 14 hours off the plane) and
a big jet-lagged (I slept through American Airlines’ JFK landing!!!) I love my ballet
classes: the body remembers, it just doesn’t wanna do it! Evelyn Konrad, Attorney at law and enthusiastic ballet student! (and skier!)
Thank you for sharing your back-to-ballet experience, Evelyn!