5 Things to Expect at Your First Adult Ballet Class

If you have signed up for your first adult ballet class, congratulations! We applaud your courage. You may have heard many stereotypes about ballet, which can make beginning ballet as an adult an intimidating experience. However, ballet is growing in popularity among adults these days. Many of the dancers we have crossed paths with at Assemblé Studios are pursuing ballet for various reasons, such as:

• To fulfil their childhood dream of learning ballet.

• Ballet as a lifestyle fitness activity.

• Mastery of a new skill for personal growth.

• Ballet as a form of therapy for healing and recovery.

Now, allay your unfounded fears and prepare yourself for your first class with these beginner-friendly pointers.

1. Structure of a ballet class

In a regular ballet class, you can expect two main segments – barre work and centre work.

At the barre, dancers can expect a warm-up exercise followed by a series of exercises. Such exercises include pliés, battements tendus, battements glissés, battements fondus, ronds de jambe, battements frappés, adage, and grands battements.

Centre work involves moving away from the barre and practising in the centre of the studio without holding onto anything for support.

Typical open classes often lack the time and detailed instructions needed to help dancers grasp movements in the most functional and effective manner. This often leaves dancers feeling lost or uncertain about what they should be doing. To achieve mastery in the classical ballet technique, we recognise that it requires time, patience, and support. Therefore, we aim to create technique-focused classes that allow you to delve into the details of key ballet techniques more effectively.

At Assemblé Studios, the Technique Class Series spotlights specific key techniques every term and incorporates them into various combinations for barre and centre work. You will learn essential conditioning and training exercises designed to engage the right muscles and develop a strong technical foundation. This approach allows for gradual and in-depth exploration of each technique, providing ample time for practice and refinement.

If you are an absolute beginner, it is recommended to attend the 10-week Absolute Beginner Ballet programme designed to introduce learners with no dance experience to the fundamentals of classical ballet technique. You will learn the basic ballet positions and movements that will inherently help you improve your posture, coordination, strength, and flexibility. After completing the course, you can progress to the Improver Ballet programme, where you will be introduced to more variations in the exercises to further develop your ballet technique.

2. Ballet Attire

You might associate ballet with black leotards and pink tights, but adult students generally are not required to conform to a standard uniform. There are many dancers – male and female alike – who are rooted in fear of tight-fitted leotards and tights. Most adult ballet programmes are, in fact, quite flexible with the dress code. You may opt to wear activewear.

If you want to unleash your inner ballerina, go ahead and dress in a leotard, a pair of tights, and a wrap skirt. There is a wide variety of designs you can select from online at an affordable price. Leotards should be snug fitting with no visible creases when fitted correctly. This allows freedom of movement and enables the teacher to observe your form clearly for accurate correction. If you don't want to wear ballet tights, you can always opt for leggings.

If you are attending a trial ballet class, you will be advised to wear socks for your first class. If you are ready to commit to the classes for the longer term, you will be required to get a pair of soft ballet slippers. This should not be confused with pointe shoes (shoes with a harder shank/sole), which will come later if you have had sufficient practice and have been assessed as ready to commence pointe work.

Soft ballet slippers come in canvas or leather material and may be available in different shades such as pink, white, and black. Most studios do not dictate the colour of footwear for adult ballet dancers. However, it is still important for you to check the prescribed attire recommended by your studio.

3. Punctuality

It is basic etiquette to show up punctually for class (unless there is a valid reason). Rushing into the studio flustered will not do you any good, especially on your first lesson. You may also want to factor in ample time for locating the studio space if you are unfamiliar with the area and coming for the first time. Some dancers also prefer to change into their dance attire at the studio, so give yourself sufficient time for that before the class.

4. Making mistakes is okay

Ballet can appear effortless, but the truth is that it is physically demanding. Professional dancers undergo years of arduous practice to become proficient in their craft. If you are just starting out in ballet during your adulthood – especially if you have no dance background – please be kind and gentle with yourself. It is perfectly normal to fumble along the way. Don't be too hard on yourself for not grasping a movement. Enjoy every learning moment and laugh it off if you make mistakes. It's all about managing your expectations so that you learn with a positive growth mindset, making each session enjoyable and less stressful.

There are many beginning adult dancers who expect much of themselves, which is a great attitude to motivate them to work harder. However, it is important not to rush through the process of learning. Ballet is built on proper foundations. Your teacher may conduct repetitive drills at the barre to help you hone your technique. This is part of skill mastery and should not be deemed boring. Think of barre work as a springboard to more complex movements and combinations for your future progression.

5. Be prepared to perspire (a lot)

Ballet is beautiful, but not a breeze. You can expect to break a sweat even during warm-up exercises at the barre. Beginning dancers are always surprised at how much of a workout ballet can be. Ballet requires you to engage your core and glutes in every exercise, making the class strenuous and tiring. Remember to bring along a towel and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

We hope you now feel more than ready to take your first adult ballet class. It is important to find a teacher who takes adult dancers seriously and treats everyone respectfully. This means teaching you proper technique while also fostering a supportive, safe environment. If your teacher wastes time, does not give out corrections, skimps on technique, or is straight-up mean, please go elsewhere. You have the power to decide what's best for yourself.

Here at Assemblé Studios, the adult ballet community is warm, passionate, and inclusive. If you are joining us for a class, we’re so glad you’re here!