I have always believed that ballet is not only for girls, not only for the rich, and not only for the upper-class, prissy, elite members of society, as most would like to think. Ballet is really for everyone. And come to think of it, this opinion is not confined only to me. There are many others, dance and ballet authorities even, who have stated similar thoughts and ideas themselves.
It may surprise you to learn that several people (whom you wouldn't expect to be involved in ballet) can also relate positively to ballet. For example, pro golfer Kris Tschetter has said in an interview that "I danced all through junior high and high school, then took it up again three years ago to get in better shape. Another example is the Diablo Ballet in Contra Costa, CA was started by engineers, because the founder of the company wanted to provide a place for engineers to be involved in the arts. He believes that engineering and ballet have a lot in common, they say, since both use structural dynamics.
You see? Anybody can study ballet; as long as you have the will to learn. In today's world, there has been a growth in people's awareness of leading a good and healthy lifestyle, thus, many people are turning to ballet for its numerous benefits. The ballet barre, or warm-up exercises to the uninitiated, provides people with an extensive routine that gets all the muscles in your body warm and working. As well as excellent cardiovascular exercises, ballet helps develops strength and flexibility in all the major muscle groups of the body.
You have to keep in mind, though, that ballet cannot be hurried; the learning and the benefits that come along with it involves a slow but sure process. Enrolling in ballet classes and expecting major results after a week or so will just leave you frustrated and disappointed. But just have patience and attend your classes regularly, then without knowing it, you'll suddenly find yourself able to do something you weren't able to do before. Each class develops your body slowly but surely, adding incremental changes and improvements, until you can suddenly see and feel these changes.
But the benefits of ballet is not only restricted to the physical; it's also good for your mental health. Studying ballet requires you to have strong focus and concentration, where you will have to let go of all your other extraneous thoughts. After classes, your mind returns to the daily norm, but from a clearer, refreshed perspective. Personally, this is one of my favorite benefits, despite the difficult exercises. If ever I walk into ballet class upset or confused, I walk out and my mind has cleared; the world looks like a much brighter place.
All you really need is a good pair of ballet slippers, plus a leotard and tights. Wearing these will allow the teacher to observe your body and give suggestions on proper placement. If you have long hair, make sure to tie it up off your face and leave the jewelry at home.
So, are you interested yet? What are you waiting for? Go ahead and join your local ballet school today! Chances are there's a good ballet school or two in your area, with specialized courses for beginners. You may even find classes available at your local fitness center or recreation center. See if you can observe a class first, or you could just enroll as a drop-in student. This way, you can get a feeling of the atmosphere of a ballet class and of what's in store for you. You can also decide if you feel comfortable with the teacher and the other students. Once you find a class you feel comfortable in, you're on your way to having a good start in ballet.
