adult ballet

HELP! How Do I Get Back Into Dance Classes?

December 27, 2014 by Katie Sopoci Drake

Photo courtesy of KCBalletMedia at https://www.flickr.com/photos/67555847@N06/

by Katie C. Sopoci Drake

Hey there. It has been a while, hasn’t it? Teaching, the day-job, kids, or just plain old life got in the way. Although you may have been showing others how to dance, practicing yoga, and even performing here and there, it’s not the same as taking class, so now you’re nervous as heck. Now, you don’t have any grand illusions of running off to audition for a national tour (been there, done that), but you wouldn’t mind brushing up on your technique, and making sure you can jump into the odd performance without tearing anything.

But here come the doubts. I don’t know where to go. All of my dance clothes are long gone. I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up. I don’t even know what level I am anymore. I really don’t want to be in an “adult” class with 12-year-olds.

Before I give you the pep talk, first things first… [Read more…]

10 Questions With…Michael Cornell

August 27, 2012 by Ashley David

Today our 10 Questions With… features Michael Cornell, developer of the Align Ballet Method…

1. How did you become involved in dance and what is your background?

I loved my middle school art class and the process of learning in a studio environment. I was fairly talented with the pencil, and my teacher kept handing me photos of Baryshnikov to draw. These photos expressed an athletic power, yet also communicated simplicity and purity. I was immediately drawn to these elements.

I eventually was awarded a scholarship to The National Academy of The Arts in Champaign, Illinois and then the Pennsylvania School of Ballet summer program. There I was offered an apprenticeship with the company, but I had already made a commitment to work with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. I spent 10 years with BalletMet, and looking back I am very grateful I had the opportunity to work with many of the world’s notable, innovative movement artists. My family was not very culturally minded, but they were open-minded enough to let me explore what probably seemed like a strange pursuit for a young man. Studying ballet was definitely my decision.

2. What are you currently doing in the field?

I have been teaching in Los Angeles for ten years. A little over a year ago I started a class called BALLET 101, which has evolved into the ALIGN BALLET METHOD. This is a unique program I have developed to help adults learn the fundamentals of classical ballet.

We have a roster of about 120 full time students who are working at various stages of development. Our goal is to provide a gateway, where adults with no prior experience have the opportunity to experience authentic ballet training at the highest level. Our unique ALIGN method helps them gain skills rapidly.

3. Would you explain a bit about how the Align Ballet Method works? [Read more…]

Adult Ballet Student: Steve Ha

March 30, 2012 by 4dancers

As we continue with our focus on Adult Ballet this month, please welcome Steve Ha…

1. How did you first get involved with ballet and what attracted you to it as an adult?

I started dancing in my twenties—ancient by dancer standards—as a senior in college, just to pursue new creative outlets. Though various performing arts have played crucial roles throughout my life, dance was the final frontier, and I really just wanted to try it. I started with beginner’s jazz and modern classes and had fun with both, but my teachers often stressed the importance of ballet training so the subsequent quarter I enrolled in ballet. Everything about it made sense because not only did it touch upon my roots as a classically trained musician, it also gave me the opportunity to act and express myself without having to speak (or worse, sing) a single word. Ballet also elicited a strong desire to be disciplined about the practice and an eagerness to learn that I had never experienced as a student before.

2. How many classes are you currently taking per week?

I try to get in the studio two to three times a week. Although, when I was still attending university I took class almost every day and those were some of the happiest times of my life!

3. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an adult ballet student? [Read more…]

Adult Ballet Student: Tanya Stanyon

March 28, 2012 by 4dancers

Today we have an adult ballet student from the UK…Tanya Stanyon…

1. How did you first get involved with ballet and what attracted you to it as an adult?

I first started ballet at the age of 3; these classes quickly led on to Jazz, Tap and National dance. It was my Mum who sent me to class like most girls.

I have not really had a break from ballet since that age. At 16 I went to ballet school and I just carried on. I think as an adult there is more focus on fitness but for me, ballet is just part of life and routine.

2. How many classes are you currently taking per week?

I am currently taking one class per week, as well as monthly company classes with Chelmsford Ballet Company, although I hope to be able to take more at some point.

3. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an adult ballet student?

For me, the hardest thing I have found is trying to get back to the level I was before I had my son a year ago. I think I am very critical of myself and strive to be as good as I can.

4. What brings you the greatest joy as an adult ballet student?

Just to dance brings me the greatest joy, it’s like a little sanctuary away from normal everyday life.

5. Do you have any advice for other adult ballet students?

My advice to other adult ballet students would be to enjoy each class and to work full out where ever possible as this is such a fantastic way to keep in shape. Just live it and love it.

BIO: Tanya started dancing at the age of 3 years old and went on to study Tap, Jazz and National Dance. She became a Cecchetti Scholar at the age of 14 which enabled her to attend classes in London. During this time Tanya also became a member of the Chelmsford Ballet Company, performing in many shows as a junior member. Tanya also performed with National Youth Ballet, playing the role of Tom the Lad in Maid of the Marsh. At 16, Tanya was accepted at West Street School, Covent Garden where she went on to study for 3 years. Since then, Tanya has performed with Chelmsford Ballet Company in many of the lead roles in productions such as La Fille Mal Gardée, Coppélia, Paquita, and Les Sylphides amongst others. Tanya hung up her ballet shoes after performing the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty in 2009. Following the birth of her son Euan, Tanya has begun ballet classes again in 2012.

Adult Ballet Student: Laura Thomason

March 27, 2012 by 4dancers

Our next adult ballet student feature is Laura Thomason…

1. How did you first get involved with ballet and what attracted you to it as an adult?

I started ballet at age 9 and have taken classes on and off ever since. As an adult I see ballet as both meditative and challenging in a way that appeals to me. Every class is broadly the same, yet every time I learn something new, make progress on a difficulty, or become more consistent. I have not yet found a better form of exercise: ballet provides strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness all in one. Plus, I get a lot of compliments on my posture!

2. How many classes are you currently taking per week?

2 ballet classes per week plus a modern class.

3. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an adult ballet student?

To my surprise, I seem to have lost the ability to pick up choreography as quickly as I used to. The teenagers I take class with can pick up a variation after one or two repetitions while it takes me weeks of practice. I am also more physically cautious than a kid would be–I re-started pointe work last fall for the first time in 20+ years and the fear factor gets in my way sometimes. And, of course, dancing around all those younger people brings up the insecurity and competitive instinct that all dancers struggle with.

Fortunately my studio is a very positive environment and no one is allowed to be down on herself for very long. When I first started in my current class, I had trouble keeping up (especially in pointe work) because I had stepped up from a much more basic class. I mentioned to my teacher that I was discouraged and she gave me a good hard reality check, reminding me to be patient with myself till I caught up with the level of the class. It’s been about 6 months and I am glad I hung in there.

4. What brings you the greatest joy as an adult ballet student? [Read more…]

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