Today we have a few thoughts on teaching adult ballet from Mads Eriksen – the Ballet Master at Ballet San Jose’s school…

What do you enjoy most about teaching adult ballet classes?

I think that one of the best things about teaching adult students is sharing my love of dance with somebody that has not necessarily been dancing since they were little kids. It’s very rewarding to be able to introduce dance into somebody’s life.

What is the best piece of advice you could give an adult ballet student?

When you decide to take up ballet as an adult, whether you have danced a lot or never before, the most important thing is to come to class ready to have fun and express your self through movement. Ballet class can have a very serious aura when people are working hard, so it is important to remember that everybody is there to share the love of dance. Remember a smile goes a long way!

Can you pass along your best tip for teaching this type of class? 

I find that my most successful classes happen when I don’t spend to much time going into detail about every little thing, and focus a little more on letting people really move. The more actual dancing there is in a class for adults the better.

BIO: Mads Eriksen trained at the Royal Danish Ballet School, and upon graduation entered the ranks of the Royal Danish Ballet where he performed.

He spent several seasons dancing with Ballet San Jose, and is now a Ballet Master with Ballet San Jose School teaching all levels.