Today we have an adult ballet teacher with us to share some thoughts about her experience with this demographic….
1. What are you currently doing in terms of teaching adult ballet class and how did you wind up doing that?
Right now, I teach at two studios in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California and I do a lot of private coaching. At one studio, I have a program of beginner, intermediate and advanced ballet technique and pointe classes for adults which is very successful – and fun! I also choreograph the spring show and Nutcracker for that studio, both of which allow ample opportunities for my adults to perform, no matter their skill level.
When I got out of college, I taught young children and teens but now that I’m older, I find that I relate better to adults and older teens. My approach to technique is based on kinesiology and I give corrections that are primarily bio-mechanical. Students who can understand how to access certain muscles and how bones and tendons relate to each other will be more likely to apply my corrections successfully.
2. What do you like most about teaching adult ballet?
I love being witness to breakthroughs, whether it’s a beginner who finally understands how to lift up her abdominals and rotate from the top of her hips or an advanced student who hits a triple pirouette en pointe. I often wish I had a camera to capture the moment on their faces – the looks of surprise and elation are priceless.
With my beginner students, I become absurdly proud of their advances! I make sure to point out to them and to the rest of the class when these things happen so they can appreciate their progress and be recognized by their peers. I encourage them to celebrate the smaller moments because they all add up!
3. What are some of the special considerations when it comes to teaching adult ballet? [Read more…]
