adult ballet
52 Weeks Of Adult Ballet – A Guest Post
Jean Kyle
More than 20 years ago, I allowed the first love of my life to slowly slip away. We were then reacquainted 10 years ago for a brief, happy, but not overly fulfilling affair, after which I was convinced that my passion for ballet – my first love – had fizzled out and that I would find joy through other forms of dance.
Unexpectedly, and in a totally unplanned manner, a series of circumstances found me back in an adult ballet class about 4 months ago. I was persuaded to join a class “just for fun”; I thought I’d do one, two classes at most, then probably give up.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Teaching Tip: Adult Ballet Class
If you are new to teaching adult ballet, there are a few things you may want to consider. Teaching adults is not the same as teaching kids–there are a different set of concerns, and they are often coming to class for different reasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind that can help get you started off on the right foot (sorry for the bad pun!):
+ Ask about injuries. This is a very important thing. Many adults will have some type of physical issue that can limit them in certain ways when it comes to taking ballet class. I have a student with a hip replacement, one with a bad ankle and one with a bad back. You absolutely must know about these things ahead of time. Don’t try to play doctor–ask your student to check with their physician about what they can and can’t do in ballet class–and remember to follow up so that you are aware…
INTUIT Dance Studio
Those living in the Chicagoland area may want to check out INTUIT Dance if they want to take a really good class. Studio Director, Diane VanDerhei has a top-notch background, and has hired instructors with impressive credentials. The atmosphere at this studio is creative and fun, and there is even an excellent adult ballet class. Other offerings include belly dance, yoga and hip hop. Located in Oak Park, IL, the first suburb west of Chicago.
