Ask Colin – adult classes

Dear Colin,
How old is too old to start learning ballet (not for professional purposes, but just for exercise and/or fun)? So many of the articles online and in dance magazines only deal with younger dancers. And as an adult dancer, can I ever hope to be able to go en pointe?
Jen Stosser

Dear Jen,
When I first started learning classical ballet I was 20 years old and I joined an adult learners’ class in Sydney. I instantly fell in love with dance. The other people in the class ranged from 16 years of age to the early forties and were enthusiastic and great fun. None of us thought that we would ever become professional dancers and most of us didn’t, but we did become good audience members and most importantly we learnt to appreciate and enjoy the art form. So, Jen, do not wait any longer take yourself off to one of the many dance studios specialising in adult classes. Believe me, you will never regret it. The possibility of you being able to dance en pointe will rely on the number of classes you do, the structure of your feet and your physical strength. Only your teacher will be able to advise you when you can slip on your first pair of pointe shoes. It is worth the wait!

Best wishes.
Colin

Photography by Justin Smith