Starting adult ballet in Napier
Your first adult ballet class.
Walking into a ballet class as an adult takes some nerve. Here is what to wear, what to bring and what happens in the room, so the only new thing on the night is the dancing.
Which class to choose
Never done ballet, or not since primary school? Come on Thursday. The Absolute Beginner / Beginner class starts from the five positions and goes at a pace where you learn the steps and their names together.
Done some ballet before, even years ago? Monday's Beginner / Intermediate class has longer combinations and more work in the centre. If the first one you try doesn't fit, you can swap.
- Thursdays, 5.30 to 6.45pm: Absolute Beginner / Beginner
- Mondays, 5.30 to 6.45pm: Beginner / Intermediate
What to wear to adult ballet
Fitted clothes you can move in, so your teacher can see your alignment: leggings or tights and a t-shirt, singlet or leotard. Nobody expects a tutu. Layers are good while you warm up, and you can peel them off as you get going.
Tie long hair back off your neck, and leave chunky jewellery at home.
Do you need ballet shoes?
Not for your first class: socks are fine while you find out if you like it. If you keep coming, buy a pair of soft ballet slippers in leather or canvas from a dancewear shop or online. They grip the floor just enough to turn, and they let your teacher see what your feet are doing.
What to bring
A water bottle. Also bring a heads-up about any injury, sore back or replaced joint: mention it before class and you'll get an alternative for anything that doesn't suit.
How a beginner ballet class runs
Every ballet class follows the same order, which helps: by your second visit you'll know what's coming. You start at the barre with one hand resting on it, warming up with pliés (bends) and tendus (pointing the foot) to music.
Then you step away from the barre into the centre of the room and try the same steps without holding on. That is where balance improves fastest. Slower, flowing work called adage comes next, then small jumps and travelling steps called allegro, at whatever height suits you.
The class finishes with a révérence, a short bow to the music, and you head home feeling taller than when you arrived.
When to arrive
Both classes start at 5.30pm at Henry Charles Community Hall, Henry Charles Terrace, Onekawa, Napier. Come ten minutes early on your first night to say hello and find a spot at the barre.
Ready? Let us know you're coming.
Curious who will be teaching you? Meet your ballet teacher, or go back to the adult ballet classes in Napier.