I won't be able to do this again any time soon. (These are not my feet, but I used to dance en pointe.)
I officially have two ballet classes under my belt for the first time in I guess eight years? Nine, maybe? I can’t remember for sure. It was a long time ago.
First, this being Tallahassee, the dancewear stores like to hide from actual customers, but I managed to track one down and was very pleased — as a vegetarian — to find canvas ballet shoes. I never knew there were ballet shoes that weren’t leather, so this was a very pleasant surprise. I bought them on my lunch break the same day as my first class. It was cutting things close, but I made it.
Now, I have some dance background. I work out pretty hard, so I’m strong. I do yoga, so I have some balance and flexibility and stamina. I know most of the dance steps. But getting my body to perform them right now is a struggle. I knew it would be. That’s why I chose the beginners’ class over intermediate.
Class number one consisted of three students and the teacher. All three of us students had a decent amount of background in ballet. The teacher, Jennifer, took that as a sign that she would up the difficulty of the class and teach it at the intermediate level. She didn’t mention that until the class was almost over. I made it through, but I thought perhaps I was much more rusty than I even thought.
Oy.
Still, I went back last night for class number two. There were more people. Some of them were more beginner than others, so Jennifer went easier on us. She did combinations I could remember. My feet came alive. I could do it! What a relief! I loved it.
Well, I loved the first class, too, but at least I know where I am with this. I can’t wait to go again. I just wish it was 20 or 30 years ago and I could do more with it than just have a cute hobby.
If only we could turn back time.
But that’s Cher and this is all about Elton.
How awesome that you are doing something you love to do, something that brings you joy and freedom! Glad your feet have come alive =)
Thanks.
How exciting to ‘train’ again!
Is it like riding a bike? I’m guessing your muscles have a ‘ballet memory?’
BTW…What does Emma think of her mom, the ballerina?
She hasn’t said anything. I’ve taken classes before, when we lived in Buffalo. I doubt she cares much!
It’s not like riding a bike. When you get back on a bike, you can just ride. There’s some muscle memory, but I’m having a harder time with it than I did when I was younger. Hopefully, it will get easier. I know if I lose some poundage, it will be easier to “make the shapes.”
And you know how I love my Elton!! Good for you. Taking up dancing again will be good for your soul and I bet you will be up to speed in no time.
I wish I could figure out what it is I like to do and make some time for myself. Here I am in the mid-30′s and I can’t think of anything I’ve ever enjoyed doing, besides skiing. It makes me kind of sad.
I’m going to live vicariously through you for a while.
I love skiing! But I guess there isn’t much of that in Georgia. You like to draw! (Or at least you used to …)
Ya, not a lot of skiing in Georgia, although I’m not far from the Smokey mountains. I haven’t done any drawing in a LONG time. I used to write poetry and I haven’t done that in a LONG time, either. I have a lot of pent up creativity with no outlet at the moment.
Start a poetry blog! Get a cheap sketch book and draw and scan the drawings. You could have a poetry and art blog.
Everyone’s doing it. You might as well.
This is so exciting. I am glad things are going to well! Stopping from Mom Loop!
I’ll live vicariously through you
I miss ballet but it’s beyond me now. I’ll keep doing photography and writing and reading your adventures in ballet!
On a side note…I name one of my doggies Tiny Dancer. I loved that dog so much! …and the song.
That’s a great dog name! Ballet isn’t beyond anyone. It’s just a matter of starting small!
Keep at it! It’s supposedly good to challenge yourself. I wait and see how it works out for you before diving into anything myself.
And that song makes me chuckle. My husband thought it was “hold me close I’m tiny dancing.” So sometimes we “tiny dance” to score a hug.
Good on you for jumping back into those shoes! I am blessed to have had 20 years in teaching ballet — wish I had more time to actually take a class for myself. But someday. I have always admired adult ballet students – it takes a lot of courage to step back into the studio (including the tights and bodysuit/leotard)!
Bravo to you! Bravo to your courage!
Luckily, I don’t have to wear tights or a leotard!
I thought I was disappointed at this school not doing a recital, but I’ve realized now I’m glad. I’m not ready for that!
Lucky you! The thought of wearing pink tights at this point makes me shiver, or rather shudder. As for a recital – take it one step at a time… I have to say though, the recitals that some schools have for adult students are an absolute blast! But take it a step at a time.
Good luck!
It is so good for your body and soul to get back to something like that that you love. Good for you!
I loved Ballet at Madame Halina’s school of dance in Elmira in the 80s! Did you ever take any classes there? I also loved rhythmic gymnastics, somewhat dorky but great fun. How great that you have taken up ballet. I too wish I had continued with it and imagine what might what have been….Good luck with it and enjoy it now!
I took classes there for a little while, but quit.
ballet always seemed like so much fun to me, but for some reason i never took dance lessons. so glad you love it again–if i could turn back time, oh! how different things would be!