Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Adult Ballet Students
So I've been thinking a lot about my adult ballet students and what it is that keeps an adult ballet student coming back to class week after week. I've found that my older (40+) population of adult dancers are much more committed than the twenty-something's and I am looking for a way to change that. One of the reasons that I feel the older student continues religiously is that if one takes time off it is so hard to come back to as one gets older. Younger dancers don't seem to have the longevity in accepting that studying ballet can be a life long joy not a quick fix. Another thing that seems to impede the younger adult student is the idea that one must have a perfect body to participate in a ballet class or to feel good about themselves in a ballet class. It has always been my goal as a teacher of adult ballet classes to help all my students find joy in moving their bodies in this art form. I have students of all shapes and sizes and that just makes it a much more real experience. We all know that professional ballet dancers are some of the most beautifully shaped bodies in the world but why do adult dancers need to try to attain that aesthetic to enjoy the wonder of ballet for themselves. So it seems to me that older dance students have come to terms with the body they live in and enjoy it more than the younger students. I wish for all of the adult ballet students in the world to find peace with their body, their instrument for dance.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
:) loved reading that natalie!! i think the 20 year olds are so concerned with performing & they forget that ballet is always going to make them a stronger dancer even if it's jazz or modern dancer they want to pursue to become. younger i've always blown off ballet so much because i knew i didn't have the body type to become a ballet dancer so i didn't take it seriously... but it's seriously the best work out in any technique class i've taken!! i've come to appreciate it alot more taking it every day at columbia!! miss you!!
ReplyDelete-ashley clack
I grew up dancing in a studio of primarily Adult dancers (40+). From a younger students perspective I have benefited tremendously from their presents in class! Their love and joy for ballet makes class a non- competitive atmosphere were the progress of learning is celebrated and artistry shines! It is true that they have had to overcome the difficult task of accepting their bodies but as you watch them dance it seems that they hold the most confidence within themselves because they are truly fulfilled with the notion of dancing! Whenever I get too technical or get down on myself about my body I think of them and I am reminded of why I love to dance. From their example I’ve learned the difference between doing movement and dancing movement! Adult students are truly inspirational and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from them starting at a very early age!
ReplyDeleteMary Breffeilh
I dance because the world says I shouldn't. I dance as a way to defy society's expectations of what my body can do. I dance because every once in a while when my arm is raised just right, or my leg goes just a bit higher, I forget that anyone else is in the room and I feel strong and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about time off. For various reasons it was a week between classes last night and I always feel with that length of time, I lose some of what I have gained. Us oldsters need a regular routine, at least two and preferably three classes a week. One of the great things about Natalie is that if one does show up regularly, her suggestions for improvement build upon themselves, and one actually can get better. My experience with other adult teachers is that they don't make very many corrections, and just do the exercises they have planned without regard to the abilities of the students in the class. Natalie is the only teacher I have had that seems serious about adult ballet students really getting better.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Natalie! I started as am adult learner at 23 and have taken at least weekly classes since then. I can't imagine my life without ballet. The movements, the music and the camaradiere keep me coming back, no matter where I live. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteI agree that time off really does affect our abilities in class. But regardless of our life schedule that sometimes gets in the way of attending class, Natalie's classes are always challenging and fun, and I'm always glad that I have attend her class.
ReplyDeleteI also love the fact that everyone in the class, no matter what size, shape,or age, really have the spirit of dance.