31 Jul Why Adults Learn Ballet Better: the Hidden Advantages
At Ballet for Women, we see a growing number of adults embracing ballet. While some may feel they missed their chance as children, we believe there are significant advantages to starting ballet as an adult. Here are five reasons why adults might even find ballet easier to learn and more enjoyable than children:
1. Avoiding Injuries: Adults are typically past peak growth spurts and rigorous childhood activities, minimizing the risk of injuries common among young dancers. This allows adults to focus on technique and enjoyment without the worry of overuse injuries plaguing young bodies still in development. Unlike their younger counterparts who might be pushing their limits or haven’t yet mastered proper form, adults can prioritize healthy technique, minimizing the risk of strains, tendinitis, and other common dance injuries.
2. Freedom and Flexibility: As adults, you have the freedom to choose your ballet journey. You can take classes when and where it suits your schedule, tailoring your ballet experience to your life. Gone are the days of relying on parents’ schedules or limited class options. As an adult, you have the power to design your ballet experience. Whether you prefer early morning classes to energize your day or evening sessions to unwind after work, the choice is yours. Additionally, location is no longer a barrier. With a wider range of studios and online resources available, you can find classes that fit your geographic location and learning style.
3. Financial Independence: The financial burden of ballet lessons often falls on parents for children. Adults, with more control over their finances, can invest in their ballet aspirations without guilt or dependence. Learning ballet as a child can be a privilege, often dependent on a parent’s ability to afford lessons and costumes. As adults, we’ve earned our financial independence. This allows you to invest in your ballet dreams without feeling a strain on the family budget. You can choose the level of instruction and frequency of classes that aligns with your financial goals and personal commitment.
4. Faster Learning: The adult brain is more developed for comprehension and imagery. This allows adults to grasp ballet concepts quicker than children, who may struggle with body control and abstract ideas. While young dancers may possess incredible flexibility and agility, their brains are still under development. This can make it challenging to grasp complex ballet concepts or translate instructions into physical movement. Adults, with their fully formed brains, can excel in ballet due to their ability to understand the “why” behind each movement and visualize the desired outcome. Teachers often find dedicated adult students excel due to their focus, eagerness, and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly.
5. A Lifelong Passion: Adults often approach ballet with a deeper passion, choosing it for personal fulfillment rather than external pressures. This intrinsic motivation can lead to a longer and more fulfilling ballet experience, potentially lasting a lifetime. Many adults who danced as children may have done so at the encouragement of parents or peers. This external pressure can wane over time, leading some to abandon ballet altogether. Adults, on the other hand, typically choose ballet out of a genuine love for the art form. This intrinsic motivation fuels a longer and more fulfilling ballet experience. They come to class excited to learn, motivated by the joy of movement and the desire for personal growth. This passion can translate into a lifelong commitment to ballet, enriching their lives for years to come.
Many adults who danced as children find themselves returning to ballet later in life. Compared to their childhood peers who quit due to various factors, such as injuries, loss of interest, or competing priorities, these adults often find themselves with a renewed appreciation and a commitment to their ballet journey. So, if you’ve ever considered ballet, don’t be discouraged by your age. At Ballet for Women, we believe it’s never too late for ballet!™.