Ballet is a style of dance categorized by graceful choreography that requires a certain level of physical strength, flexibility, and agility. This is a centuries-old dance style that has survived throughout centuries and has even been combined with other more modern styles of dance. Some may be afraid that ballet is too difficult to learn. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn ballet and some resources to help speed the process along.
What is Ballet?
Ballet is an artistic dance form that involves structured movements that still look fluid and graceful. It is most commonly performed to music and while telling a story, so the dance style can sometimes incorporate acting as well. Today, ballet is often blended with other dance styles that are more modern such as hip-hop. Likewise, many modern dance forms such as contemporary, are often influenced heavily by classical ballet.
This is a unique and compelling dance style in part because there are so many different ballet positions that come together to create a beautiful masterpiece. For example, there are six main foot positions and five main arm positions. In addition, different positions require a bend at the knee, a jump, or to rise to the top of your toes.
Benefits of Learning Ballet?
Ballet is a fantastic way to stay healthy and active. This dance style requires core strength, balance, and flexibility, which all are achieved through regular exercise and practice. By staying healthy, you are increasing your longevity while feeling good and looking good. Plus, there are many different styles of ballet, so you are sure to always do something new and exciting.
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You have the opportunity to meet so many new friends through ballet classes. By enrolling in an in-person or online course, you will learn alongside others who share your passion and desire to become a ballet dancer. These friends will encourage you and help you through the process, which not only makes learning easier but also more fun. You may join ballet classes, get involved in local theater, or work at a local studio as a result of your learning journey.
If you are looking for a new creative outlet, ballet is an activity that combines many different artistic elements into one. Ballet is a dance that includes music, involves a little acting, and often depends upon storytelling. With so many creative aspects to consider, there are nearly endless possibilities to push your creative boundaries. Plus, there are many different styles of ballet, so you are sure to always do something new, challenging, and exciting.
Average Time It Takes to Learn Ballet
The average time it takes to learn ballet can vary from person to person and differs depending on what your end goal is. If you choose to learn ballet and become a professional ballet dancer, that can take anywhere from eight to ten years. This is why many people choose to learn ballet at a very young age, but starting around that time is not necessarily required. However, if your goal is to learn for personal enjoyment or exercise, it may take a few months to a year to master the basics. Specifically, it may take a few months to learn a ballet performance. It depends on your experience level, the intricacies of the routine, and the length of the performance. All in all, practice makes perfect, so the more time and effort you put into learning ballet, the higher your chances are to become a skilled ballet dancer.Â
Other Factors
There are a few factors to consider before you begin learning ballet. It is necessary to know where you could improve and where you are succeeding. It is also important to factor in your physical capabilities, your schedule, and your purpose for learning this new skill.
Prior Experience
If you have ever learned another dance style or if you have ever taken a similar exercise class such as yoga, pilates, or barre, ballet may be an easier skill for you to learn than if you have never studied dance before. For example, if you have ever taken a contemporary dance class, there are many transferable moves and techniques that can help you learn ballet quickly and with ease. However, if you have never danced before, you may need a little more time to perfect the moves. Overall, you can still learn how to dance ballet without prior experience, but it may be advantageous if you are familiar with various dance forms.
Why You Want to Learn Ballet
Consider your purpose for learning ballet. Maybe you had always dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer but never had the opportunity when you were younger. Perhaps you enjoy dancing for exercise and want to try something more technical and challenging. Regardless of your reason, it is important to make sure you keep your purpose in mind while choosing a class. Take into account how the class is set up, what the class focuses on, and how intense the class may be. If you are a ballet beginner, it is best to start with level one courses and supplement those courses with plenty of additional exercises such as yoga, pilates, or barre, so you can improve your ballet performance.
Personal Learning Style
Similarly, your learning style is important to factor in as well. For example, some individuals learn best through in-person instruction. Suppose you feel more comfortable in a ballet studio where you can learn alongside other individuals and get hands-on assistance with specific moves, poses, and positions. However, some people prefer to learn in the comfort of their own homes. If that applies to you, online courses provide interactive instruction with a skilled ballet instructor but still allow you to learn in a neutral environment. Overall, ballet is a skill that requires precision and physical movement, so it is important to consider how you prefer to learn to ensure you learn as much as you can.
Physical Abilities
You must also consider your physical capabilities before learning ballet. If you know you need to increase your physical strength or improve your flexibility, a beginner ballet course is more beneficial than an intermediate or advanced course. Supplemental exercises will also help mitigate any issues associated with a lack of strength or ability to hit certain poses. In addition, it is important to consider your physical abilities to ensure you avoid injury such as a torn muscle or twisted ankle. Ballet dancing can affect joints and muscles, so make sure that you stretch properly before and after any exercise so you can feel better and dance better.
What to Know Before Learning BalletÂ
Like learning any new skill, the level of difficulty depends on a few things. This is often specific to your learning style and prior experience. For example, you may find ballet difficult because you are used to dancing in a different style such as hip-hop or contemporary, that requires less graceful movement and instead favors more abstract movement. Classical ballet requires precision and technical movement, whereas other forms may not. Or, you may find it difficult to hit the positions of your feet and arms, which could be associated with a lack of flexibility or balance. For all of these issues, practice, regular exercise, and proper stretching can help mitigate any challenges.
There are some prerequisites to becoming a professional ballet dancer, but if you choose to learn ballet as a fun hobby, the prerequisites may vary. For example, having professional ballet training can help you land a job as a ballet dancer or in a ballet studio. It is also beneficial to attend ballet or other related performances to gain better insight into the dance style. By observing other dancers, you may learn a few new techniques or find it easier to hit certain moves.
The cost of learning ballet differs for a number of reasons. Attending a traditional college to learn more about ballet is the most expensive option. However, there are many in-person and online courses available all across the country that are less costly. Aside from the amount it may cost to learn ballet, you should also consider the cost of class materials such as outfits and other accessories. However, some ballet equipment such as a ballet bar, will be provided in an in-person class.
Can I Learn Ballet for Free / on My Own?
There are ways to learn more about ballet for free. For example, you could pick up a ballet book at your local library or search for tutorials and self-paced options on the internet. These are useful resources to use but are not ideal for when you have a question or need help with a position. Plus, if you are doing the pose incorrectly, you will have no one to provide feedback or guide you. For these reasons, it is beneficial to learn through a traditional method such as an in-person or online class with an experienced ballet instructor.
Key Takeaways
The main takeaways to consider with ballet are your physical strength, your purpose for learning, and which method is best for you to learn ballet. There are many online resources and free ways to learn ballet, but overall, traditional classes are the most beneficial and effective for learning any new skill.
- Ballet is a dance style that requires physical strength, flexibility, and agility to perform many of the dance moves. It is a centuries-old dance form that has branched out into many different adaptations and styles.
- The time it takes to learn ballet depends on a few factors. If you plan to become a professional dancer, it will take a lot more time than if you learn ballet as a fun hobby or way to exercise. In general, professionals take many years to study ballet, whereas those who learn as a hobby can pick up the fundamentals in a matter of months or a few short years.
- There are many benefits to learning ballet. For instance, it is a great way to work out and stay physically fit. In addition, it is a creative hobby that can help you express yourself and make new friends along the way.
- Other factors to consider before enrolling in a ballet class include personal learning style, physical abilities, previous experience, and why you want to learn.
- Before enrolling, you need to consider your schedule and preferred method of learning as well. If in-person classes are not available or not accessible to you, consider enrolling in an online course.
- There are options to learn ballet for free such as online videos, tutorials, and books at the library. While widely accessible, they are not the best options for learning a new skill, especially one as physical as ballet. It is beneficial to have an instructor to provide feedback and assistance.
- While there are many ways to learn about ballet, formal training is the best option such as an in-person or online class. If you prefer to learn on your own or with a specific group, there are also private lessons or classes available through CourseHorse. Contact CourseHorse to find options for online or in-person classes, including private group sessions.