5 Reasons why Ballet is for Everyone

Every Tuesday and Friday our dance studio, hallways, changing room, cafe and, well, just about everywhere, fill up with a sea of pink leotards. Girls love ballet and our children's classes are full of wonderful, joyful dancers. This is great but we believe that ballet is brilliant for everyone whatever age or gender and here are just 5 reasons why...
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​​1: Exercise and Strength
Anyone who's seen Baryshnikov (pictured) jump or Misty Copeland ​(pictured) pirouette cannot fail to see how strong and fit ballet can make you. We aren’t saying you have to be a Prima Ballerina but the holistic use of muscles in ballet combined with floor based cardio means it’s the most elegant workout you’ll ever take!

​​2: Body Awareness and Control
Because ballet uses so many different muscles at the same time as requiring motor skills, balance and posture to be engaged, the concentration, body awareness and control needed is similar to the flow of yoga. This means it isn’t just brilliant for your body but, like all dance, its great for your mind and wellbeing too.

​​3: History
Taking part in a ballet class is to take part in living, breathing, sweating history! Created in European courts during the renaissance and truly establishing itself in France during the reign of Louis XIV, Ballet has been performed for centuries for everyone from Kings and Queens down. This rich history can be felt in every pointed foot and elegant port de bras.
Left: Louis XIV as Apollo

​4: Creativity
Although ballet can seem more rigid than other forms of dance, with set rules, positions and structure it is actually an immensely creative art form. It is also constantly changing and choreographers like Matthew Bourne are at the forefront of keeping ballet fresh and relevant. Hana our children’s ballet teacher uses ballet to explore everything from myths to the seasons to geometry with our Children’s Ballet Company!

One of our Children's ballet performances at Montage

​5: Being Part of a Team
Whilst everyone knows about the Principle Dancers, and they are amazing, the Corps de ballet are the true heart of ballet. Groups working in harmony and synchronicity to appear as one takes great skill and the results are breath taking.  It is a truly wonderful feeling being part of a group who are all moving in the same way at the same time communicating only through their body movements and music.

Our Adult Ballet Dancers at Montage

Bonus! You'll learn a bit of French so you know your Pirouette (turn) from your Plie (bend)

Feeling inspired? Check out our Children's and Adult Ballet classes