Expert: Connie - 4/18/2009

Question
Hi!,
I would really like to try ballet. I'm 14, and kind of overweight (but pretty flexible) and i think that it would be a great workout to do when soccer season is over and though out the year. I've never taken any type of dance (at all!) so I'm not really sure how to go about starting this. should i go to a studio or should i try some stuff at home because I'm not so sure how much it will cost for lessons. so do you think you can give me some pointers on how to get started?

Answer
Ballet is a good workout!  It's not necessarily a cardiovascular workout, especially not in a beginning class, but if done right it will definitely strengthen and tone.  I would look for a studio that offers a beginning ballet class for adults.  Try to find a studio that teaches a specific technique, such as Vaganova technique.  Trying to learn at home will be very difficult; you really need a teacher to be able to progress in ballet.  You can get some books to help you along, such as Basic Principles of Classical Ballet by Agrippina Vaganova.  Classes at my studio cost $15 for a single class, but are cheaper when more than a single class is taken.

I hope you can find lessons and enjoy them!  Let me know if you have any more questions.