Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 10/20/2011

Question
QUESTION: I just started ballet a month ago, mostly for fun and as an interesting way to get some exercise, music, and grace into my life. The problem is that I have, I think, an awkward body type for ballet and am maybe too old to do much about changing the way my body looks. I am about 5'7", probably ca. 135 lbs., and of normal weight; longish torso, shortish legs, muscular and thick thighs and calves (definitely for ballet, anyway), longish arms; flatish feet, not great turnout, stiff in hip area; and, OK, not the thinnest ever, but certainly not much over average weight--just not lean or thin.

Should I carry on with ballet (which I'm currently doing 3x per week, for 1.5 hours each) or drop it? I'd appreciate an honest answer, which I think my ballet teachers in the adult classes would never give even their most unpromising students.

ANSWER: Hi Mira. If you enjoy the ballet classes then carry on! You seem to have a very realistic idea of how you relate to the "ballet ideal" and as long as you are not frustrated in the classes, why quit?

Ballet is great exercise. And the exercise that is most likely to elongate your muscles while making you stronger, and more graceful. It will take some time, but you may see quite a difference in your body shape, even if you do not transform into the born-to-dance swan queen.

As long as you enjoy the journey!

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/ is my ballet blog, and if you enjoy reading about ballet technique, there are lots of dancing tips there. All intended to help you get the most out of your classes, and developing the long and lean ballet muscles.

Regards, Dianne

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dianne,

Thank you for your very helpful response!

I do enjoy the ballet classes for the most part, but I have to admit that I do find them also very often disheartening. There are aspects of my body that really seem to hinder getting certain things down (like, oh, thighs getting in way of a good fifth position), and I can't help noticing that many of the others in the class have a physique that doesn't get in the way as much. And it's depressing to think of continuing if these problems will always stand in the way of my dancing better. I could continue ballet... but to what end?

I'm beginning to feel like the hippopotamus ballerina in Fantasia but without her nimble feet and just the awkward bulk. This is not helpful because I've already dealt with serious weight issues in the past, and while I find ballet challenging and generally fun, I'm reluctant to continue if I'll forever be stuck at the "elementary" stage.

Do you have any advice? Does it really get better, even for stocky types?

Thanks again,
M.

Answer
Hi again Mira. I think this is entirely subjective. It is an enjoyable challenge, or it's not. Ballet is difficult even for the most physically gifted--you can look upon it as a workout in which you may never go up a level, but will keep improving in the same one.

You could stick to one ballet class a week for the workout, and do two tap classes--tons more fun! Or you could give up ballet, take two Pilates classes a week and one tap or ballroom class--lots of elegance there.

I think ballet always gets better. You cannot but improve if you go to class steadily and keep repeating all those movements correctly. It doesn't matter if you use fifth or third position. But if it is just not satisfying and continually reminds you of the body you DON'T HAVE, maybe it is not worth the battle.

Another incredible workout is Flamenco. You get to wear a skirt, and all those arm exercises are a total upper body workout. And you get to be an uppity woman.

If you can love any kind of dancing, explore them all. Moving to music while exercising, toning muscles, getting a better figure, maybe, is all great. But absolutely loving it and looking forward to every class is what puts years on your life, I think.

I hope these thoughts help. All the best, Dianne.