Why it’s okay to start dancing as an adult… as an absolute beginner

Actually, it’s not okay… it’s bloomin’ marvellous!

“I want to come to class but I’ve never danced before, ever. Is it okay if I start?”

I hear this so often. Of course, it’s utterly normal to attend something new and feel a little nervous or apprehensive if you don’t know what to expect but most people are surprised by how much fun they have. And it IS fun, dancing is fun! The adults who come to my class are all their to enjoy themselves as well as take on the dance challenge and do something

Adult Ballet - Mawgan Porth
Adult Ballet – Mawgan Porth

wonderful for their body and mind. As a beginner, you aren’t expected to leap through the doors and perform a triple turn while taking your coat off.
You’ll do a warm up and start with the basics. You’ll learn about posture (I start every class, regardless of age, style or ability with a posture reminder), then – depending on which class you attend – you’ll either learn some basic techniques or a bit of choreography. That’s pretty much how it starts. You’ll probably chat to some other lovely people and listen to some great music too. Adult classes in particular are mixed abilities but you’ll soon get used to the fact that there’s always someone more experienced and advanced than you and there’s always someone less so. It isn’t a competition and there are no rules. I encourage anyone to give it a go. Most adult students leave the class feeling elated. They’ve done something new and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone.

 

A few other popular questions (plus my responses) I get from potential adult students are:

“I don’t look like the woman in your photos, I can’t do those positions” Well most of my images are me, and it’s my job, my profession, that’s why I teach it.

“I haven’t exercised in a while so might not be fit enough” There is nothing in my classes that you HAVE to do. There are always more basic options. I always tell people to do as much as they can, then rest, join back in, rest – people are often surprised at just how capable they really are.

“I’m not very bendy” Great, get to class and you soon will be.

“I’m recovering from an injury/have an injury, is it safe to attend” As long as you let me know what the injury was/is I can adapt moves to strengthen and support as opposed to damage.

“I’m overweight so I can’t dance” Absolute rubbish! You can still dance and what better way to shed a few pounds than shimmying around busting out some moves.

“I don’t have the right shoes/leotard/tutu” Don’t need them. There is no set uniform for my adult classes. Something comfy and barefoot or trainers is fine.

“I can’t dance” Well of course you can’t… you’ve never been to dance class.

If you’d like to give one of the MBD adult dance classes in Cornwall a go then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. It might just become your favourite hobby 😉

Lisa x

 

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