Dance Advice

Why Everyone Should Take Ballet

NYCB Principal Lauren Lovette as Juliet in 'Romeo + Juliet'. Choreography by Peter Martins. Photo by Paul Kolnik.
NYCB Principal Lauren Lovette as Juliet in 'Romeo + Juliet'. Choreography by Peter Martins. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

We’ve all heard that ballet is the foundation of all dance, that if you want to get nicer lines in jazz or better posture in tap, you should be in ballet class. But there are other reasons, too, why everyone should take ballet. Here, Dance Informa offers you seven perks to the classical art form of ballet.

#1. To be a part of history.

It’s incredible to be part of something that has such a rich history as the classical arts do. By taking ballet classes, you are helping to preserve this beautiful art form, which has been passed on from dancer to dancer for hundreds of years!

#2. For body awareness, length and strength, and better posture.

Ballet encourages you to always “pull up” and stand tall, improving your posture and building long, lean, stretchy muscles.

#3. Beauty.

Everything about ballet is beautiful – the lines, the music, the artistry, the footwork. Who doesn’t need a bit more beauty in their life?

#4.  To improve memory and keep your brain sharp.

Ballet requires you to think of so many things at once, pick up choreography quickly and execute movement quickly. It has so many cognitive benefits, including better memory and concentration.

 #5. To challenge yourself.

The thing about ballerinas is that they make it look easy, when the truth is, it’s probably the hardest of all the dance forms. But don’t be daunted; it may be difficult, but it’s not impossible, and the sense of achievement when you master a new step will make you feel fantastic.

#6. For better balance, coordination and agility.

Standing on one leg, performing complex footwork, intricate jumping sequences – ballet is excellent for balance, coordination and agility and your general fitness.

#7. To take you away from all this.

There is nothing like getting into the studio to really take your mind off your troubles for 90 minutes! Ballet requires so much focus that you won’t have time to stress about your “To Do” list. In fact, you’ll forget it exists. Think of it as a 90-minute moving meditation.

By Rain Francis of Dance Informa.

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