In the past couple of years there’s been a massive increase in people interested in ballet, young girls influenced by Christmas productions of the nutcracker and teenagers wanting to revive their childhood dream of being a ballerina after watching the likes of Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis in ‘Black Swan’. But it’s only very recently that adults are turning back to ballet, not to recover their lost dreams of dancing on stage in a tutu, but as a new fitness craze branching out from the studios of London.
Ellie Frisby, ballerina
Magazines such as British vogue and Grazia have written on how new core strengthening sessions such as ‘Barrecore’ are their go to workouts for toned, lean ballet bodies. London is at the heart of this new fitness craze with even the Royal Ballet Upper School in Covent Garden now offering non-syllabus ballet classes for adults, with the school’s own world renowned teachers being employed to give adults the highest quality of teaching right in the heart of London.
Ballet might seem like a tough workout designed to tone you up in the studio, but it’s so much more than that! Ballet also works muscle groups not used in everyday life to enhance elegant, lengthened limbs and improve posture which makes you look confident as well as being toned. With most ballet schools offering a beginner class for adults, there’s plenty of choice no matter where you live or when you have a spot of free time which means no more ‘I haven’t got time’ excuses! Ballet is proven to reduce stress levels and increase adrenaline and endorphin production so you feel fit, happy, elegant (and maybe a bit sweaty) at the end of class. Many Londoners will spend their days sat at a desk so getting some studio time in, even for 45mins a week, will make you feel happier and more relaxed, allowing you to work more productively on those days when you’re forced to leave the leotard at home and go to work.
Wanting to know what all the hype is about, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry! The Royal Academy of Dance has a list of dance schools throughout the country on their website, most of which will offer classes for adults. If you’re looking for something more basic and fitness based, barrecore offer some excellent classes in the heart of London. Gyms, health clubs and even shops also offer the occasional class if you’re looking for a one off taster. Try Virgin Active health clubs and Sweaty Betty for a super ballet workout. What are you waiting for? Dust off those ballet shoes and give it a go!
Why not see how Eliza did at her Beginners Ballet course with City Academy?
That’s amazing that taking ballet classes can help reduce stress. A friend of mine was talking about looking to see if there are any classes offered in our area. I’m a bit interested in taking the class if it’s offered.