Ballet. The new year has just begun and I am sure that many of you, like me, are putting together resolutions. Mine, as always, include exercise. I’ve always loved being active, but not so much if I have to lift weights. There, I’ve admitted it. I just don’t enjoy it. As a result, I’m always in search of new and exciting activities that will make me sweat. This year, in an effort to stay consistent with my fitness routine, I’ve decided to return to my original love: ballet.
While many of us run to stay fit, it’s important to incorporate some cross training or other balance and strength building activities. This helps to keep the body fit, which is important for several reasons. For one. it helps keep injuries at bay. When you are strong, you are much less likely to suffer unexpected tweaks or strains. Also, you need to keep your body guessing. If you keep repeating the same activity over and over again, your muscles will get used to the movements which will make the exercise less effective.
Dance has always been a huge part of my life, whether modern, jazz or even in the past few years, ballroom. When the music starts it’s almost impossible for me not to move. In fact, that’s why I have a very carefully curated exercise play list. It’s my number one must have when I go for a run, whether it be inside or outside. I stopped taking ballet for many years while I was teaching Pilates, but I never forgot how good it felt to be in class. Each exercise is designed to lengthen and streamline your muscles while giving you elegance and grace of movement. The combination of stretching and strengthening is unique to dance classes. Your legs will feel like jelly and your arms will be shaking but you will feel stronger and taller after the very first class.
While being in the ballet studio is anything but glamorous, movies like Black Swan have brought about a resurgence in dance. I find all the warmups and leotards so pretty and motivating that I cannot resist stocking up. When you put on a leotard and some legwarmers, it makes you feel like a real dancer.
Would you take a ballet class?
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32 Comments
I LOVE ballet, that and Pilates is some of my passions in life and I love how lithe and strong it makes your body. I wish I could find a barre class somewhere close to where I am… but no luck so far :/. Xx
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Oh good luck finding a class, I know how hard it can be!
xo
I’ve been looking in to this myself. Can’t find any good classes near me, but keeping my eyes opened. I used to take ballet classes when I was a kid and can’t wait to get on pointe. 🙂
I started walking around town and asking about schools in every single dance store. Took me about a month!
xo
Great post!!!!
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Thank you!
xo
I actually took ballet classes when I was a kid. It didn’t last long of course despite my mom. lol I decided it was not for me. 🙂 But I’m always excited for people who can do it! 🙂
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I love the intensity of the training, the exercises are truly amazing for how they change your body!
xo
I just think that the point toe ballet shoes are so classic and beautiful… and no I wouldn’t take a ballet class but mostly because it’s not my favorite form of dance I would do more of ballroom dancing… that’s more my speed! Thanks for sharing!
Hope
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Ballroom is amazing! My husband and I took ballroom for years and you know the fact that I had a ballet background help tremendously!
xo
I just recently returned to ballet as well! How long has it been since you’ve done it (I see you went straight to pointe)? I’ve returned to slippers, it’s been many years.
Yeah…not quite. I wish. I’ve kept up with my pointe training, just to keep my muscles strong but really I’m taking class in soft shoes. Maybe 15min of pointe at the end…. It’s been a long time for me too. I switched to ballroom somewhere in the meantime and while it’s amazing it isn’t the same workout.
xo
Oh, I love leotards so much, they are just too pretty! Happy new year and good luck for 2014 🙂
I love them too! Thank you and all the very best to you too!
xo
I would love to take ballet classes again. Though I know my feet would hate me for it! Have fun breaking in those pointe shoes! Happy New Year dear!
Cheers,
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Nah, in soft shoes they’d be just fine…you should totally go. If you need a great school in TO let me know!
xo
It is so crazy that you posted this!! I grew up dancing as well and am starting ballet class on Monday. I couldn’t be more excited, great post!
YAY! Also, frankly pointe shoes are a great shoe as well… So excited for you, you’ll feel so amazing!
xo
I love ballet and everything connected to it!
Love,
Coco
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Oh me too!!!
xo
I took a ballet class when I was eight, I actually remember the “five positions” even now. I hope you are having fun while dancing 🙂
I am! What ballet teaches your body, you never forget!
xo
I was always curious about Ballet btu I know I am not the most flexible so it probably won´t workout for me…but it´s definitely a great way to stay in shape….
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Oh don’t think that way, trust me you do not have to be flexible to take an adult ballet class!
xo
Amazing. I have thought about taking ballet classes, its so great for your posture, as well as for exercise.
You definitely should! You will feel so fabulous after just the first class!
xo
Yes, I would love to take a ballet class!
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Yay! You should, I promise you will feel fantastic!
xo
Oh gracious I don’t even think I can touch my toes anymore! hahaha!
-Jamie
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Nice post Caroline
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Bea
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Why thank you!
xo
I would definitely take a ballet class – love everything about it. How elegant every move can be be, how elegant you actually look qwhile dancing, how beautiful everything is.
It is defintiely a YES for me!
Cheers!
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