Back in the slippers
Tonight I took the first ballet class I’ve taken in, I’d say…14 years. The pink slippers were only $13.50 but the amount of self-will it took to show up and push myself through an hour and a half of this “Intro to Ballet” class is immeasurable. The wardrobe was less leotard/tutu/slippers – more leggings/shorts/Hanes tank/sweat band/slippers, but I felt like I was with the ballerinas in a Degas painting at the barre. In a 2nd floor walk-up dance studio above an art store in Rittenhouse I struggled to remember steps, positions and terminology I hadn’t used or really even thought of in 14 years. But after so long I’m thrilled to say I made it to 10 past 9, and walked to the subway imagining little ballerinas kicking and pulling at my legs and doing pirouettes on my shoulder blades as I craved a large glass of chilly water.
When I was 11(ish) I remember my last dance instructor literally yelling at me every class about the arch of my toes or the bend of my knees or the posture of my plies. Walking out of her class I was more than happy to kiss dance goodbye, but couldn’t help shutting the door to my bedroom or apartment and making up my own dances to my favorite music. I still listen to classical music and imagine the most elegant dancers gliding across an open stage, and enjoy going to see a ballet company as much as a concert or movie. So, I took a chance on an adult class that had my muscles shaking for the entire subway ride home.
Even though the most basic class has me all jittery, it’s still an open forum for asking questions and requesting demonstrations. As I learned tonight, asking a question that may seem silly turns out to be helpful to other people who weren’t going to say anything at all. This time, when the instructor grabbed my toes and pushed them in the right direction I felt like I actually understood how it was supposed to feel, how I was supposed to move – even if just for a few seconds. I’m excited to think about how my yoga practice can be helpful and grow alongside ballet class, and I’m looking forward to my next class on Thursday.
I am so happy you did this!! I still remember you dancing on a raised platform at the mall by yourself when you were small. Oblivious to everything but the music and the pure joy you embraced as you pirouetted across the floor. XOX <3
That is so fantastic that you’re taking ballet lessons again! I always wanted to learn violin as a child but never got to do it, and I started taking lessons a few years ago. It’s so tough but so rewarding. I took ballet, tap, and jazz dance for a few years as a child and I had such a love/hate thing for it. Kind of wish I had stuck with it. Have fun!
So glad that you’re getting back into something you love! I have officially started yoga and am loving it! Well, let’s just leave the fact that I’ve only gone to one class alone. But I’m going to my second tonight. Good luck for tomorrow’s class!
That’s extremely cool! Your yoga and ballet will definitely help each other. ANd when were you in Minnesota?! Because if your flickr is right and you were there Sept. 4th we were probably there at the same time!! </3