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Taking an adult beginning ballet class is a great way to improve flexibility, get a strong lean body and for some, fullfill a life-long desire to dance. Many people begin dance instruction later in life, so don't allow your lack of experience to get in the way of pursuing something that you may love doing.

As a dance instructor, the first step that I would recommend is to pick up a beginner ballet book. Ballet terms can be very confusing and trying to learn them while you are attempting the movements for the first time, can be very daunting. A book will allow you to become familiar with the terms, positions and movements before you step into, what can be, an intimidating ballet studio.

Most dance schools offer some form adult instruction, you just need to find the school and classes that suit your needs. You may want to find (what I like to refer to as) a "starter school." This would be someplace like the YMCA or a dance school with a laid back format. Here you will be provided a comfortable environment in which to begin your road to dance. As your ability and confidence improve you may then wish to seek out a more disciplined environment. Here are some things to consider:

1. How serious do you want the environment to be?
Are you looking for the instructor that stands at the barre with a yard stick ready to use it at any sign of poor form? A class filled with former ballerinas who may not tolerate your giggles when you laugh at yourself because you aren't quite as limber as you thought you were? Or would you prefer a class filled with people who are taking the class simply for the joy of dance?

2. Are you comfortable in a tutu?
Some dance schools have very strict uniform policies. Others will allow you to come to class dressed in comfortable work out attire as long as it appropriate for the class.

3. How do you feel about performing in front of an audience?
Does this class perform at the annual recital or is it strictly an instructional class?

4. What is the payment structure?
Are you able to sign up on a pay per class basis or do you need to sign up for the entire session all at once? You want to find a school that allows you some flexibility. You don't want to be financially committed to a school or instructor that may not be the right fit for you.

Once you've really got your groove on, you may want to look into more serious studios. The best studios will be found in the larger cities near you. Here you can often find master classes that allow you to "drop in" when you are looking for a more challenging class. Be warned that these classes are not for the meek of heart. You will undoubtedly be yelled at by the instructor; the other students will let you know that they will not tolerate your lack of experience and your body will be asked to do things that you never thought possible. This master class is very close to a day at a real ballet company and although extremely difficult, will no doubt prove to be exhilarating!

Learn more about this author, Victoria Sullivan.
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