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After my daughter was born, I realized that all pounds are not created equally, and some resist removal more than others. But I had a plan. I'd dance those suckers right off in an adult ballet class!

Since I'd taken classes as a child, I figured the venture shouldn't be too daunting. Well, no more than the idea of squeezing back into a leotard and tights would be. From my youth, I remembered most studios have a uniform- usually black leotards with pink tights. A quick check proved that was still true. Chiffon ballet skirts were also still allowed, and I hurriedly acquired one.

Walking in that first day, I felt both intimidated and exhilarated. I was coming back to a hobby I'd loved as a child, something I often regretted giving up. But I was also starting over. I grabbed a spot on the barre at the back of the room.

Class begins with a series of simple warm-up exercises and stretches. My stiff joints resisted at first, muscles screaming, "What are you trying to do here?!" My port de bra ended with a jolt, my fingers a ridiculous six inches from the floor. Hmmm. We were going to have to work on that. Other exercises came more easily. I'd always loved rond de jamb, a movement where one leg (toe, really) draws a half-circle on the floor.

Once the Barre exercises were complete, we moved to the center of the room to perform chains of steps. The instructor demonstrates, then turns us loose in groups or lines to complete the exercise. This is the brain challenge. Remember the steps, in order, and in time with the music. So if you're concerned about your loose memory, and you don't like crossword puzzles, ballet to the rescue! It's a great way to sharpen memory and mental agility.

At the end of class, a slow, fluid exercise is completed, Adagio. The Tai Chi of the ballet world. It's a chance to catch breath, to study oneself in the mirror and think, sure. Okay. I can do this. This wasn't so bad. A chance to look in the mirror and notice that your own movements are not to different than the seasoned instructor. So there's hope here after all.

After several weeks, maybe months, the steps begin to come easier. Arms and legs begin to look toned. And it's more than just exercise. It's participation in art and beauty, with the added perk of promoting health and dropping a few extra pounds along the way.

Ballet class begins with a series of warm-up exercises and stretches at the Barre. These exercises form the foundation of your training. Through them, you will build the necessary strength and flexibility that you need for dancing. At the Barre, you will also learn to carry yourself with the infamous grace of a dancer. The exercises emphasize good posture and balance.

The Barre is followed by more complex exercises in the center and across the floor in groups or one at a time. Here you will learn to combine different steps together into chains. This is a great way to sharpen and sustain mental agility.

Don't be discouraged if at first you have a hard time keeping up. An adult beginning ballet class will be full of people just like yourself, who appreciate the art and are learning it all for the first time. Like any new workout program, it takes time to learn the steps. Be bold, sweat it out, and enjoy being a part of this beautiful art form.

Learn more about this author, K L Arena.
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