Are there any adults out there who dance as a hobby (en pointe, even?)?

Question

I did ballet (-> pointe for a couple of years) and tap from about ages 5 to 16, and am keen to start dancing again at uni (student run society).

But I'm wondering whether it's worth it - are there enough adult dancing schools out there that cover the levels between beginner and professional for when I leave uni?!

I would particularly like to get back onto pointe, though I'm aware it might not be the best idea to start it again under the supervision of a student, rather than a dance teacher. Has anyone out there got back onto pointe whilst learning as an adult, and do you still enjoy it as a hobby even though you are now at work? Thanks guys :0)

Answer 1

There are MANY adult dancers, some who are serious about ballet. The BEST reasource you will ever find on the internet is www.dance.net  It is a community of dancers of all ages and styles. It has a ballet board (beginners, general, pointe) etc, and info on stretching, strengthening etc. Check it out. You'll meet some great people and get some of the best advice.

Answer 2

Yeah there are a LOT of adult dancers. I'm one of them! I started when I was 17. I took the adult classes and they were fun and convenient for a college schedule since they are usually on a drop-in basis. I started pointe in these classes. If you want to re-start pointe though I would recommend asking about private classes with one of the teachers (like an hour a week) until you get your strength back. Ballet is DEFINITELY never going to be a career for me, but I enjoy a very rigorous ballet schedule even though it's basically just a hobby. By rigorous I mean I take at least 5 classes a week, including a pointe class with the younger kids. You can enjoy ballet no matter what you do with it and no matter how much time you want to put into it, even as an adult. I agree with the above post that dance.net is a very valuable resource and people are very helpful and friendly! Just make sure you read the stickies before you ask questions.