Starting Ballet as an Adult: What I Wish I Knew
- Hannah Jennings
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7

The thought of starting (or re-starting) ballet as an adult probably seems a little intimidating. If you're in your mid to late thirties like me (more late than mid, if I'm being honest 🙄) or older, you're probably wondering how your body will respond, what you'll realistically be able to achieve, and if any of it will be worth the trauma of standing in front of a mirror in a leotard and tights.... 🫣 I get it! But honestly, jumping back into ballet as an adult is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you're thinking about taking the plunge, here are a few things I wish I had known before getting started (and check out the podcast episode we did on this topic):
1. It’s Not Too Late to Succeed
While the image of tiny young dancer with their legs up by their ears might make you feel like you missed the boat for good, that's just not true. Your body may not be as limber as it once was, and your coordination may need some work, but that’s okay! Ballet is a journey that’s as much about discipline and passion as it is about perfection. Over the last few years I've been shocked to see what my body is capable of - the strength, coordination and overall improvement if seen take place through consistent training has been so empowering. And you CAN experience that too!
2. Everyone Feels Self-Conscious
When I first started, I spent way too much time watching the more experienced dancers in class, feeling self-conscious about my lack of coordination and that I couldn’t get my leg as high as I wanted. But here’s the secret: everyone feels self-conscious about something. I remember hearing a dancer I thought was absolutely perfect talk about having insecurities about their body and technique and thinking, "Really? You too?" The point is, no matter how good you get or how "perfect" you look to others, we all wrestle with insecurities. And when you realize that the person standing in front of you at the barre is probably just as self-conscious as you are, not only is it freeing but it makes me want to be cheerleader for the people around me. Don't let your insecurities make you feel isolated and steal your joy in the studio!
3. Progress Will Be Slower Than You Think
Let’s talk about expectations. When you first step into class, you might think, “I’ll be doing pirouettes in no time!” Spoiler alert: Almost nothing in ballet happens quickly. Ballet requires so much muscle memory and conditioning, and it takes time to develop the strength, flexibility, and coordination to execute even the most basic movements.. Don’t get discouraged after a few classes. Celebrate the small victories - whether it’s maintaining better alignment in plies or finally getting your arms in the right positions during tendus. Progress in ballet is a slow burn, but every bit of progress is worth it!
4. It Will Take Time to Figure Out What Works for You
As an adult dancer with so many demands on our time and energy, it might take a while to figure out a training schedule that works for you. You’ll probably want to take classes from at least a few different teachers (either in person or online) to find one that works for you, and you might find that you enjoy training from the comfort of home more than commuting to a studio for in-person classes (or maybe, like me, you enjoy a combination of both). Ballet is incredibly personal, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Be patient with yourself as you find your rhythm and don't be afraid to experiment!
Final Thoughts
Starting ballet as an adult might feel a bit intimidating, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. While it’s true that progress might come slower than expected and that you’ll have some moments of frustration, remember that every dancer starts as a beginner. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and celebrate your growth. There’s no better time to start than right now.
As always, I'm here for questions, recommendations and support. Feel free to email me at thebusybunhead@gmail.com 🩷
Happy dancing!
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