This is quite amusing, Doug.

It makes me think that you have quite the meditative approach to Ballet study. Perhaps your approach might lead to Zen consciousness along with proficiency in ballet technique.

Not a bad combo really....

Neill,

Thanks for the comment. I see what you're saying about a meditative approach to ballet. Actually, my initial motivation was to learn ballet technique one step at a time (literally) instead of having to absorb lots of new moves in a superficial way without really mastering anything. Plus, ballet strikes me as a discipline that puts a lot of emphasis on technical perfection.

Ha ha -- I know, I have a hard time too in those open "beginner" classes! It's HARD to learn to dance as an adult!!! I often wish we could just focus on the very basics, but no one does. I would recommend just finding the teacher who teaches at the most basic level that you can find, who really teaches technique and spends significant time correcting (none of them can spend that much time on one person, because it's a group class and people are at different levels and it would be unfair to the others). And then just keep taking the class for a long time. Over time, you'll get used to the combinations and will be able to focus more on technique rather than just learning "steps." And, the more you show up for that particular teacher's classes, the more they will get used to you and know your particular problems, and will know that you are serious and dedicated and really want to learn, and then they will spend time helping you.

HA!

I struggled to find 'boring' classes in Flamenco myself.

I wanted to be treated like a Russian piano teachers beginner student.

Seriously... yell at me, I don't care, just teach me from the ground up!

Tonya and Marcy,

If the 3 of us are in search of very basic dance classes, then maybe other adult students feel the same way. And if this is the case, then dance studios may be overlooking an important market.

What's interesting is that I get the most direction with technique from my most difficult class. I'm taking a Beginner 2 modern class with Helen Hayes at Joy of Motion -- Helen is a great teacher. Somehow she manages to give everybody a lot of very helpful guidance when it comes to technique.

hey..im studyin ballet pretty late too..and i totally get wat ur saying..i was in a summer programme doin wat was called a basic level ballet tech class, but their was so stuff that was jst taken for granted for the students to know..and i was completely at sea.. well hope u find a class or teacher with whom u can learn at ur own pace:)

Like you, I view ballet as a study in discipline. And difficult as many BEGINNING ADULT students will say it is, I say "Nothing is absolutely difficult. With single-minded diligence, perseverance, endurance, and patience, the difficult becomes easier."

I attend an open entry/open exit adult beginning ballet class. And I do find the class too large for the instructor to even correct problems with posture and technique. So I supplement that with a one-on-one class...just me and my teacher. It's made an enormous difference.

Agnes,

Thanks for your message and best of luck with your ballet classes - it sounds like you're very committed to developing your ballet skills.

That's not a bad idea to take private classes - at least occasionally to receive specific direction from an instructor.