Unlocking the Secrets of Ballet: A Beginner's Journey

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Discover the Graceful World of Ballet, One Step at a Time

Embracing the Absolute Beginner

Tracy Somani, a longtime ballet enthusiast, found herself standing nervously outside the Philadelphia Ballet building, unsure of where to go. Despite her deep appreciation for the art form, she had never dared to step onto the dance floor herself. "I see what makes it beautiful, but I think it would demand a lot for the body and the mind and the rigor and the conditioning," she confessed, her face cringing at the thought.Somani's hesitation is not uncommon. Many adults, captivated by the elegance and precision of ballet, have long harbored a desire to try it themselves. However, the perceived challenges of the art form can be daunting, often deterring them from taking the first step. That's where the Philadelphia Ballet's Absolute Beginner class comes in, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for those who have never before donned a pair of ballet slippers.

Rediscovering the Artistic Passion

Leading the Absolute Beginner class is Shelly Power, the executive director of the Philadelphia Ballet. Power, who had once been a dancer herself, had long ago traded her pointe shoes for the world of arts administration. "Oh goodness gracious, I'm telling my age," she chuckled, "Many years. Decades."Despite her transition to a behind-the-scenes role, Power's love for the art form never waned. "Even though I went on to do administrative work so I could make ballet companies survive and thrive, you never really lose that artistic love," she explained. "I'll go in and watch rehearsal just to remember why I do all this administrative work."Now, Power is dusting off her dance chops to help adults like Somani rediscover the joy and discipline of ballet. "It's really exercise for your mind," she said. "When you walk into a ballet class it's like walking into church or into the library. You forget the world behind you when you have to really focus on your body. All the rest – the fray of the day – goes away."

Eradicating Intimidation, One Step at a Time

Ballet instruction has traditionally been geared towards children, with adult classes often catering to those who have prior experience. The Absolute Beginner course, however, is designed to be truly ground-floor, welcoming adults who have never set foot in a dance studio before."You want to have the rhythm of the classes," Power explained. "Where do you stand at the bar? How do you place yourself in the center? Do you stand in front of somebody? People don't know that protocol."Power's mission is to eradicate the intimidation that often accompanies the prospect of learning ballet as an adult. "The point is not to get it right, but to try," she emphasized, gently guiding her students through the five basic ballet positions and seven fundamental moves. There are no recitals or performances to worry about, just the joy of rediscovering one's body and mind.

Appreciating the Art from a New Perspective

For Somani, the Absolute Beginner class is not just about learning the technical aspects of ballet; it's about gaining a deeper appreciation for the art form she has long admired. "As you do it, maybe you can appreciate what they're doing," she said, anticipating the moment when she'll watch a professional ballet performance with newfound understanding. "I already know I'm going to appreciate it because I'm gonna be, like, 'I cannot get my feet to do that and my arm to do that.'"Dan Williams, another student in the class, has a unique perspective to bring to the table. As an artist's model, he hopes that by learning the fundamentals of ballet, he'll be able to better understand and translate the movements of dancers into his own poses. "Instead of just winging it, if I can understand a little bit about the structure behind it as I watch the performances, I might understand better how to translate that into a pose," he explained.The Absolute Beginner class has also become a bonding experience for some students, like Dan Williams and his friend Ellen Wert. Wert, a seasoned ballet dancer of nearly 50 years, joined the class to provide moral support and encouragement to her friend. "I'm a ringer," she said with a smile. "I'm here for moral support for Dan."As the Absolute Beginner class continues to unfold, it's clear that the journey of rediscovering ballet is not just about the physical movements, but also about the personal growth, the shared experiences, and the newfound appreciation for an art form that has captivated audiences for centuries.