The importance of choosing the correct class level for YOU!

Before we begin, I revisited a concept I haven't pondered for a while now - Maslow's hierarchy of needs! 

So what is Maslow's hierarchy of needs? 

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is an idea in psychology proposed by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation" in the journal Psychological Review. Maslow subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans' innate curiosity.

Physiological needs: eg. need for food and oxygen.

Safety needs: eg. need for security and freedom from anxiety.

Belongingness and love needs: the need to feel one belongs and the need to give and receive love. 

Esteem needs: the need for achievement, competence, mastery and the need for status and prestige. 

Need for self-actualisation: the need to realise ones potentiality. 

I truly believe that these are some of the reasons why children and adults love taking ballet classes and why it can be such an enriching experience. 

I'll often have students describe ballet as a physiological need, like the air they breathe ballet keeps them balanced and they literally crave the endorphins.

And especially if you belong to a community like Balanced Ballerinas attending ballet classes can very much tick off the safety, belongingness and love needs. 

And whilst not everyone is necessarily chasing accolades or prestige in dance, there's nothing quite like the applause of your peers when you master an exercise. 

And of course I've always been a firm believer that ballet can help my students reach their full potential which leads to self awareness, self assurance and self-actualisation.

BUT WITH ALL THAT SAID...

If you are attending open classes (or enrolling your child in a class that's not suitable for them) you are not going to be ticking off these very important factors that lead to passion and satisfaction. 

Choosing the correct ballet class level as an adult dancer is essential for progressing safely and effectively in your training. Not all the time, but every so often I'll have a few students who don't listen to my professional advice and take classes that aren't suitable for their level. 

It's always funny when these particular students begin taking the class level I recommended months (sometimes years later!) and say, why didn't you recommend this sooner? Despite me recommending a couple of times to which they shut down with the advice or just ignored it all together.

So let's talk about some tips to help you choose the appropriate class for your level:

Assess your ballet experience: Consider how many years of ballet training you have had before when choosing your class. If you are a beginner or have only taken a few classes, it's a good idea to start with a beginner or intro-level class to learn the basics.

When students enquire about classes at Balanced Ballerinas I have an Information Pack that I send them which is a very simple PDF document with everything they need to know about joining our classes. Included is a guide to help them find out what class would best suit them. If you're provided such a document, don't skip reading it!

Determine your technical ability: If it's been a while since you've danced, or you are new to ballet, it's essential to take a class that focuses on technique and building strength. Even if you're not a 'Beginner' these types of classes have a slower tempo, offer more breakdowns of steps, and focus on proper body alignment. It's the best place to start!

Consider your fitness level: Ballet classes can be physically demanding, so it's important to choose a level that aligns with your fitness level. If you're new to dancing or getting back into it, it's best to start with a lower-intensity class to prevent injury.

Again, Beginner level classes are your best friend here. Don't overexert yourself and then never come back because you overdid it. Patience and persistence wins every time!

Speak to the teacher or staff: If you're unsure what class level is best for you, talk to the teacher or staff at the ballet studio. They can help guide you on what level would be best based on your experience and skill level.

I personally love when students contact me PRIOR to attending class. Never feel like you're bothering the teacher by emailing or calling - it's literally our job to provide assistance, guidance and our professional advice. 

Stalk the studios social media: If possible, observe snippets of a ballet class online via social media before enrolling to ensure that the class is appropriate for your level. You can also get a sense of the pacing and style of the class, which can help determine if it's a good fit.

I know sometimes students want to come observe a class in-person, however I don't allow this at my studio as it's awkward for the other participants. Imagine how you would feel if you were standing in a Beginner Ballet class and someone was watching intently? 

_______

Remember that ballet training is a process, and progress takes time. Don't be discouraged if you're not able to keep up with the tempo immediately. Stay consistent with your training, be patient with yourself, and with time, you will see improvements in your technique and confidence.

I also highly recommend not taking class because the time suits you better. There are some exceptional circumstances where I definitely say some ballet is better than no ballet, but if you're clearly a beginner student it's not appropriate to attend an advanced class because the time suits you better - this will simply lead to injury.

However let me put a little caveat in here and say that I LOVE when beginner-ish students attend one level higher in conjunction with their beginner class. This can be incredibly motivating and beneficial, but they shouldn't drop the beginner class altogether. 

As an adult ballet student, having patience and persistence is crucial to achieving your goals and staying motivated in your training. Here are some reasons why:

Progress takes time: Ballet is a highly technical and demanding art form that requires a lot of practice and training to master. As an adult student, you may not have the same flexibility or strength as younger dancers, so progress may be slower. It's essential to be patient and trust the process, knowing that progress takes time.

Overcoming challenges: Ballet has a steep learning curve, and there will be many challenges along the way, such as learning new steps, improving posture, and building strength. It's important to stay persistent and to not give up when facing these challenges. Over time, you will see improvement and overcome these obstacles with dedicated practice.

Consistent practice is key: To make progress in ballet, consistency is essential. However, it's not always easy to fit in regular practice with other commitments such as work, family, or other hobbies. It's important to stay persistent in carving out time for practice and to not let setbacks deter you from your goals.

Enjoying the journey: Ballet is a beautiful art form, and it's important to enjoy the journey as an adult student. Embrace the challenges, celebrate small victories, and find joy in the pursuit of improving. Remember that it's never too late to pursue a passion for ballet and that the process of learning is just as rewarding as the end result.

In conclusion, choosing the correct class for you and having patience and persistence in ballet as an adult student is crucial to reaching your goals and ticking off Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs! Trusting the process, staying consistent, and enjoying the journey will help you make progress and achieve success in your training and most importantly satisfaction, motivation and a deep sense of accomplishment. 

Peace & Pliés,

Georgia