What to Expect at Your First Ballet Class

You may not have any idea of what to expect from your first ballet class, or have your ideas totally shaped through Hollywood movies, but ballet classes are fun and inclusive places where you’ll meet new people and learn graceful dance moves. Different classes will be taught in different ways, and if you’re interested in learning ballet, there’s nothing wrong with looking at a few different classes in your area before deciding on a class that’s right for you. By the end of this guide, you should feel more relaxed and confident for when you go to your first ballet class.

What makes a good ballet studio?

Some studios will be beautiful, with lots of natural light, a polished sprung wooden floor and lots of mirrors. On the other hand, it’s completely normal that the majority of studios are actually quite dingy, with peeling paint and a linoleum floor. You have to remember that at a ballet class, the important thing is the quality of the teaching, not the studio itself.

Setting up the ballet studio

If your studio uses portable barres, pupils are expected to help with setting them up. After all, it takes some time to put up portable barres and this will eat into your lesson time. It’ll also get you talking to other members of the class and feel more at home and comfortable.

The wall with the mirror is usually regarded as the ‘front’ of the studio, indicating which way to face. Make sure you can clearly see the instructor, and feel free to take a little bit of time ensuring you have a good spot.

Introductions

Often, your instructor will introduce themselves and ask new pupils about themselves, especially about any previous dancing experience. This helps them to determine the level of the class. Some instructors, however, will just come into the room and start teaching, so don’t feel worried if you don’t get asked.

Class structure

Ballet classes are often split into two halves. The first part of your lesson is almost always spent at the barre, completing exercises of varying difficulties. After that, you’ll move to dancing in the main space of the studio without the use of barres. You will be taught correct ballet posture and how to use your body to correctly execute steps.

You may notice that exercises and steps are referred to by their French names. You don’t need to worry about this, as you’ll easily get used to this. Don’t forget that being in a ballerina posture in an hour of your first lesson is something great. Just relax and enjoy your lessons, and you’ll find yourself an accomplished ballerina in no time.