My #afterhours as an adult ballerina

I had always wanted to be a ballerina as a child but being raised in Singapore means putting priorities on academics my entire childhood - think assessment books and tuitions and classes. I was introduced to Adult Dance Classes at then Singapore Dance Theatre (now known as Singapore Ballet) by an ex-colleague and I have been going to regular classes for 7 years straight. 

What I love about ballet and what kept me going:

1️⃣It's an art form with continuous progress. The muscles used in ballet are muscles we seldom use (back muscles, glutes, core, ankles), and you work continuously to execute basic ballet movements aesthetically. When my muscles get stronger and you see improvements month after month, I get a sense of achievement that exceeded the happiness that comes from a work promotion. 

2️⃣It's the closest feeling to flying when you leap across the room. 

3️⃣There is no judgement in the studios. Ballerina (or ballerino) -wannabes come solely to learn and have fun. We don't feel awkward when trying out new movements, learning a step, or struggling to get that pirouette. 

4️⃣My posture improved soooo much. I used to have a hunchback because of my height and after learning for a while, I could visibly see the difference - longer necklines, sloped and less rounded shoulders. My height even "grew" by 2cm!!

5️⃣Ballet terms are in French and I get to keep up with a bit of French, which I discontinued after leaving school.

6️⃣I get access to a community of like-minded individuals. It feels like a second home when I see familiar faces week after week, some of them even became friends that hang out outside the ballet studio. 

7️⃣The lessons are superbly therapeutic. After a stressful day at work, it does wonders to focus solely on the steps in class and take a break from the demands in the corporate world.  

8️⃣I have also learnt so many useful stretches, stretches that not only ease your legs but your lower back, pecs, thighs etc that are helpful for office workers. 

If you have always wanted to return to ballet, or give it a try, visit Singapore Ballet for more information!

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