Ballet is a fascinating art form. Graceful and rigorous, it requires regular lessons to progress smoothly and have fun. In this article, we explain everything you need to know, from choosing a dance school to getting dressed for your first dance lesson. You'll be able to begin your art with complete peace of mind, whatever your age.

Choosing your dance school

Dance lessons are the best way to learn to dance with a teacher who will help you correct your positions.

To begin ballet, start by choosing a dance class. There are several options to choose from:

• Conservatories (often reserved for children),
• Sports associations,
• Public schools and dance studios.

Bear in mind that each school and each teacher has their own way of teaching and that dance studios can be very different from one school to another. The size of the room, the floor (is it slippery?), the lighting, the air conditioning... these are all details to which you need to pay particular attention.

The best advice would be to take part in a trial class (often free), to see if your teacher and the dance studio are right for you.

Also, bear in mind that it's essential to choose a course at your level. A dance class at the wrong level will put you off because you'll either be lost or, on the contrary, you'll be bored. Choose a beginners' course if this is your first year dancing.

If you can't decide between several dance schools, ask to visit them or go to their end-of-year show.

II Starting ballet as an adult

Ballet is an art form that is accessible to all ages, even beginners. By practising regularly, you can make progress and enjoy yourself. After a few years of dancing, you'll also be able to move onto pointe.

Bear in mind that ballet is a demanding art that requires rigour. It will certainly be easier for a student who has already practised dance to find his balance and progress than for someone who has never practised. However, in both cases, progress can be felt after just a few lessons. So you need to listen carefully to your teacher's exercises and recommendations to find the right posture and progress quickly.

III The course of a ballet class

In a beginner ballet class, you'll start by learning the basics: the positions and the fundamental steps.

A dance class lasts 1h30 on average and the dancers are accompanied by a pianist or an audio system. The class is generally broken down as follows:

• The first part of the class is devoted to warming up with exercises at the barre (pliés, jetés...) and the basic ballet positions.
• The second part of the class consists of performing step sequences in the centre of the room, known as "the middle".
• Finally, we recommend stretching to relax the muscles, or adages (wide movements at a slow tempo).

IV Rules of etiquette in dance class

To ensure that your dance lessons go as smoothly as possible, please observe certain rules of etiquette:

• Always arrive early for your dance class so that you have time to get ready in the changing rooms and start your class on time.
• Don't enter the dance hall during an exercise, but wait until the end to enter discreetly, excusing yourself and taking your place at the barre.
• Do not talk during the dance class, as this may be frowned upon by your teacher and disturb the other students. You may, however, ask the teacher questions.
• Tie your hair back so you don't feel self-conscious. You can put your hair in a ponytail or a ballet bun if requested by the teacher.
• Wear appropriate clothing.

V Dressing for her first ballet class

It's not always easy to find your way around all the choices available to you. For your first trial class, get comfortable in leggings and a T-shirt from our Zidans or Dimensione Danza collections, and slip on some socks.

After your first trial class, if you want to continue, invest in an outfit from a specialist shop like Balletto Dance Shop. To practise your art, you can choose a leotard accompanied by a skirt and tights. You will also need slippers.

The Balletto Dance Shop team will be happy to advise you in our Bordeaux shop or on our website.

To begin ballet, take the time to visit dance schools, take trial classes to meet your teacher and be rigorous in your practice to evolve and enjoy yourself. What's more, whatever your age, you need the right equipment to progress safely. Our team will be delighted to help and advise you on your first purchases.