9 Things Your Teacher Is Thinking In Adult Ballet Class

If you’ve ever taught an adult ballet class, you know you have thought at least one of these things! Adult students, take note!

1. She has gorgeous feet, and she doesn’t even know it!

A lot of the time, your teacher sees things in you that you don’t. Maybe it is literally physical like stunning arches, or long legs, and they want to see you utilize it to your full potential. Sometimes, they just see a good dancer hidden below the surface and want to draw out that confidence.

2. Ease up on the rosin.

If a community rosin box is provided in the studio, it’s guaranteed some students will be too attached to it. In fact, abuse of this privilege has led some teachers to remove it altogether. Unless you’re undergoing “advanced” pointe training, there’s no need to overuse it. Give your feet a quick dip and move on.

3. Quit hiding in the corner

It’s time to go across the floor, and suddenly, everyone scurries and hides in the back corner. We understand you may be shy, or maybe you feel unsure about the combination. If this is the case, ask for clarification on a step. Then just try. If you mess up, laugh it off and just pick up on another phrase. In fact, volunteering to go first forces you to confront your fears, and guess what? It’s always more scary in your head than it actually turns out to be.

4. Point your toes!

There’s nothing more offensive to your teacher’s eye than a soccer foot, flexed and floppy. The good news is, you don’t have to have the perfect feet in order to point them. There are plenty of students with “straight” feet, or lower instep, that know how to point their toes. Be more conscious of what your feet are doing when they leave the floor.

5. She must do yoga.

We can tell when you’re involved in other physical activities. It translates into your dancing. Keep up the good work. We notice.

6. Recital time!

With all the kiddie commotion around recital time, it’s refreshing to have a class full of enthusiastic adults. Unfortunately, no one wants to perform! Finding willing participants is rare and we want this to change. Having adults in the program breaks things up and we love to see you shine!

7. She/He could go pro.

They have it all: perfect feet, they nail the steps, and they love what they’re doing. Okay, so maybe they won’t become a principal dancer, but we have an eye for talent, and can see them achieving a higher level of artistry.

8. Please, tuck in your drawstrings!

Biggest pet peeve: loose drawstrings flying about. It’s precious on a preschooler – not on you. Show your level of professionalism by keeping your drawstrings tucked and out of sight.

9. I’m so proud.

Whether you’re a complete novice or you’ve been at it for a while, we are so proud of you for having the courage to come to class at all. There’s always room for improvement, sure. But pat yourself on the back and don’t take things too seriously!