Ballet for fitness and fun

Are you looking for a new way to have fun and challenge your mind and body while gaining a new skill? Why not try ballet? Yes, most professional ballerinas tend to be ultrathin and hyperflexible, but that doesn't mean ordinary mortals can't enjoy the physical and mental benefits of this dance art. Instructor Robert McCollum, manager of the adult ballet program at the National Ballet School in Toronto, gives the lowdown on what to know before you sign up.

Tone your body
Ballet comes with a number of physical benefits, from stronger muscles and increased flexibility to better posture. "Once you have good posture," McCollum says, "all your joints work better, and aspects of your body come more into focus than they would otherwise." You can also expect an increase in body awareness, especially in the earlier stages of training. As you go further, McCollum says, "overall muscle tone gets more refined -- the muscles are strong, but they're still lean. Ballet training produces strength without increasing bulk."

While more advanced dancers get cardio benefits from their dance training, beginners and those at intermediate stages should add another heart-friendly activity to balance their workout routine. "If you're coming to one or two ballet classes a week, complement that, twice a week, with taking a good 15- to 20-minute power walk around your neighbourhood," says McCollum.

Strengthen your mind
When you're challenging your body with ballet moves, you're also keeping your mind sharp as you multitask. You have to use your brain power to remember combinations, to time your movements and match them to the music, McCollum says. He also notes that one news magazine recently published a story on different activities and their benefits for the brain, and dance was listed as the number one activity. "We have a woman here that's about 79 and she believes that her mental powers have increased since she started here about two years ago," he says. "She's enjoying it, and we help her suit the material to her age and her body capability. She's finding incredible increased mental power."

Find comfort in your body
Ballet can also help to boost body confidence because when your skills develop, you learn to appreciate what your body can do. McCollum also believes that the better posture that comes from regular ballet practice has an extremely positive effect on your sense of self because when you stop slouching, your muscle tone changes and there's a sense of "upness" in your muscle tone. "I've seen women, in particular, change their outlook. I was very pleased and, quite humbly, honoured that one of my students wrote a story that was published in the Globe and Mail's Facts and Arguments section about my classes. She told me personally that after taking ballet, she didn't look in the mirror the same way."

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Ballet is for everyone -- almost
While he notes that people with serious physical problems such as damaged knees or major scoliosis should probably avoid ballet, McCollum says that just about anyone can participate: "If you can walk a 10-minute walk, you can probably start a ballet class." So don't think you have to be strong and flexible to start out -- these are qualities you'll gradually gain from your dance practice. "We all come to dance with our own capabilities, and we all have an inner dancer," he says. "Achievement level is what you make of it."

Before signing up, McCollum recommends asking questions such as whether classes are accumulative (moving ahead at a steady rate but not jumping ahead) and whether beginners' classes are truly for beginners, as well as checking up on the teacher's credentials. There will probably be a certain amount of discipline in the way the class is run, although atmosphere depends on the individual teacher and many instructors allow you to try a class before committing to an entire term. Look to your provincial culture association (such as Dance Nova Scotia or Dance Ontario -- see links below) because they will likely have the best knowledge of what is available in your region.

Tights and tutus?
While you probably won't have a strict dress policy in an adult class, you should wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and as tight-fitting as possible. "We encourage them [students] to wear tight-fitting jazz pants that are tight around the ankle, knee area and hip area so we can look at their alignment," McCollum says. "The hip to knee to foot alignment is really important." A tighter-fitting T-shirt works well for your upper body, and if you're feeling brave, go for a leotard. "The more we can see," says McCollum, "the more we can facilitate your movement patterns." You will need proper ballet shoes, so expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $40 for shoes that will last you at least two or three years.

Join the club
It's obvious that McCollum loves his job, and his enthusiasm for his art is overwhelming -- so much so, I might have to sign up myself. "Don't shy away from ballet," he says, "Enjoy, stand tall, have fun, and point those toes!"

Provincial dance associations
Here are some provincial associations that can help you find a class:
The Dance Centre (B.C.)
Alberta Dance Alliance
Dance Saskatchewan
Dance Manitoba
Dance Ontario
Dance Nova Scotia

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