As the final curtain descends on another year, it's the perfect time to don our metaphorical tutus and take a graceful bow, not just to the passing months but to the pirouettes and pliés, to our turnout and the tendus and the time we have spent at the barre.  As adult dancers our chances of becoming a Principal Dancer may be (long) gone, but we still progress. Each time we practise we get a little better; sometimes we go forwards in a leap and a bound, other days we may feel we are going backwards, but still we turn up. And slowly our bodies learn new moves, our feet flex, we can feel our ..read more

If you are an adult dancer you are probably in a class which is mostly, if not all, women. Some of us are returning to ballet after a break, which may be decades long, others are complete beginners; we all have our different reasons for coming (back) to ballet. No matter what your age or stage of ballet, one thing is very noticeable – where are all the men? Our blogs have previously explored the many physical and emotional benefits of a regular ballet practise and these apply equally to every body, regardless of gender. The Royal Academy of Dance Siver Swans classes are targeted at over 55’s ..read more

Following on from our previous blog in which we examined Studio Fright, now we turn to one of the hurdles which can be an important contributor to anxiety - our ability to stay focused. We all know the feeling - we are in the midst of a movement we know well yet suddenly we find we are way behind the beat or we have missed a bit out. Yes, a nano-second of mind wandering and we've gone wrong. Staying completely focused on a single sequence is a challenge many dancers face. So why is it so hard to stay focused?   We are all living in an era defined by constant distractions and it's bec ..read more

We've all been there; you've practised at home until you're foot perfect but when the moment comes to do it in class, it goes wrong. It's SO frustrating! The ballet studio, a space of grace, discipline, and artistic expression, can also be a source of anxiety for many aspiring dancers, whether we are beginners or seasoned dancers. Studio fright can creep up unexpectedly and hinder our progress. In this blog, we will explore the concept of studio fright, its causes, and some tips on how to overcome it. Studio fright is a relation of the more commonly known stage fight. Both are variations of ..read more

The idea of ballet ruling the world may sound like we're suffering from post-pirouette delirium, but bear with us.  As anyone who dances knows, ballet is so much more than just a dance form; it's a way of life. With its graceful movements and enchanting music, ballet has the power to captivate hearts and minds. But why should ballet rule the world? Let's dive into the magical world of ballet and discover its hidden wonders. Unleashing the Power of Discipline Ballet dancers are the epitome of discipline. They spend countless hours perfecting their technique, honing their skills, and pushin ..read more

To state the obvious, the feet and ankles are absolutely vital to ballet dancers. They serve as the foundation upon which the entire art form is built. The intricate movements, delicate balances, and precise footwork that define ballet are all executed through the strength, flexibility, and control of the feet and ankles. However, it's not just ballet dancers who rely on healthy feet; they play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the entire body for everyone. The feet are the foundation of our body's structure, and their well-being can have a profound impact on various aspects ..read more

As dancers we understand that ballet is a dance form that demands both grace and strength, requiring precise control and alignment of the body. While ballet is often associated with its aesthetic beauty, it also offers significant benefits for the pelvic floor.  For those of us who are older ladies, mums, or both, our pelvic floor function is something we become all too aware of! However, the importance of a strong pelvic floor extends to men as a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. The pelvic floor consists of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support ..read more

Part 3 of our deep dive into the health benefits of ballet focuses on muscle development and maintenance. There is a lot to say here, so grab a cuppa and settle in. As dancers, we know only too well that whilst ballet is renowned for its graceful movements and ethereal performances, beneath the beauty lies a rigorous physical discipline that demands strength, flexibility, and endurance. The practice of ballet has a profound effect on muscle development and maintenance, shaping the bodies of professional dancers into strong, lean and sculpted forms. In this blog, we will explore the transformat ..read more

If you are reading this, the chances are that you already dance, or are dance-curious and you may already be enjoying the benefits of dancing. The general physical and mental benefits of ballet are well known so we thought we would take a deeper dive into 5 key areas in a series of 5 blogs; The Dance of the Mind: Exploring the Impact of Ballet on Brain Function and Neuroplasticity The Solid Foundation: Ballet's Impact on Bone Strength and Osteoporosis Prevention Sculpting Strength and Grace: The Impact of Ballet on Muscle Development and Maintenance Empowering the Core: The Impact of Ballet o ..read more

The fluid movements and captivating rhythms of all styles of dance, have the power to touch our souls and ignite a passion within us. While it is often associated with youth, the joys of dancing can be experienced and cherished well into old age. In fact, embracing dance in the later years of life brings about a multitude of benefits that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. In this blog, we will delve into the profound joys of dancing into old age, exploring the physical, emotional, and social rewards that this timeless art form offers.   The Fountain of Youth: Physical Well-being  ..read more