4 replies to this topic

[whetherwax]

I watched Ballet Russes last year was overwhelmed and realised that there was a vast intriguing world to explore. I had had a few lessons as a child but now saw that there was history, technique, biography, physicality,beauty, art, music, intellectual nitty gritty, etc to discover.  To that end I have been buying second hand ballet tomes of all kinds - Loved Danilova's autobiography -  and lurking on Ballet Talk. I have also been buying DVDs so as to compare and learn.
I have also started ballet classes - at 67 - this affords my immediate family a vast resevoir of humour ( I believe my son rolled on the floor when he heard and friends go quiet ) but it gives me a chance to learn the names of steps and a challenging workout. (I've worked out NOT to do jumps.) So I take this opportunity to thank those who set up and maintain this wondrous intellectual resource. regards.

[Giannina]

Welcome to Ballet Talk, whetherwax; it's great to have you with us.  What a wonderful story!  We have many adult students but you are something unique.  I hope that with all the ballet things you are buying/studying you will get to know and love this glorious art.  Thank you for your compliments; they mean the world to us.

Giannina

[carbro]

whetherwax, on Feb 26 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

I have also started ballet classes - at 67 -

You are an inspiration!   Kudos to you!

[cubanmiamiboy]

whetherwax, on Feb 26 2008, 02:30 PM, said:

I have also started ballet classes - at 67 -

I SO have to pass those glass doors of the MCB studio and stop watching the adult class through the window...one of this days...Now I'm totally embarrassed after reading your story.  

[bart]

whetherwax, on Feb 26 2008, 05:30 PM, said:

I have also started ballet classes - at 67 - this affords my immediate family a vast resevoir of humour ( I believe my son rolled on the floor when he heard and friends go quiet ) but it gives me a chance to learn the names of steps and a challenging workout. (I've worked out NOT to do jumps.)

Welcometo Ballet Talk, whetherwax.  I identify, having started ballet classes 3 years ago after 60.  

The humor that friends and family used to find in this is now replaced by respect -- and, among those of our age, by not a little envy.  I do what I can, which is amazingly more than I thought it would be.  I've discovered, much to my surprise, that this includes both jumps and turns, something I never would have expected.  

But, like Balanchine, I still find spiritual enrichment in a well-done tendu.