How to dance ballet for beginners at home


Beginner Ballet for Adults — Broche Ballet

Quickstart Guide for Adult Ballet Beginners

Beginning ballet as an adult can be an intimidating experience. Ballet can feel unattainable and like it is only for the young and thin. But that’s no longer true! Adult ballet is growing in popularity and more and more adults are pursuing their dreams of ballet every day.

There are so many reasons to learn ballet as an adult, whether that’s discipline, gracefulness, coordination, balance, artistry, self-expression, strength, or flexibility. Or, even being a part of carrying on a traditional art form. (And, on a fun note, the outfits are so magical!)

You can take it as far as you want, including performing on stage, going en pointe, partnering, and more. Like any new skill, it takes hard work and dedication, but it is possible to learn as an adult!

Keep reading for all of the details!

Finding a local studio

This can be a challenging process, as adult ballet is still on its way into the mainstream. It’s perfectly valid to learn ballet entirely at home, and Broche Ballet’s online program and YouTube channel help you do just that.

But, most of us desire to also find a local community of like-minded adults to enjoy the journey with!

Some of us are lucky to have an adult-only ballet studio near us, but most need to venture into a traditional ballet school for children where they might have what’s called an “Adult open drop-in program.” The word “open” means that the program is open to the public, and you don’t have to audition to get in (as opposed to “pre-professional” programs that are by audition or invitation only). And “drop-in” means that you can join class whenever you want without having to register for a full semester of committed classes.

In a typical case, an Adult Open Program might offer a “beginner” level class, but this “beginner” class can have everyone from people like you, all the way up to advanced dancers who enjoy the slower pace of a beginner class. An “absolute beginner” level class is typically closer to the actual beginning of ballet.

This can be an intimidating environment for someone who is completely new to ballet, because there is a lot that is assumed that you already know. Watch the video below for an in-depth look at the challenging structure of the Open Program.

(But, don’t worry, the videos on this page will help you feel confident if/when you do go to class!)

What is ballet class like?

Ballet training looks much different than what you see on stage. We train our muscles with a set of 8 main exercises holding onto the barre and then we apply that technique when dancing away from the barre (called “Center”). A standard class is 90 minutes, with about 60 minutes at the barre and 30 in the center. Sometimes, the classes may be shorter. Watch the videos below to get an idea of what to expect in class!

Download the Beginner Ballet Vocabulary Checklist

Do I need to be young, thin, and flexible to start ballet?

No! Ballet itself will help you reach your fitness and flexibility goals, and dancers of all ages can learn ballet. Within the Broche Ballet community alone, we have dancers who are tall, short, in their 80s, have multiple kids, grandkids, and all shapes and sizes. Get inspired with the videos below!

Is ballet dangerous?

Not necessarily. If you use the correct technique, you can safely dance ballet for many many years. Our knees and backs are often the most at-risk of injury if we dance with incorrect technique. Watch the videos below to learn more about how to keep your body safe in ballet class!

What to wear?

In general, you can wear tight-fitting exercise clothes and socks to class, but you may want to look the part with leotard tights and skirt for ladies, or tights and t-shirt for men and ballet slippers.

Many people think that you must wear pointe shoes right off the bat, but in reality, we start in soft ballet slippers and wear pointe shoes later in our journey. Click here for more information on pointe readiness for adults. (And yes, adults can go en pointe!)

Check out the videos below for all the details on what to wear!

Class and Studio Etiquette

Ballet Class Etiquette has a lot of unspoken rules. Where to stand at the barre, where to put your water bottle, bag, and any sweaters you might wear for the beginning and take off after warming up. Watch the video below for all the details about what to expect once you get into the studio.

I danced as a child, will I have to start from the beginning?

It depends! Sometimes our body remembers a lot of the movements, but other times (especially if we stopped dancing before age 12), much of it is forgotten. But, in all cases, we’ll need to work back up the ballet strength and flexibility. Returning to ballet as an adult can be an intense experience, bringing up old memories, and sometimes also frustration with our adult body compared with how we remember our youthful body.

Watch the videos below for more about what to expect when you return to ballet.

Get a Jumpstart at Home with Broche Ballet Online

Learn ballet at home with the Broche Ballet Overture Program and On-Demand Library. The Overture Program is an 18-hour program that follows 3 dancers through from their first class all the way to learning the Sugar Plum Fairy dance. The On-Demand Library takes you even further, with access to the Overture Program AND thousands of videos to learn ballet technique, stretch, and strength follow-alongs, and more.

Whether you have access to a local studio near you or not, practicing at home is an important part of your ballet journey to develop consistent practicing habits and train your body frequently.

4-Week Beginner Ballet Course - Lazy Dancer Tips

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Are you ready to live out your ballet dream

but afraid you don’t have what it takes?

This Beginner ballet course is designed to ignite your passion, illuminate your power, and teach you all you need to know to dance ballet at home in just four weeks.

Introduced by
ALESSIA LUGOBONI
Professional Ballet Dancer and Ballet Fitness Coach

Get Instant Access

This Beginner ballet course is designed to ignite your passion, illuminate your power, and teach you all you need to know to dance ballet at home in just four weeks.

Introduced by
ALESSIA LUGOBONI
Professional Ballet Dancer and Ballet Fitness Coach

Get Instant Access

There is a

big lie in the world of adult ballet.

Actually three big lies.

LIE N⁰ 1

Ballet is thought to be for the “elite” and too difficult to learn or practice. Adults find it very intimidating and doubt themselves before even trying it.

LIE N⁰ 2

Adults think they don’t have the right body for ballet, they're too out of shape, not strong enough or that it’s too late to start living their childhood dream.

LIE N⁰ 3

Even if ballet was experienced and enjoyed in childhood, adults don’t believe they can dance like they used to, or get back into dancing ballet and enjoy the delight of it.

Can you relate:

I’ve always wanted to try ballet, but I’ve always felt intimidated by it.

I had to give up ballet in the past. Now I’d love to come back to it but I’m not confident I’m fit enough to start again.

Who’s put these ideas in your mind?


Let me clear the air right now.

  • IF YOU HAVE A BODY, YOU CAN DANCE
    You only need to follow the RIGHT METHOD, that won’t bore you or intimidate you to actually move forward and live your childhood dream.
  • YOU ARE YOUNG ENOUGH
    You DON'T need 20 years of strict training to actually DANCE and enjoy learning a choreography.
  • YOU CAN START FROM ZERO
    You can LEARN AND PRACTICE the foundations of ballet in a judgment-free environment: your home. With a community that SUPPORTS you every step of the way.

Ballet has been tabu for too long,
but we believe
it doesn’t have to be for you.

SO SIMPLE THAT EVEN COMPLETE BEGINNERS CAN USE IT!
 
In fact here's
MY THREE GOLDEN RULES

  • Dance first, think later. Technique gets better over time if you don’t “box” yourself in.
  • Dance with a method that helps you discover the potential of your body so you can remove insecurities and limitations you THINK you have.
  • Dance to get motivated every day, instead of motivating yourself to dance.

If you can get rid of self-imposed limitations and follow the right path, you can start building the confidence and strength you've been searching for while you dance your heart out!

I know what’s going on in your head right now:

And this is exactly what I thought years ago,
but after years of teaching live and online I’ve learned that
when people are “not watched”, they dare more and achieve their dreams.

That’s why I created…

A step-by-step course you can follow at home to learn the foundations of ballet and build your strength and confidence while dancing your worries away.

Just exactly what you need to enjoy the delight of dancing.

Have fun dancing ballet at home like...

I am a beginner in ballet and this is just the perfect course for me. Ms. Alessia teaches all the terms, the steps so beautifully that I am already in so much love with ballet! Kudos to her! And this is a must course for every ballet enthusiast!!

 

Alessia was born in Verona - Italy and loved dancing as a form of expression since an early age.

She has 15+ years of professional ballet experience from training at English National Ballet School and the New Zealand school of dance to her successful career as a ballerina for both The Royal New Zealand Ballet and New English Ballet theatre. She also performed in the West End in Cabaret the Musical with Will Young, Phantom of the Opera, and Most Incredible Thing by Petshop Boys at Sadler’s Wells.

But the world of ballet was not always kind. With so many people watching all the time, Alessia struggled with physical and emotional doubts. But overcoming these is what gave her the power to fully understand her own body. It also led her to create programs like this and bring the true joy of ballet to adult dancers at any level.

Alessia is now the co-founder of Lazy Dancer Tips and Lazy Dancer Studio, the most welcoming and inclusive ballet studio online.

Subscribers

200,000+

Subscribers

16,000+

Subscribers

7,000+

Subscribers

180,000+

Subscribers

15,000+

Subscribers

7,000+

 

Alessia was born in Verona - Italy and loved dancing as a form of expression since an early age.

She has 15+ years of professional ballet experience from training at English National Ballet School and the New Zealand school of dance to her successful career as a ballerina for both The Royal New Zealand Ballet and New English Ballet theatre. She also performed in the West End in Cabaret the Musical with Will Young, Phantom of the Opera, and Most Incredible Thing by Petshop Boys at Sadler’s Wells.

But the world of ballet was not always kind. With so many people watching all the time, Alessia struggled with physical and emotional doubts. But overcoming these is what gave her the power to fully understand her own body. It also led her to create programs like this and bring the true joy of ballet to adult dancers at any level.

Alessia is now the co-founder of Lazy Dancer Tips and Lazy Dancer Studio, the most welcoming and inclusive ballet studio online.

I decided to create a beginner ballet course to allow you to make the first step into ballet (no pun intended).

Without the intimidating feeling of being out of place in a ballet class (assuming you have one available where you live).

You’ll be able to dance and practice in full ballet classes with amazing music, getting stronger, more elegant, improving your posture and confidence in you and your dance.

What's included in the Beginner Ballet Course

WEEK 1 - 2 / 

Ballet Kickstart

In the first two weeks, you’ll find an amazing new way to move your body purely for joy.

You’ll be able to perform a full ballet class and learn the terminology of every basic step without feeling overwhelmed. Full of easy to understand explanations and demonstrations... Plus tons of laughs!

WEEK 3 / 

Ballet Mind Opener

We open our minds to a new class and start exploring new combinations and steps, as well as musicality, while making the concepts and pointers memorable. Once learned, you’ll always remember them, instead of constantly being confused about your form while dancing.

WEEK 4 / 

Ballet Confidence and Speed

We’ll solidify what’s been learned by mixing practices and start building upon a growing confidence and a rediscovered strength in your body. Movement will become more clear and comfortable and you’ll finally see for yourself that, yes, you can dance.

Get excited about learning Ballet like Michaela:

I absolutely love this course. There is a lot to learn and even if you are already taking classes, working on base movements is very helpful. I especially appreciate that you can choose between longer and shorter classes for the days you don't have an hour to train. A short ballet break is always possible, no excuses anymore :-) Thank you!

Have a peek inside the course!

SEE  WHAT  OTHERS  ARE SAYING  ABOUT  THE  BEGINNER  BALLET  COURSE:

With these BONUSES everything will be easier! Learn Ballet without overwhelm, step by step, put together your dance.

CHECK OUT THESE

PERFECT FORM CHART

Master basic ballet positions with ease as you follow the detailed instructions and images in this bonus ballet form chart. You’ll learn what to do and what not to do so you can start dancing with total confidence.

FIT & FLEXIBLE PLAN

Expand your mobility and fluidity while you dance by finding more freedom in your movement with this extra 6-day intensive workout plan. Detailed breakdowns of various ballet exercises will help you build strength, elongate your muscles, and increase flexibility.

PRIVATE COMMUNITY

Find the motivation you need to push yourself every day in our private Lazy Dancer Studio Community. As a part of this community, you will be granted unlimited access to a supportive group of caring fellow dancers to cheer you on in your ballet journey.

Together, the above programs are valued at $197, almost $200 total.

 

But I really want to change the way adults think about ballet
and break down the barriers that hold people back from living out their ballet dreams,
starting with YOU.

 

So today you can get this offer and everything in it

for just $27.
  • Ballet Foundation Vault

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Barres

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Centres

  • 30 Day Practice Calendar

BONUSES INCLUDED:

  • Perfect Form Chart

  • Fit & Flexible Plan

  • Private Community

Total value = $197

Today's Price = $27

One time payment

YES! I'M IN

You may think I’m crazy for charging so little,

but I understand that you may not know me yet.

 

Or you may be scarred from past experiences with mediocre online classes.

Or you don’t want to spend lots of money on something that you don’t know you’ll enjoy.

So that’s why I’m giving you this chance to explore the life-changing benefits of ballet with me
for a super low-risk price.

 

Your ballet dream can finally happen…

for $27.

CHECK OUT THESE

PERFECT FORM CHART

Master basic ballet positions with ease as you follow the detailed instructions and images in this bonus ballet form chart. You’ll learn what to do and what not to do so you can start dancing with total confidence.

FIT & FLEXIBLE PLAN

Expand your mobility and fluidity while you dance by finding more freedom in your movement with this extra 6-day intensive workout plan. Detailed breakdowns of various ballet exercises will help you build strength, elongate your muscles, and increase flexibility.

PRIVATE COMMUNITY

Find the motivation you need to push yourself every day in our private Lazy Dancer Studio Community. As a part of this community, you will be granted unlimited access to a supportive group of caring fellow dancers to cheer you on in your ballet journey.

Together, the above programs are valued at $197, almost $200 total.

 

But I really want to change the way adults think about ballet
and break down the barriers that hold people back from living out their ballet dreams,
starting with YOU.

 

So today you can get this offer and everything in it

for just $27.
  • Ballet Foundation Vault

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Barres

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Centres

  • 30 Day Practice Calendar

BONUSES INCLUDED:

  • Perfect Form Chart

  • Fit & Flexible Plan

  • Private Community

Total value = $197

Today's Price = $27

One time payment

YES! I'M IN

You may think I’m crazy for charging so little,

but I understand that you may not know me yet.

 

Or you may be scarred from past experiences with mediocre online classes.

Or you don’t want to spend lots of money on something that you don’t know you’ll enjoy.

So that’s why I’m giving you this chance to explore the life-changing benefits of ballet with me
for a super low-risk price.

 

Your ballet dream can finally happen…

for $27.

You'll get the full program, plus three bonuses to speed up your progress for less than an average in-person ballet class.

At the end of it you'll be able to follow a full ballet class
and finally enjoy the benefits of ballet.

THIS  BEGINNER  BALLET  COURSE  REKINDLED  MY  BALLERINA  DREAM

  • Ballet Foundation Vault

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Barres

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Centres

  • 30 Day Practice Calendar

BONUSES INCLUDED:

  • Perfect Form Chart

  • Fit & Flexible Plan

  • Private Community

Total value = $197

Today's Price = $27

One time payment

YES! I'M IN

SEE  WHAT  OTHERS  ARE SAYING  ABOUT  THE  BEGINNER  BALLET  COURSE:

I KNOW you can do this.
But the best part is... you don’t have to believe me!

If you’re not 100% satisfied with the course, the bonuses, and the community within 7 days, you will receive a full refund, no questions asked.

That means you can enroll today without deciding if you’re in for good! You can take a full week to practice with the material and experience the joy of the Beginner Ballet Course, and then choose for yourself if dancing is what you’ve really been missing.

xx Alessia Lugoboni

Frequently Asked Questions

about the Beginner Ballet Course

I've never tried ballet in my life, is this course for me?

I had to stop dancing in childhood,
I haven't been dancing for years, can I do this?

Do I need any
equipment such as a ballet barre?

I don't think I have
the right body for ballet, can I still do this?

Will the content
expire at some point?

Is this a
subscription?

This course is specifically designed to get you
dancing ballet at home from day 1.

And once it's done, you will have the combination of theory, practice and confidence you need to keep dancing to the next level.

 

So what are you waiting for?

  • Ballet Foundation Vault

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Barres

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Centres

  • 30 Day Practice Calendar

     

    BONUSES INCLUDED:

  • Perfect Form Chart

  • Fit & Flexible Plan

  • Private Community

Total value = $197

Today's Price = $27

One time payment

Ready to learn Ballet the right way,
no matter your age, skill or fitness level?

LET'S DO THIS

For Support Issues or Questions, Please Email Us at [email protected]

This course is specifically designed to get you
dancing ballet at home from day 1.

And once it's done, you will have the combination of theory, practice and confidence you need to keep dancing to the next level.

 

So what are you waiting for?

  • Ballet Foundation Vault

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Barres

  • 2 Full Classical Ballet Centres

  • 30 Day Practice Calendar

     

    BONUSES INCLUDED:

  • Perfect Form Chart

  • Fit & Flexible Plan

  • Private Community

Total value = $197

Today's Price = $27

One time payment

Ready to learn Ballet the right way,
no matter your age, skill or fitness level?

LET'S DO THIS

For Support Issues or Questions, Please Email Us at [email protected]

How to learn ballet at home

I must say that ballet lessons are becoming more and more popular. Among the fans of the now fashionable Barre workout (training at the barre), there are many stars, including Madonna and Natalie Portman.

And no wonder. Classical exercises at the barre, which are included in the daily training of ballerinas and ballet dancers, harmoniously develop all the muscles of the body, not allowing them to be pumped over, and also improve balance and flexibility. Other bonuses of such activities are perfect posture, beautiful gait and gestures. Moreover, you will receive them very quickly, in a couple of months.

If you don't have the opportunity to study with an instructor in a ballet class, hold ballet lessons at home! All you need for them is a chair.

“Choose it according to the height of the back,” advises Andrey Shiporov , an elite dance program trainer at the World Class fitness club chain. “Your palm should rest on it so that the elbow is at waist level and the forearm is parallel to the floor.” In this case, the palm should lie freely on the back, and the shoulders should be on the same line. The machine can also imitate the back of an armchair or sofa, or a window sill of the required height.”

Before starting the complex, Andrey Shiporov advises to warm up a little: stretch all the joints, stretch, bend and twist.

Demi-plié

Stand next to a chair with your feet in first position, lean on the back of the chair with one hand, move your free hand to the side. Gently lower yourself into a squat, spreading your knees to the sides, until the position in which the hips and shins make a right angle. Also slowly rise to the starting position. Make sure your heels do not come off the floor. Repeat 1 more time .

Grand plie

Start the squat as before, but after pausing in the demi plie, go down even lower. Make sure your back is straight and your knees are out to the sides. Rise in the same way, through the demi-plié. Repeat 1 more time .

Relevé

Stand next to a chair with your feet in first position. Gently rise on your toes, stretching your body up, and just as slowly lower yourself onto your heels. Repeat 4 times.

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Tandu Batman

Stand in fifth position, straighten your back. Without lifting your toe off the floor, as if drawing a straight line, bring your right foot forward. Return to the starting position and repeat the leg movement, this time to the side. Stand again in fifth position, but put your working leg behind the supporting one and draw a line across the floor back. Through the starting position, again bring the leg to the side and return to the fifth position. Watch for the eversion of the foot: the toe is extended, the outer part of the foot is tilted to the floor, the inner part looks up, the heel does not touch the floor. Repeat movement 4 times and then do 4 repetitions with the other leg.

Zhete

In this exercise, as in the previous one, the working leg moves in three directions: forward, sideways, back and sideways again. But the sock at the same time comes off the floor every time. The leg is raised to a position in which it will be about 45 degrees with the other. Having done the whole chain of movements, repeat with the other leg.

Rond

Step your right foot forward without lifting your toe off the floor. Smoothly, drawing a semicircle, move it to the side, and then back. Return to starting position, repeat 6 times from each leg.

Fondue

Lower yourself into a demi-plié, bending your supporting left leg and bringing your right toe to her ankle bone. Extending the supporting leg, stretch the right leg forward. Return to starting position. Repeat the movement, moving the right leg to the side, but after that, lower yourself into a demi-plié, bringing the right foot behind the left shin. Straighten the supporting leg, taking the right back. Move to the side again and return to the starting position. Do exercise 4 times from each leg.

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Half toe jump forward

Stand in fifth position: right foot in front of the left. Get down in demi-plié and, rising on the half-toes of the supporting left leg, bring the toe of the right leg to the bone of her ankle. Lower your right leg to the toes and return to the starting position. Repeat 6 times on each leg.

Half-toe jump with transition to kudepe back

Perform the same movement, but work with the foot behind the pivot. Repeat 4 times on each leg.

Adagio

Stand in fifth position. Bring your right leg forward, as in a batman tandyu, but then lift it, straight, to parallel with the floor. Return to the fifth position and, through the batman tandyu, raise your leg to the side parallel with the floor. Then do the same movement back, again to the side and return to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.

Grand Batman

Stand in fifth position: right foot in front of left. Swing forward with your right foot, being careful not to tilt your body back. Do the same swing to the side, back, back to the side and repeat the movement with the other leg.

Do each movement of this complex in one approach : at first it is much more important for you to master the correct technique, and not strive for a large number of repetitions. When you feel confident in the movements, you can do all the movements on the second circle, and then on the third.

Feel like a ballerina!

How to practice ballet for children at home

Ballet for children at home is very useful - daily training allows you to harmoniously develop all the muscles of the body, improve flexibility, maintain perfect posture, beautiful gait and expressive gestures. Even if the child now does not have the opportunity to attend ballet classes, you can do the learned movements at home so as not to lose skills and keep the body in good shape. How to organize classes correctly?

Children do not always want to study at home, finding more interesting things to do. But the more difficult it will be for them to return to "ballet everyday life." The task of parents is to create the right motivation and suitable conditions. Teachers of the dance studio "Irbis" give some advice on this matter:

1. Choose comfortable clothes and shoes. This is very important - the success of classes and the desire of the child depend on the level of comfort. For a home workout, you don’t need a pack, leotards or just sweatpants and a t-shirt will do. Clothing should be made from stretchy fabric. If you have special shoes (pointe shoes), great. No, you can go barefoot. Socks, slippers are not suitable.

2. Find a device that can replace the barre. They can be a simple chair, but suitable in terms of parameters. How to identify them - ask the child to put his hand on the back, and check that the elbow is parallel to the waist, and the forearm is parallel to the floor. The palm on the back should be free, the shoulders should be even. You can use not only a chair as a machine, but also an armchair, sofa, window sill, suitable in height.

3. It is necessary to start the lesson with stretching. If you skip it, then muscle pain is inevitable. Let your child remember how it is done in the ballet class and repeat the exercises. Stretching is undesirable.

4. Together find music that your child likes and evokes positive emotions in him. The main thing is that it should be rhythmic.

Do not be afraid if you do not feel enough perseverance in yourself before starting classes. Everything comes with experience, including willpower and self-discipline. Experienced teachers in the dance section will try to make your path to excellence as easy as possible and protect you from mistakes. The rest is up to you.

Ballet lessons for beginners at home can be found on the Internet, or consult with our studio teachers about this. Those children who have already sufficiently learned the movements shown at school can repeat them. However, these should be simple exercises, since they take place at home, without the supervision of teachers.


Learn more

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