Is ballet really hard to learn?

Question

I'm taking a beginners ballet class next semester in college. I think it looks fun but, some people are trying to persuade me not to take it because it is really hard dance to learn. Is this true? Is ballet hard to learn? Why?

Answer 1

1.) DO NOT listen when people tell you not to take something, it is not their choice. If you would like to take a ballet class, then by all means do, I would.

2.) Yes, ballet is one of the most difficult form of dance to learn.

3.) It is difficult because you need to mix artestry with perfection. In other words, ballet requires every step you do to be technically perfect, but you also have to make it look really easy. In a beginner class you will most likely be learning the basics. Be prepared to do them over and over again. Repatition does not imply that you are stupid, but it helps you to learn well. In ballet, a class will always start with a barre. This is a selection of steps that warm up all part of your body. It normally lasts about half an hour. You might get frustarated because you are doing the same things over and over, but even people who dance for a living do a barre.

4.) If you really want to dance...DO NOT GIVE UP. It will be tempting after a few months to stop. This is beacuse if goes from learning the basics to turning them into more complex things. This is very hard to do. As stated before hand, you need to make it look good, but also do it well. Sometimes it might even be painful. If after a time you go en pointe (dancing on your toes) you will need to adjust to the change, and that can hurt.

5.) I assume you have seen a ballet (since your intrest for it must have grown from somewhere) If not I highly recomend that you see one. It is the holiday season, so almost all cities have a 'Nutcracker' You should go see it. Pay attention to how the dancers tell the story with their movements, and conveys emotion. Also think of how fun it would be to perform. These observations can give you motivation when your feeling that it is to hard.

6.) Don't give up, or not do it at all. It is all worthwhile in the end. You will know this the very first show that you have when you experiance the joy in dancing for others.

7.) Lots and lots and lots of luck. You will have a lot of fun, you will just need to work. Check out www.ballettalk.com and www. abt.org The former is a chat site where you can learn a little more about ballet, and even where to go to see one. The later is the site of a famous ballet company, they have pictures. If you go under 'education' and then 'dictionary' it has examples of major steps from ballet as well as how to do them, so you can see what you will be up to.

Answer 2

Ballet, like any dance, is definitely a particularly difficult dance form to master. As a former ballet dancer, I can tell you that it takes a LOT of effort and dedication to excel, however, this is really the case in any style of dance, whether it be ballet, jazz or funk. Ballet is a great dance to learn, and I recommend that you take the beginner's class at college (don't listen to the cynics!) because while at times it is challenging, it is also extremely rewarding when your hard work and effort pays off through a great performance. I used to be a very good dancer, however, after far too many dancing injuries, I was forced to quit dance all together. I recommend that you give ballet a try, it's a beautiful dance form and great for your health! Good Luck!!! :)

Answer 3

Some of the posters have given you really good answers to your question. If it's a beginner's class, then it's fine. I don't think you'll have to learn those penche balance or attitude pirouettes if that's what you think you'll be taught, cos those are not for beginners. I think that the people who are dissuading you from learning ballet probably don't know much or anything about it. They think that you'll have to stand and spin on the tips of your toes all the time, which isn't the case for a beginner. I feel that the ballet class you'll be attending next semester at your college is going to be geared more towards drama and dance performances, meaning the body positions and pirouettes are of a lower level cos these dancers are quite flat-footed in the pirouettes and balances. You should just go with your heart on this.

Answer 4

I've been a dancer since before i was born... So my mom says. Ballet can be hard to learn for some and easy for others. It just depends on if you have the knack for it. If you have rhythm and love to dance around I am pretty sure that you will get the hang of it. It isn't going to come to you over night but it is very learn able. It does take concentration, body control, and determination. Ballet is an art and you make what you want of it. It is very technical and also very fun. I think you should do fine. When i fist started actually training in ballet the hardest part for me was learning all the terms since they are all in French and they all sounds like someone is clearing their throat.

I hope you enjoy your class.

Answer 5

The difficulty of ballet depends entirely on how far you want to go with it. For example, if you want to become a professional ballet dancer, then yes, of course it is extremely hard to do. If you want to go en pointe (on toe), then you will definitely have to work hard at both learning the technique and strengthening your muscles.

On the other hand, if you just want to take the class and not go all hardcore about it, it can be a lot of fun and a good workout, although not too hard. Beginner teachers usually are very good at explaining things and very understanding, and they tend to try to make classes fun especially in a college setting. (If you were to take an adult class at a ballet company, you would find more serious dancers, some who used to be really good but have gotten out of shape, and often the teachers are a little more serious about it).

I would say go for the class, and although I don't condone goofing off in class, I would recommend just having fun with it! (You are going to make mistakes - even the best do - but it's best not to get too worked up about it if you can't get the steps right for a few classes... it takes practice! And that's what your teacher is there for - to help you!)

Answer 6

Learn To Do Ballet

Answer 7

Yes, it is very hard. I have dance for 15+yrs ever since I was very young. As a ballet dance for sure, you need to have lots of strength and never give up when it is very hard. Some times I would come home and my toes and feet would be in the worse shape I had ever seen them and then go the next day to class and be the same but would work through it. You need strength and dedication to learn the words and the positions correctly. I have practiced countless hours. Though I no longer dance, I still know what a Arabesque is, or a Développé, or even a Port de Bras is. Your teacher will yell out to you and you need to know what those things are....

Answer 8

3.) It is difficult because you need to mix artestry with perfection. In other words, ballet requires every step you do to be technically perfect, but you also have to make it look really easy. In a beginner class you will most likely be learning the basics. Be prepared to do them over and over again. Repatition does not imply that you are stupid, but it helps you to learn well. In ballet, a class will always start with a barre. This is a selection of steps that warm up all part of your body. It normally lasts about half an hour. You might get frustarated because you are doing the same things over and over, but even people who dance for a living do a barre.

Answer 9

Do not let others persuade you against something you want to do. Dance is challenging, but it is fun. The professor should be supportive and open, and since it is a beginners class, everyone else in the class will be in the same boat as you. I have taught beginner level college dance courses and they are a lot of fun. Just go in with an open mind, and be prepared to work hard. A lot of terminology will be thrown your way, but it will constantly be repeated.
Anything new is hard to learn...try something new! Who knows, you could be a natural.

Answer 10

You should take it. Since it's a college class, the professor understands that everyone is just starting and will go at an appropriate pace. I took modern dance last semester with no experience at all, and it was fine. There were even musical theater and dance majors in my class, and i was still alright. College PE classes are a little different from signing up for ballet lessons at a private studio. Don't be worried about it.

Answer 11

Ballet is an art, much like painting or learning the piano or playing soccer or football. When you first begin it is hard.. but it is something that is acquired through practice.

I would agree that dance is a hard "sport" or hobby to learn. Mostly because it is about precision and it trains your body to be more flexible, graceful and makes you learn how to control your body movements.

I do take ballet and have been for the greater part of 12 years. I love it. It challenging and takes focus. Not to mention you use muscles you'd never use in other sports- you really have to learn your body and work with it. I love doing ballet. its gorgeous. And takes time.. don't be discouraged if you don't look like the ballerinas in Swan Lake after a few weeks.. it takes time.

AND!!! very important... dint let any one tell you that you can't do something. you can do anything no matter how hard it is. challenge yourself ... ballet is the perfect way to do it.