Postings discussion This link allows you to see others thoughts on this piece and contribute to the debate yourself if you want. We look to guarantee this link for a number of years, though after 3-6 months the page may be closed to further additions. Ballet.co's Doing Dance forum reviews by Anjuli Bai

I would like to learn to dance, but I am not graceful.

One goes to ballet class to acquire grace, it is not a necessary ingredient to have beforehand. While it is true that some of us are with blessed with natural grace of movement, this doesn't necessarily translate to dance movement. More often, I have found one uncovers unknown graces as one progresses.

I would like to learn to dance, but I am too fat/skinny/short/tall/round/flat (fill in the blank).

Everyone, absolutely everyone, even the greatest ballerina, can recite a list of self- perceived physical deficits. It's amazing how most of us are dissatisfied with our physical structure. If we wait until we are "perfect" - no one would ever go to ballet class. There are few exercise regimes that are as balanced as ballet class. If you look at dancers' physiques you can see that they are neither top heavy nor bottom heavy. The men are obviously strong in the legs for all that jumping and at the same time have the upper body strength to lift the women. The women are both strong and flexible. Ballet class presents a means which, assuming the teacher is knowledgeable, will not over develop any group of muscles to the detriment of others. Well-trained dancers (especially the women) will not have huge calves or thighs.

Everyone will look at me and see how badly I am doing.

Everyone else in class is really so busy with their own problems and concentration that there is no time to stand around and critique you. A well-run class has a positive atmosphere for learning. Ballet class is an equal opportunity challenge. No one comes to it as a full-blown dancer. It is a slow development. Everyone starts at the beginning. And, everyone soon learns that if one were to be so foolish as to laugh at the mistakes of others today, without fail - without fail - one will surely make that same mistake at some time in the (near) future. I can't tell you how many times I congratulated myself on a multiple pirouette, only to have the next several fail abysmally. One soon learns to respect the work and efforts of other students.

How do I find a good teacher?

There are several ways. Ask people you know who are already familiar with teachers in your area. Or look in the telephone directory. Or call the local dance company and see whom they recommend. Call the teacher and talk to her. Ask to come and observe a class. Ask how she feels about teaching adults. Ask if there are performing opportunities for adults. Even if performing is the furthest thing from your mind, if the teacher replies very negatively to the thought of adult students performing, her answer might give you some insight as to how she views adult students. Listen to how willingly she answers your questions. Does she treat your questions with respect and importance? Is she interested in your concerns? When you find a likely school, visit and observe a class, more than once if you feel the need. Get a feeling for the atmosphere in the classroom. Are the students serious about the work, and is the teacher serious about teaching adults? Serious is good, grim is not good. One can have humor in the classroom, and still have a serious atmosphere for learning. Are the people courteous to one another? Does the teacher teach in a constructive positive manner? Watch how the teacher and the students interact with one another. That will give you many valuable clues as to what you can expect.

Remember this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience as well as a learning experience.

Next: what to expect in your first class.