Why dance as an adult?
Making the choice to learn ballet or tap as an adult can seem like an odd decision at first glance. Yet, at Ballet Virginia we have a thriving and dedicated group of adult dancers. Some of these awesome people have danced throughout their lives while pursuing other goals such as practicing law, becoming a chef, graduating from college, being a big rig truck driver, serving in the military or being a NASA scientist. Others have always wanted to dance but didn’t have the opportunity as children. Truly, our dancers come from all walks of life and in all ages, shapes and sizes. Our adult dance teachers embrace them all, take them seriously and teach them a solid dance class.
What does dance have to offer an adult?
Learning ballet or tap as an adult is a chance to check in with your body and focus only and wholly on you. Structured dance classes are a mind and body experience. It can be an escape from work stress and a way to build confidence that you can still learn something new at any age. Give yourself an hour or two a week to just do you.
What does Ballet Virginia offer for adults?
Since 2011, Ballet Virginia has offered classes exclusively for adults in ballet, pointe, tap and Pilates mat. As of December 10, 2020 class offerings are:
Adult Beginning Ballet:
At our Norfolk Studios: Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Thursdays from 6 pm to 7 pm
Coming in January at our Beach Studios: Tuesdays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (email lisa@balletvirginia.org if interested)
Adult Intermediate Ballet:
At our Norfolk Studios: Mondays from 7 pm to 8 pm and Fridays from 10 am to 11:30 am
At our Beach Studios: Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Adult Pointe:
(in addition to intermediate ballet class and with instructor permission)
At our Norfolk Studios: Mondays from 8 pm to 8:30 pm
At our Beach Studios: Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 8 pm
Adult Tap:
At our Beach Studios: Mondays from 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Pilates Mat Class:
At our Norfolk Studios: Tuesdays from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
At this time, due to the ongoing pandemic, we are limiting class size and proper mask wearing is mandatory throughout class. In addition, your temperature will be taken prior to class and barres and other high-touch areas are sanitized frequently.
-by Lisa McCarty with photos by Hayley-Ann Vasco