Congratulations! A dedicated class for adult ballet beginners is on your studio timetable and there is plenty of interest. The big question now is how do you instill ballet etiquette and discipline, yet ensure your adult students feel valued?

Approach And Etiquette

When teaching children there is a natural age divide between student and teacher that establishes respect. In an adult class the age divide is quite different, and in some instances your students may be older than you. Approaching the class with respect for the individual and respect for the knowledge that you hold is key. The Adult Ballet System is designed specifically for the adult beginner, and holds respect and dignity for their learning at its core.

Adult beginners, like children, do not instinctively understand ballet etiquette, so you will need to be clear about your expectations for their behavior in the studio. The structure and guidelines you provide your adult beginners will shape them on their ballet journey, and will be the difference between a dedicated, hard-working student or a student that will allow things to slip. It’s an important responsibility for any teacher and one that has many rewards.

Language And Concepts

Adults need guidelines in the same way children do, and they respond well to directions if delivered in a respectful manner. Be vocal about your expectations right from the beginning. You don’t need to coax or plead – you simply need to be factual and direct. Delivering your knowledge with a strong and kind voice will display your authority and gain you respect from your students.

Working with adults has many rewards. One that will be immediately noticeable is how easily your adult students will use concepts to assist their learning. This opens the door to creativity in your teaching. Adults will be able to translate an idea into their physical self – whether it’s using geometry, analogies or even talking about the skeleton, adults understand how to process this information. The accompanying notes in the Adult Ballet System will help you to think differently in your teaching, and guide you through working with adult minds.

Corrections And Ability

Correcting adults, especially ones who are older than you, may seem a little daunting at first. Remember that your adult students have chosen to be in this learning environment, so are expecting to be guided during class. Corrections for adults have more meaning when the ‘why’ is explained. An adult wants to know why something will work in their body. This understanding means that their ability to retain a correction is vastly enhanced. “Pull up your supporting leg,” means more when you add, “so that your balance will be stronger.” This two-step correction helps to develop intelligent learners and in turn, will strengthen their ballet technique.

Each of your adult students will differ in their ability. Flexibility, strength and body awareness will vary from person to person, and then there is the added element of working with older bodies. If your studio culture has a strong work ethic, then you will know that your students are always striving for their best work regardless of how it may look. Reflect on your expectations of what you will see from your adult students. Consider one of your non-ballet friends starting ballet – it is exactly the same for your adult beginner. They have not chosen to start ballet due to amazing facility in their body – they have started so they can discover the joy of ballet.

Remember to hold onto your sensitivity and humanity. Your adult students are people who have chosen to spend their free time learning ballet. They are deserving of your commitment and care for their journey, and ABS will support you every step of the way.