Taking class as an adult is a different experience than taking class as a kid. Some things feel harder: bodies often recover more slowly, mobility is different, and (at least for the most part) our bodies are done growing. Adult dancers are more sophisticated students in other ways: the brain-body connection is more developed, so learning and integrating concepts is faster than kids and coordination can be more developed, so some movements can be done with more ease and early success. When an adult dancer is returning to class after a break, all of these realities factor into selecting the right class.
At Danspace, one of our goals for dancers is longevity: the ability to dance to be a life-long practice. So, if you’re an adult returning from a break for taking class, where should you start?
If you danced as a kid or teen and are returning after a break of 5 years or more, we suggest starting in a beginning class. This gives your body time to remember what it knows, reintegrate concepts of alignment, stance, and rotation safely, and to build strength and stamina. After a series if you feel like you’re ready for more, talk to your teacher or our administrative team about your options.
If you have been dancing regularly and had a break because of life conflicts, illness, travel, etc (a break of a few weeks to a few months), we suggest returning to the class you have most recently been taking. You can re-enter slowly and with consideration of the break, but typically we don’t recommend you start back at the very beginning.
If you’ve been dancing regularly and had a break due to injury, it depends. We recommend you talk to your teacher or our administrative staff about your options, what you’re comfortable with, your particular injury, and what advice and guidance your healthcare providers have given you.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help! Email us and we can give you options to support your return to dance class.
