The Benefits of Ballet

Almost every woman at some point in her life was enrolled in a ballet class. Most women took it when they were very little and eventually dropped it. Who hasn't seen one of those adorable little girl ballet recitals? Some stick with it and become the super thin, amazingly graceful professional ballerinas. Their dance is a joy to watch and every now and then... you wish you could lift your leg over your head like that.

While you may not be able to lift your leg over your head, taking a ballet course can definitely improve your physical fitness. Here's a look at some of the things ballet will help you to improve.

Flexibility.
Ballet is all about extension and just how far can you stretch yourself. With ballet, you'll stretch muscles you didn't even know existed. Your legs, arms, back, neck and even your chest (yes your chest!) will all have increased flexibility. Believe it or not, with increased flexibility everything becomes a little more comfortable. You are able to sit in more relaxed positions and all your stretching movement becomes easier. (Imagine reaching for that item on the top shelf.)

Strength.
It takes some serious strength to stand up straight while extending your leg way behind you. Ballet requires some extreme positions. While many of these positions are difficult, they are doable with some practice, even by the novice. With your extra strength comes better muscle tone. Ballet can end up making you look fabulous!

Balance.
It might not look like it but a pirouette requires superior balance. Almost every step in ballet requires excellent balance. All that spinning, lifting, leaping, and twirling takes some serious balance to keep from falling over or tripping. If you're the quintessential klutz, ballet can help you regain some lost dignity by improving your balance.

Stand up straight.
Ballet can really improve your posture. Have you ever seen a ballerina with stooped shoulders or bad posture in general? Even older retired ballerinas still have excellent posture. Ballet puts a lot of emphasis on making sure everything from the top of your head down to your toes is aligned properly and in good positioning. If your bad posture is bugging you then ballet could definitely help you out.

Ballet can definitely add to your overall physical fitness. Almost every major city and many smaller ones have dance schools. While many are limited to serious ballet students, many also have classes ranging from beginning adult to advanced adult so no matter what your level, your town should have something for you.