Why Discovering Adult Ballet Was the Best Thing I Did for Myself

I am not a ballet dancer. Well, I wasn’t until three years ago, when I finally decided to explore adult ballet at a local studio. I had retired from nursing, written a book about the possibilities of our third act of life, and realized it was time to do something new with an old dream.

I needed to practice what I was preaching.

Decades earlier, a single semester of ballet in college had planted a seed of appreciation for the artistry and athleticism of dance. Now, in my 60s, I wanted to strengthen my body, improve my balance, and embrace a challenge that thrilled me. So I gave it a try.

Adult Ballet Requires Patience

What I quickly learned is that committing to something new takes patience and persistence. I loved ballet from the start, but it took time to see myself as a “dancer.”

Comparing myself to teenage prodigies? A recipe for disappointment. Comparing myself to other adults? Not necessary. Each of us is on our own journey of playful discovery.

So, after every class or performance, I’ve decided to measure my progress against only one standard: my own. Did I improve? Did I have fun? Did I support my fellow dancers? Did I learn something new?

As Miya Hisaka, head of the Washington School of Ballet’s adult program, told Glamour, ballet is about acceptance: “it breaks through all barriers. It transcends race, income, and language. It helps us to move forward and to heal.” And she’s right, ballet reminds me that joy, play, and growth don’t have an expiration date.

The Joy of Rediscovering Adult Ballet

Rediscovering ballet in my third act has been richly rewarding. The classes are fun and great exercise, but for me it is the onstage performances that build my confidence and grow my relationships with the other dancers.

At first, the French terms—plié, tendu, rond de jambe—can feel intimidating, but soon the movements settle naturally under your body. The barre warm-up becomes a quietly focused, almost meditative ritual, and even a simple bow turns into a gesture of gratitude for our own bodies, marvels that continue to create wonder.

It’s easy to see why adult ballet is booming. In the U.S., participation has jumped 75% over the past three to five years, according to the Royal Academy of Dance, the nation’s leading authority on ballet education and teacher training. Across the border in Canada, adult programs are flourishing as well, with the National Ballet School reporting growth in both full- and part-time training options.

Many programs offer seven progressive levels, guiding dancers through carefully crafted exercises that grow in complexity, while giving students the time to truly master each step. The result? A learning experience that’s challenging, rewarding, and entirely accessible, no matter your age or background.

A trend that is driven by a resurgence of ballet-inspired fashion and a desire to build community, that is also alive and well on TikTok, where the popular hashtag “adult ballet” retrieves countless videos of women documenting their progress in the dance form.

I can understand what might trigger this passion. I still treasure the moment when the stage manager called, “One minute” She held up her finger, making sure to lock eyes with each dancer before the grand entrance for Coppélia.

Me? She’s pointing at me? Here I am, backstage in the dark, about to step onto a brightly lit stage, leading with the correct foot, following my fellow dancers. The fanfare of French horns begins, and there’s no turning back. I’m terrified and thrilled, wanting to burst into laughter from pure joy, all at once. But alas, I must focus.

That energy is unlike anything else and it reminds me that the joy we create is never lost. It’s not just ballet, it comes back to us in countless ways: on the pickleball court, serving at a soup kitchen, or pursuing a long-held passion.

It was the Philosopher Karl Groos who wrote over a century ago that we play not because we have excess energy, but because it is instinctual and life-preserving and I couldn’t agree more. When we release preconceived notions about what this stage of life “should” look like, our instincts take over. I believe healthy practices like movement and the social relationships that come from group activities like ballet are life giving.

Step Onto Your Stage

So, before letting society push your passions aside because prejudice thinks you’ve passed your prime, ask yourself: what dream have you shelved? What calling is waiting in the wings of your life?

The arts, sports, public service, or a new career, it’s never too late to step onto your stage. Give it a try. Do something new with an old dream. Feel the joy, the laughter, the exhilaration of doing something just for you.

To borrow the words of William Shakespeare in Hamlet, “All the world’s a stage.” Find your place in it and play.

 

LET’S PLAY	7 Tips To Help You Start
1. Start Small	Begin with one class, one project, or one new activity. Growth comes step by step.
2. Focus on Yourself	Measure success by your own progress, not by comparing yourself to others.
3. Embrace Play	Rediscover joy in movement, creativity, and shared experiences—it’s life-giving at any age.
4. Celebrate Wins	Every improvement, laugh, and new connection is a victory.
5. Step Outside Comfort Zones	Fear and exhilaration often come hand in hand. Lean into both.
6. Share Your Energy	Whether it’s on a stage, court, or community project, the energy you put out will return tenfold.
7. Keep Dreaming	It’s never too late to do something new with an old dream.

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