According to the Royal Academy of Dance, interest in adult ballet has increased 75% over the last five years. The trend is driven by a resurgence of ballet-inspired fashion and a desire to build community. As a result, some Los Angeles dance studios, like Westside Ballet in Santa Monica, are adding more classes for adults.

What You Need To Know

  • Many adults are taking ballet classes, even though they have never taken a class before

  • A resurgence of ballet-inspired fashion and a desire to build community has driven the trend

  • Former professional dancers also take the adult classes

  • According to the Royal Academy of Dance, interest in adult ballet has increased 75% over the last five years

 

Many of the adult students at Westside School of Ballet had never taken a class before, Westside Ballet Artistic Director Martine Harley explained. 

"We have the most wonderful adult program, comprehensive adult program from absolute introductory — just saw a ballet and want to study ballet — all the way to professional level ballet where we have elite professional dancers who come and take the class. The things that I hear from adults are that this whole school just has such a professional vibe and it just feels like old-world ballet school and people really enjoy walking in the door and feeling that," she said. 

The adult dancers have even inspired Westside instructors, like Westside Ballet teacher James Ady, who retired from his professional dancing career at 29. 

"These dancers showed me that you can love ballet for the rest of your life. You can come to the barre every day and do what you're able to do. You stretch, you listen to the music. You have fun with your friends. And it can be a really a beautiful lifelong exploration," he said. "I want to say I was very reluctant to accept an adult ballet class. I didn't know what I was going to offer these dancers. I didn't know how I was going to be able to simplify these steps that I thought I had to give at a certain level. And what I came to realize is even standing in fifth position, whether you're 12 years old or 85, is challenging. These adult dancers work really hard."

Former professional dancers also take the adult classes.

"A lot of professional dancers want to continue after their career is over and just continue to participate because it's so many things, not just a career, but it's exercise and it's in a community and it's fun. So you kind of get to wrap up a whole lot of things that you love into a part of your day," adult student Connie Bell said. 

The love and dedication the students have for ballet as an art form also shone through. 

"I will, no question, be in ballet class until I cannot walk. And even still, if there is something or I'm in a wheelchair, I'm moving. I'm going to be in class," Perris McCracken, an adult ballet student, shared. 

Students at the Westside School of Ballet also get the opportunity to perform onstage at the adult showcase each year. 

A number of dance studios now offer adult classes. To learn more about this studio, visit WestsideBallet.com.

Watch the full interview above.

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