Was going to say don't have high expectations of yourself, and enjoy it.

Be prepared for corrections. It's harder than it looks, simple exercises take more thinking about than you first think and are actually quite complex. If you go in expecting to be able to do everything and get frustrated that you're being told it's all wrong you'll loose your enthusiasm.

Ballet is amazing but hard.

Maybe research some of of the terms so you'll be less confused and be more prepared. I suck at names so i'm doing this so i'll have less of a learning curve whenever i start. Also Ballet Misfit has some good beginner videos if you wanna get a head start

Don't stress if your first class is overwhelming. You'll understand more each time you go. Just be brave, listen, and be ready to work hard.

Just enjoy. Don't get discouraged if it takes a while - ballet is hard and expect a learning curve to learn the terminology, all the things your body has to do, etc. You might want to watch some beginning ballet classes on utube (rec Kathryn Morgan) - not to do the actual class but to see the names of things and what the movements look like.

Take your time! Don't worry about elevation and flexibility, that come with time and practice. You just have to care about the correct colocation of your body and enjoy!

Did you sign up for an absolute beginner class? Or a regular beginner class?

Before I went to my first ever class, I looked up a few videos on YT to see what basic exercices are and to learn the proper positions. I'm really glad I did, because the teacher didn't really explain anything when I went for the first time (after that, I went to meet amazing teachers at that same studio and I'm glad I continued going even though I didn't feel very supported at first).

Give yourself time. It's absolutely fine if you can only do half of what is asked at first. I have been going to beginner classes for 2 years and there is so much to learn! There are people of many different levels who attend beginner classes. Usually people are welcoming and they remember what it's like to be an absolute beginner! Good luck and don't put too much pressure on yourself.

This was me a couple years ago except without the figure skating experience. My best advice is to try not to be too hard on yourself, not compare yourself to others, and enjoy the process.

I’m very much still a beginner and sometimes it stings a little to see people who started after me progress faster, but I don’t necessarily know their history and I know I am getting better even if it’s not as fast as others.

Fellow plus size dancer here.

I think hardest for me is a avoiding comparison... Both my body in the mirror vs others and my extensions, jumps, etc. as I mentioned in another thread it helps to follow curvy dancers on socials. I have been getting less conscious of it and it feels great to see progress!

Before class, it would be helpful to know the basics - first, second, fourth and fifth position feet--usually in beginner classes you keep your arms in second position most of the time but you can learn the arms too.

I came BACK to ballet after a 25 year break after dancing for 13 years as a kid/teen, and it took me a solid year to feel confident in remembering combinations, so be patient with yourself. Remember you're not being graded and you're not trying to become a professional, so just enjoy it.

Ask the teacher if you can stand near/between someone with more experience so you can copy what they're doing.

Also, there is some basic ballet etiquette you won't be taught but should be aware of as respect to the teacher and class. When "switching sides" at the barre, turn towards the barre instead of away from it. Don't lean on the barre or cross your arms. Don't yawn. Do not talk to others during class or keep it super minimal and don't be disruptive. Keep your hair pulled back in a bun and out of your face. Be spatially aware of those around you. Thank your teacher with a bow or curtsy at the end of class. If you have a question, raise your hand. Don't be late to class and if you are, wait until the teacher waves you in.

Start taking classes. I don’t suggest taking at home though. Bad habits are hard to undo. You may not become professional but there’s nothing wrong with doing it to love it.

Start taking classes!! It’s never too late to do it recreationally!

Hi, I’m also 16 and I’m in basically the exact same situation, obviously I can’t really help u but I just thought it would be nice to let you know you’re not the only one lol. From my research quite a few professional dancers started at around 15, although to become a professional it took them around 5-6 hours of training 6 days a week, so it’s hard.I would have loved to become a professional, but my plan is to get as good as I can at ballet, and then use my skills elsewhere in the performing arts/dance. Best of luck and remember just because something hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and there’s more than one path to every goal 🫶

I think that you should just attend the class first and see what it's like. Talk to the teacher about things you should know or practice. Maybe, if you feel behind the others in class, try to schedule a few private lessons with the teacher (if you can afford to do so). I'm not sure what kind of dance you had before, but pirouettes aren't "basic technique" for ballet.

Starting ballet at first can be really difficult, especially if you're going into a class with more experienced dancers. Try to keep a positive mindset and remember that you're there to learn and have fun, not compete with others. This will help you have more fun in class and actually help you improve faster. Good luck!

Make sure you don't go to a beginner ballet class. It needs to be an Intro to ballet class or a pre ballet class. The ballet introductory level can take somewhere from 1 to 2 years, where kids or any student really develops their muscle memory, learning the very basics at their own pace. After one year in such class (you could take it on repeat if needed) you would be able to join beginner levels. Make sure they are not advanced beginners though. Your best bet is to always ask your instructor when you get to beginner level. Don't compromise on the Intro to ballet level! It's very important!

Core strength, Pilates, Yoga for flexibility. Also, sit on the floor with your legs straight and point and flex your feet. You need to build up foot strength. You can also pick up marbles with your toes, or scrunch up a long flat towel with your toes to build strength.

Vocabulary, Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet by Gail Grant.

Basic wardrobe, pink tights, long sleeved black leotard. More modern, black leggings and colored Leo. Many places allow socks instead of ballet flats. Wear your hair up, off your face and secured. Ballerina's wear buns for a reason, slapping yourself in the face with your hair during turns is unpleasant. Your outfits needs to be form fitting and the teacher has to be able to see your hips for beginners.

Have fun at your class!

If you’re already fairly athletic, I wouldn’t feel the need to do anything differently. You probably already work on core, cardio, and upper body strength, which is the hardest (for me) in ballet. Flexibility is not really required for beginners, but it’s always good to stretch.

The big thing that will be weird (probably) is that ballet works in a turned out position from the hips, and not parallel! Have so much fun!

Since it's a beginner class, just showing up as you are is enough!! If you want to get more flexible, yoga is great, but for more intense stretching I would do Anna Mcnulty or Aliva D'Andrea's stretch routines on Youtube. Pilates is really helpful for full body strength and I follow Madeline Abeid's videos.

You will not need pointe shoes - those are reserved for those with enough strength and knowledge of ballet (several years into training), just soft ballet flats! Might be helpful to try some on but there’s not an exact science.

A beginner ballet class will teach you all you need and likely will go pretty slow at first! I know some like Pilates for supplemental strength/flexibility training but a true beginner class will go slow at first for everyone.

“Would it be a good idea to start ballet for the first time being 18?” Would it be a good idea to start taking a ballet class for fun, exercise, recreation, meet new friends, gain some muscle and flexibility, feeling graceful, getting out of your shell, feeling more confident, doing recitals, etc.? Yes!

Would it be a good idea to start ballet for a professional career? I’ll give it to you straight: No, not a good idea.

i say, “go straight in” to taking classes and enjoying learning. your post is kind of ambiguous about your intentions, so i’ll just advise: get rid of expectations! get rid of any expectations about becoming a professional, being the best, or even being any good at all! honestly just enjoy the process of learning, improving, getting stronger, having fun. dancing is for everyone, it’s never too late to start learning and loving ballet

If you want to start ballet at 18, go for it!

There are lots of places that teach absolute beginner classes for adults, so it's not like you'd have to catch up to super advanced people in your class. Just find one and get yourself there!

Go for it for sure. I started way too late at 61! Nothing late about 18!! Sure wish I had done that

Best of luck! Just keep an eye out for red flags and do not push yourself past your limits. Stay safe, and have fun ❤️

I started at 16- best decision i ever made!

Most kids who start at 4 don't become professional ballet dancers. By your age they are training serious hours per week at a pre-professional studio. I mean serious hours.

You could look at taking dance at college as a minor and see if that open up some opportunities for you, or look at studios that do an end of year performance that include their adult dancers.

There's absolutely no harm in dancing for fun and enjoyment, it doesn't have to be professional.

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If you want to try and go professional, you need to be dancing 5 days a week and probably for multiple hours. This can get very expensive obviously and this doesn't even include Pointe shoes. Many people train years before getting their first pair and then years training afterwards. I'd consider looking at your finances and seeing if this is even feasible. I'd also consider looking into other forms of dance like contemporary and jazz, since they don't really use Pointe shoes and can be a little more forgiving with regards to technique.

As a recent beginner, my advice is to go easy on yourself. Everybody is bad at this when they start. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else, just try to improve. Ballet is hard, so there's nothing wrong with being terrible at it. Don't get discouraged if you struggle, because that is perfectly normal. You will get better, and each little improvement feels so good.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else! I was so nervous to start classes because I was worried I would feel foolish. My teacher was so amazing and told us on the very first day “This is YOUR class, not anyone else’s. Do YOUR best plié, YOUR best tendu, and know that that is amazing.” And it really helped me to stop thinking about anyone else’s opinions or abilities and just follow my teacher and do my best. Like another comment said, everyone starts out bad at ballet, it’s so difficult and unnatural to do those moves lol! But you’ll get so much better with consistent practice

Dont let being nervous or anxious stop you from enjoying the experience.

wow I'm jealous…

My best advice is to enjoy yourself, laugh off mistakes and try to be as daring as you can be. Most people in class aren't watching you and judging you, they are focused on themselves. Don't hold back in fear that you will look stupid.

Remember that learning ballet from the beginning is like learning a whole new language, literally and figuratively. Give yourself lots of time to adjust.

HAVE FUN! It is a privilege to move your body and learn an art form from someone who (hopefully) has years of experience themselves.

Yes you absolutely should! If you want to feel more comfortable try to find a studio with a teen or adult beginner class, but even if none is available just bite the bullet and join ballet 1 with the younger kiddos. I’ve been joining in on summer classes with my daughter so I’m by far the oldest and biggest person in that class… I’m usually even two decades older than the teacher (!!!), but it is incredibly fun and rewarding because I take joy in dancing. And my 10 year old classmates don’t mind one bit ;)

Also, try not to compare yourself to others. They may have been dancing for several years so don’t worry at all if you are behind them. Just try to focus on your own progress and enjoying beautiful ballet!

Do it! There are many teen ballet class these days offered in both serious training studios or recreational studios. Find and reignite your passion, and refocus to make it a fun, enjoyable me-time instead of comparing yourself to others. Best of luck!

>The last time I quit ballet, it was because everyone was better than me, and it made me uncomfortable. Honestly, I’ve quit a lot of things I’ve tried.

If you follow that line of thinking, you would only engage in activities where you are the best. That's pretty limiting. I wonder if you might want to explore why you feel uncomfortable when other people are more skilled.

Things can still be fun, even if other people are better.

if you’re just looking for a hobby you should absolutely join! now as for finding a class you’ll be comfortable in, that will be a little tougher. have you considered going to a class for beginning adults? you’ll be surrounded by new learners and i generally find a wide range of ages in those classes

Depending on what class you join, there is a very good possibility that everyone will have had more practice than you and you will be the worst one there… And that’s fine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being the worst person in the room, you just want to make sure That you start at an appropriate level (such as with absolute beginner classes, and not in an intermediate class).

This doesn’t just apply to ballet. Anytime you try something new, you are going to be bad at it at the beginning. Embrace that. I love being a beginner at something, because that is the period of time when I have no expectations for myself and nowhere to go but up. It’s exciting! If you quit things because you are not good at them right away, you are never going to do anything new, and that’s a very big problem for life.