As the days and hours approached for my first ballet class, I grew increasingly nervous. Like, sick to my stomach nervous. I got to LBA a good 45 minutes before class began and then I sat in my car for a while debating whether or not I should actually go in. I texted with my husband for a bit and he pep talked me enough to get out of my car and go inside. If it wasn't for him, I might still be sitting there.
I entered and immediately made my way to the office to let them know I was there for the trial. The lady I spoke with over email recognized me right away as "Christopher's student from the rink." I hope their expectations are low. Even though I'm Christopher's student, that doesn't mean I'm going to be any kind of graceful! I'm here to learn how to be graceful. It's not my default setting.
She had me fill out some paperwork and then gave me a brief tour of the place. The place is big with many studios (my class will be in Studio 2) but I was disappointed to learn that, besides the two-stall bathroom, there isn't a changing room. So, I either need to change at work before I head down to Littleton or change in one of the bathroom stalls once I get to LBA. I know from experience that trying to get into tight-fitting clothes in a space the size of a closet is difficult! She left me so I could go change and then I sat on one of the couches waiting for the class to start. I thought it was expected that students stretch before class, but when I asked her where the best place to stretch was, she said that stretching will be in the studio as part of the warm-up for class. Ok then.
There were two other adults there for the trial, a mother and daughter duo. The daughter has danced before and was just returning after a few years off and her mother was like me, a complete beginner. However, I think she's a bit ahead of me in terms of ballet knowledge from watching her daughter dance for so many years so she's at least familiar with the basic terms and how classes are run.
7:00pm arrived and we were all called into the studio. Me being me, I tripped on the way in. So graceful! The studio floor is raised about an inch or so and there is a ramp leading into the room. I didn't see the ramp and just walked right in and immediately to the left and tripped on the elevated floor. Awesome first impression! The 3 new adults were introduced to the class. I was introduced as "the ice skater from the Promanade" and when the instructor mentioned Christopher's name, the girl in front of me turned around and said "He's your coach? Wow, he's great! I've danced with him here before!" So, everyone knows my coach and, because of that, I'm even more nervous that their expectations of me will be high. Now I feel like I need to do really well or I will damage his reputation. No pressure at all.
After introductions, we got started at the barre. I really wish I could tell you what we did and what I learned but it was mostly in French and everyone seemed to know what do with very little explanation. The lovely girl in front of me was super sweet and switched places with me every time we switched sides so she would always be in front and I could use her as a guide. Without her, I would have been so lost!
In the last 10-15 minutes, once we were all properly sweaty, we put the barres away and did some work in the center. Again, I really wish I could tell you what we did but French happened. I just tried to keep up the best I could. Luckily, the instructor has some background in skating and when she saw that I was struggling with a particular turn, she told me to think of it like a loop jump and somehow that made things click because I was able to do the thing just fine after that.
An hour and 15 minutes later, class was over and I hurt in places I didn't even know existed. I'm not used to sweating! I usually do my exercise in a giant freezer so I'm not used to being damp from sweat and smelling of effort. I made sure to personally thank the instructor and she said "I can tell you are one of Christopher's students! You listen." I mean, I tried my best to keep up, listen, and take corrections so I'm glad she noticed that although I was struggling, I was at least taking things seriously and I really want to learn.
So, I gathered my things and told everyone goodbye and that I'll see them in August when the new academic year starts and they all stared at me in confusion. Apparently, the adult classes just run year round with no regard to an "academic year." So they convinced me to just come back next Monday and they assured me that it would get easier every time I come. Great group of people!
Overall, I loved it and I'm sure I'll love it more once I understand what the heck is going on. Not only do I not understand the physical language of how my body is supposed to move but I so unfamiliar with all of these new terms. And it was so much more difficult than I had anticipated! You watch dancers and they make it look so effortless but each movement takes so much strength, balance, and flexibility. I have a long way to go but I'm excited about this new endeavor. Hopefully someday I will no longer be seen as "Christopher's student" but as Mandi, a dancer in her own right!
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