Not wanting to enter this decision lightly, as I had never taken a single ballet class in my youth, I read up on adult ballet on the internets and learned to expect a non-judgmental, carefree activity in which no one else knows what they're doing either, and there's always someone fatter than you.
Well. I may have gotten a false sense of security from Russia's Big Ballet. I may have also gotten a false sense of superior athleticism. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I came to believe that ballet was invented specifically for sedentary fatasses; I just thought, If they can do it ...
My own adult ballet experience, thus far (and it's still early), can only be described as darkly comic. I'm kind of like Lucy, only less self-aware.
My class is full of former dancers so, actually, everyone knows exactly what they're doing.
Of course.
I also, apparently, have no short-term memory, rhythm, or control over my arms. I haven't smacked anyone in the face yet, but I have found my arms thrashing awkwardly on several occasions because I'm working so hard to keep up with everyone else's feet. Is it supposed to require that much concentration?
I am the only one who appears to be playing a lonely game of Hopscotch while everyone else glides jauntily across the floor. I'm told I have "good turnout," which is important, I suppose. But right now it seems more important to have awesome thighs. I have flaws I didn't even know to be ashamed of until I entered a room with three floor-to-ceiling wall-length mirrors, clothed only in a leotard and pastel pink tights (NOT slimming). For someone who wears black all the time, this is extremely disoncerting. There is literally nothing to hide behind.
Still, I picked this specifically because I wanted something psychologically grueling. At least I'm getting my money's worth.
Posts
