Introduction to Ballet for Adult Dance Learners

Name: Introduction to Ballet for Adult Dance Learners
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Learn the absolute basics of ballet to get started with your dancing

Created byJenny Levin

Last updated 1/2026

English

What you'll learn

Basic ballet posture
Basic ballet movement
The use of feet in ballet
The use of arms and upper body in ballet

Course content

1 section • 10 lectures • 34m total length

Introduction0:45
Welcome to the class! Find out what you will learn in this session.
Plié Warmup: Explanation & Demo8:18
In this section we explore the correct ballet posture, weight placement, the use of feet and a basic ballet movement - the plié. We learn and practice a warmup combination designed to get us ready to dance ballet.
Plié Warmup: With Music3:41
Follow along as we practice the combination with the music.
Tendu: Explanation & Demo3:14
Tendu is a basic ballet movement that serves as a foundation for most other movements and positions. Learning how to do a proper tendu - using the correct posture, turnout, alignment and the use of the feet - will make other ballet movements easier and more understandable.
Tendu: With Music3:17
Follow along as we practice the tendu with the music.
Tendu 2: Explanation & Demo5:08
In this section, we learn and practice one more tendu combination. We deepen our understanding of how to execute this movement using the correct placement and alignment, and learn how this translates into creating beautiful lines in ballet and other styles.
Tendu 2: With Music3:17
Follow along as we practice this tendu combination with the music.
Introduction to Port-de-bras4:42
In this section, we focus on the use of the upper body and arms in ballet.
Ballet arm positions are highly stylized, and many people feel they are unnatural. Dancers of other styles often shy away from using them in other dance styles.
While all this is well-founded, learning how to use arms and upper body in ballet trains one's body awareness and opens the way to creating free and naturally-flowing movements in other dances and in everyday life.
Port-de-bras: With Music1:38
Follow along as we practice the use of the port de bras with the music.
Thanks for Watching!0:16
Thanks for watching and practicing this short introduction to ballet! I hope to see you in the next course!

Requirements

There are absolutely no pre-requisites for this class - anyone is welcome!

Description

Curious about ballet, but don't have any dance experience? Or have experience with other dance styles, but not sure how to start learning ballet? Not a problem! This class is designed with adult learners in mind, and doesn't require any prior dance experience.

This class is for you if:

* If you've ever thought of learning ballet, but feel that it is too late to start as an adult.

* You wish someone would just clearly explain the basics of ballet before diving into the complicated stuff.

* You've tried a ballet class in the past, and felt completely overwhelmed and confused.

* You dance another style, and know that ballet technique can help you improve, but don't know where to begin.

In this class, we will only cover the very basics that will help you get started. This is not a full ballet class, but a short, detailed breakdown of the fundamentals - perfect for those with zero experience, or those looking to understand the basics in more detail. We will discuss and practice ballet posture, weight placement, turnout and fundamental movements. All of the practice in this class is done facing the barre (or whatever you are using for support) - making it perfect for those with very limited experience with ballet positions and movements.

This course covers the basic techniques and movements to help all learners navigate a ballet class. You will learn about and practice:

* Weight placement and posture

* The use of feet in ballet

* Using your natural turnout

* The fundamental movements: plié and tendu

* The use of port-de-bras

* How to begin applying ballet technique to other dance styles

Each section offers an explanation and demo of the movement or combination we will be practicing, and a follow-along practice section. Feel free to pause, replay and try again any of the exercises as many times as you need!

You will not need any specific equipment, aside from something to use for support - a ballet barre is excellent if you have access to one, but a chair or kitchen counter work just as well!)

Who this course is for:

Adults with zero dance experience looking to learn ballet.
Dancers of other dance styles looking to improve their dancing by ballet techniques.