Real Stories: Why Adults at Melbourne Institute of Dance Are Rediscovering Ballet at Any Age
- Kalman Warhaft
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Published: 19th Aug 2025
At Melbourne Institute of Dance, our adult ballet classes are more than just a workout. They're a way to reconnect with your body, find joy in movement, and build community, no matter when you start. Whether you're revisiting a childhood passion or stepping into a studio for the first time, our classes are designed for every age and stage.
Here’s how ballet has transformed the lives of two remarkable adult students.
Christine: Finding Freedom Through Focus
Returning to dance after 50 years has been challenging for the muscles, but enriching for the soul. I have found ballet allows the brain to concentrate fully on the current movement I am attempting, and that concentrating allows me to 'park' thoughts, demands, and worries. Class time gives my brain an outing after which I feel refreshed.
I am inspired constantly by my classmates, and to anyone wondering if you can learn or relearn to dance as you get older, my answer is a resounding YES! Our teacher Kalman is positive and encouraging. I set goals for myself each class, and I am often surprised when I achieve them! I walk out of class feeling taller, stronger, and capable.
“When we dance, we are free. To put it better, our spirit can travel through the universe, while our body follows a rhythm that is not part of the routine.” — Paulo Coelho
Andrew: Starting Ballet in His 70s
I’m 74 and I started ballet around 71. It’s all completely new to me. And it’s fun - more than I ever thought it would be.
I had never danced or done ballet ever. Boys at boys' boarding schools in the '50s and '60s did not even countenance ballet. I was very bad at footy and cricket, but love the footy. Go Hawks! So it is all completely new. None of it comes naturally to me. I have to work on it. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Challenges are mental and physical. I use muscles in ways I had never done before. Practice and adding these movements into my routine helps a lot. I rarely need paracetamol! My physio makes a fortune out of me!
Mentally, my brain does not process information fast enough anymore, and it does not coordinate well with my legs and arms. Memory is an issue. Confidence is an issue. Concentration is intense and mentally tiring. As the saying goes: aging sucks.
As an old clarinettist and choir member, I understand the need for practice. Nothing in the arts comes without practice, practice, practice. Ballet brings me great joy. It is almost addictive. I love the discipline. I love trying to do interesting things with my body and to be graceful and elegant. I really enjoy my barre mates. Everyone is encouraging and friendly, and frankly are concentrating so hard that they don't notice how bad I am!
My goals? To master each move with grace. To do at least a double pirouette and a grand jeté. And maybe perform in the end-of-year production, if Kalman lets me. Normally, I am a backroom bloke. To perform would be a real challenge.
Melbourne Institute of Dance has provided a safe and enjoyable environment. Kalman pushes and encourages me but is also very tolerant of my efforts. He doesn't even yell at me if I make a mistake!
Practice. Practice. Practice!
Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s or 70s, it’s never too late to begin.
Enrol for a trial class today!
Or contact us to learn more:
+61 436 342 295
Let your ballet journey begin - one step at a time!