Real Story: How Adult Ballet at Melbourne Institute of Dance Helped Me Reclaim My Love for Dance
- Kalman Warhaft
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Published: 8th August 2025
Jo is an adult ballet student who rediscovered her love of dance later in life. After a childhood spent dreaming of the Sugar Plum Fairy and an early experience in ballet that left her disheartened, Jo found her way back to ballet through the supportive environment at Melbourne Institute of Dance. Her journey shows how adult ballet can be transformative, healing, and deeply rewarding - no matter when you return to the barre. This is Jo’s story.
How Did Your Love for Ballet Begin?
I was five when my mother took me to see ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ (thanks mum). I immediately fell in love with ballet, dancing around the lounge room, boring my family with impromptu performances, begging for dance lessons. Eventually I started ballet classes, but was disconcerted to be told I had a “difficult physique”. Nevertheless I persevered for several years, but as a teenager I had to admit my Sugar Plum Fairy dreams were over.
What Brought You Back to Ballet as an Adult?
Decades later I found adult ballet classes nearby, so I signed up. Yes, this is a real ballet class, not some silly barre thingy. Kalman, the teacher, is infinitely patient, never patronising or condescending.
What Makes the Environment at Melbourne Institute of Dance Special?
Taking up ballet after a long break is not just a matter of following along. Ballet can bring out a lot of emotions, especially if you have had previous traumatic learning experiences. Fortunately Kalman and Melbourne Institute of Dance provide a supportive environment that helps build trust, trust in the teacher, trust in your fellow students, trust in yourself that you can move your body freely. There is no need for fears of humiliation or hurt.
How Has Ballet Helped You Personally?
Ballet can be your therapy, a mindful meditation that allows you to re-centre after life’s stresses.
What Else Have You Gained Through Ballet?
An added bonus for me has been the friendliness of my fellow students, social outings and the excitement of participating in the end of year performance.
What Has This Experience Meant to You?
I am so grateful that I found Kalman and Melbourne Institute of Dance, the experience has allowed me to heal my relationship with dance. My hope is to keep dancing forever, because Ballet never leaves you.
Jo’s experience reflects the emotional and physical rewards that adult ballet can offer. At Melbourne Institute of Dance, supportive teaching and a welcoming community help dancers reconnect with movement at any stage of life.
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Let your ballet journey begin – one step at a time!