Real Story: How Online Ballet Classes from Melbourne Institute of Dance Transformed an Adult Dancer in Kuala Lumpur
- Kalman Warhaft
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Published 18th July 2025
Amy is a passionate adult ballet student based in Kuala Lumpur who attends live Zoom ballet classes with Melbourne Institute of Dance every Thursday. Despite the distance, she has developed a strong connection with her teacher and the art form. Amy’s journey shows how adult dancers can thrive through online ballet classes - no matter where they live. This is her story.
Why Did You Choose Melbourne Institute of Dance?
Kalman is an exceptional ballet teacher. He provides high quality coaching to adults regardless whether you are professionally trained or just a ballet enthusiast. I feel connected to his teaching demeanor as he really makes an effort to understand my concerns, what I am struggling with and provide a solution to fix it. He is detailed in teaching and very good at breaking down complicated movements, he has a sharp eye to notice my issue, and somehow he also teaches me to be my own teacher.
What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge in Adult Ballet?
Because I started ballet as an adult, it’s hard to not compare yourself to adults who had been through more structured ballet training as there are a lot of movements still not in my muscle memory. However, with consistency and right training with good teacher support, making progress is possible and I feel I am gradually getting to be a better version of myself.
What’s Been Your Most Rewarding Ballet Experience?
Recently I performed a solo on stage. And due to several changes made prior to performance, I was worried something would happen on stage. However, apart from the lack of expression, every movement was done calmly with the right musicality and ended steadily. This is a little milestone that helps me gain more confidence in performing in the future.
How Has Ballet Helped You Grow Physically and Mentally?
I feel more focus, increase fitness and endurance physically. Ballet trained me to have high awareness and I feel mentally sharp dealing with things outside of ballet. Dancing with music makes me forget about any problems I have and just pure beautiful feeling. Overcoming challenges in dancing also provides a high sense of accomplishment.
I realize dancing has a lot to do with mental state, will power and our belief. When I tell myself I can do something or ask myself to do it correctly, the right movement will happen accordingly. I am excited to dance a solo variation with beautiful expression, as I am the character of the variation.
What Do You Love Most About Ballet and What Are You Working Toward?
I always look forward to each Thursday Zoom class by Kalman. No matter how tired I was, I tried to make sure I had the capacity to do this class. I enjoyed the technique class a lot, it’s quite challenging but fun. I love all the combinations, the music was really lovely, I particularly look forward to the fast tendu, jete, frappe barre work with fast exchange of feet as it’s quite tricky but fun. I also enjoyed center work with a pirouette. I also have the opportunity to take some private coaching from Kalman on a variation which I learnt so much.
I really love to master a good double pirouette one day and perform on stage with good technique, artistry and expression. I am working to polish my single pirouette first, and also working on a variation separately. The variation training allows me to identify what areas I should pay more attention to when doing the regular technique class.
Any Final Words About Your Experience with Melbourne Institute of Dance?
A heartfelt shout-out to Kalman! Your passion and love for teaching makes ballet class so enjoyable and I am inspired to be my best. I truly feel your presence, care and support even though I am millions of miles away!
What Advice Would You Give to New Adult Ballet Students?
I will say “Let’s give ourselves a chance to try out for a few classes, if it’s something we still love but just a challenge of not doing in a way we desire, let’s continue to work.”
In inspiring news, Amy will be travelling to Melbourne next month to take in-person classes with Kalman and all at Melbourne Institute of Dance. We are so excited to welcome her to our studios.
If Amy’s story inspires you and want to explore adult ballet - whether in the studio or on Zoom, join a class at Melbourne Institute of Dance.
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!