Have you always wanted to be a ballerina? It’s not too late. Whether it’s fulfilling a bucket list item or switching up your fitness regime this year, ballet for adults is an excellent and elegant option. We recently met up with Donna Schoenherr of west London’s Ballet4Life, who offer classes to adults of all ages and abilities in Hammersmith, Chiswick and Brixton. Classes range from complete beginner, 50+ ballet to beginner Pointe.
Tell us a little about yourself…
I started training intensively when I was a child and I was very fortunate to be awarded full scholarships to study with international renowned ballet teachers in NY. I then had the pleasure of dancing professionally as a child with the famed British director/teacher Kathleen Crofton and then went on to dance with the Cleveland Ballet, a German Ballet Company, various choreographers, and contemporary companies in NY. I have performed around the world and also worked as a dancer for film, opera, and dance festivals. I blend my knowledge and experience as a former professional dancer with my love of teaching and helping others to enjoy the beauty that is ballet and dance in general.
I set up Ballet4life in Chiswick nine years ago after I stopped working full time as a guest teacher for dance companies and schools around the world.
How long have you been teaching ballet?
I have been teaching for over 20 years in the US, Asia, and in Europe.
Why do you enjoy teaching adult ballet?
I truly enjoy working with adult learners because the passion, commitment, and hard work they exhibit is authentic and inspiring. People attend our classes because they want to be there and they are very open and keen to learn and to try things. They embrace the learning process and the joy of movement. They get every thing they can get out of their time in the ballet studio with me! This is very refreshing and very exciting to work with on a regular basis!
Enjoy a snippet of a class here:
Do you need any previous dance experience to take a class?
For complete beginners we have our beginner courses throughout the year so that one may be introduced to the basics in a safe, friendly, and consistent manner. Then we have many options to choose from should one wish to carry on. If someone has had a bit of dance training in the past they can consider trying a drop-in beginner class. Best to contact me and I can have a chat and help someone decide what might be the best choice to try out first.
Are there any special considerations an adult would need to take before starting ballet?
We ask that you let us know about pre-existing injuries or health warnings that our staff should be aware of. Other than that just bring along an open mind, and a body ready to do work at each class.
What benefits to you get from ballet?
Ballet can help with muscle development with a lean elongated line, flexibility, posture, spatial awareness, co-ordination, calorie burning, and core strength. It also can assist mental acuity with memorisation of sequences. Exercise also releases many good and helpful chemicals and hormones such as endorphins. The added benefits of ballet one may gain are a sense of expression by executing movement to lovely music, a chance to escape from the normal daily tasks and stresses, and the sense of working with a group and meeting like minded people.
What is the main difference between ballet and ballet Barre?
The main differences are that the ballet barre is the first portion of a full ballet class. This is when you stand by the wooden railing and use it for support when performing the repetition of leg and upper body exercises. The exercises build up in speed and difficulty and the barre assists the body with support and confidence to try the movements.
A ballet class has a barre exercise section followed by a centre exercise section. We offer both and many clients take both classes since they compliment each other very nicely.
Most importantly, can we wear a tutu?
Tutus are certainly most welcome! Just don’t expect me to fit into one anymore!
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