A bold statement, but from all the people who grew up with me and learned to dance through the medium of ballet (both when I was young and during my professional training), they all agree that ballet was the most rigorous training they had. If you can study ballet for many years and develop with the art form, you're prepared for anything life can throw at you!
Many of my school friends in Liverpool who studied ballet (before I started professional training), are now in jobs that require much hard work and commitment - management, PR, company executives etc. Even my original dance teacher (Anne Walker), who owned her own large dance school, is now the CEO of a multi-national award winning dance clothing and costume dance company - International Dance Supplies or I.D.S.
After reading another similar blog, I soon realised my thoughts were echoed by many others, and it's no surprise.
1. Driven and hard-working
Learning ballet is one of the most difficult dance styles to learn. Being committed to ballet shows determination, focus and a positive energy to overcome problems. Pupils are expected to work hard and are dedicated to doing the best they can, whether they dance for fun or have several classes a week.
2. Preparation and fast learners
Learning exercises and routines repeatedly is the only way to master the craft. Preparation is key and there are no shortcuts. Ballet dancers have to be fast learners also, trying to juggle a combination of steps and choreography to achieve the final piece. If they can learn this at an early age, it sets them up for later life - other dance forms become easier to learn, and helps one to be a multitasker in the real world.
3. A real mental (as well as a physical) workout
Dancers have to think quick and learn steps - this is a very different mental skill from learning information at school, and a dancer's brain works in a very different way to achieve their goal. The physical workout is obvious - ballet dancers need strength and good cardio fitness.
4. Flexible and teachable
Constantly learning routines and being able to execute them well is the everyday life of a dancer - those who have learnt this for many years make a very flexible and teachable employees.
5. Poise, well-groomed and presented, graceful
A dancer needs to have all the above, and a solid ballet training gives individuals poise and gracefulness. Tall pupils especially need to hold themselves well, and ballet gives the perfect training to maintain good posture. All this gives the impression of a well-groomed and confident employee.
So, for anyone finding ballet training difficult, it's a life skill that can be extremely beneficial in later life, whether you become a dance teacher who becomes the CEO of their own company (like my own original teacher) or for any other job.
IT'S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT ONCE JOB SPECIFICATIONS ARE FULLFILLED BY APPLICANTS (academic qualifications etc.) EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR MORE ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN CONCENTRATE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, AND REALISE THAT DANCE AND MUSIC TRAINING OFFERS THIS.
The Reigate School of Ballet's dance and ballet classes have offered first class training in an enjoyable atmosphere for many years, and continue to inspire and train pupils of today.
In a world where competition for jobs is becoming increasingly more difficult, any advantage you can have is a bonus!
Let's pointe our toes to the future!
Joanne Evans
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