From a young age, Paula Pipitone fell in love with ballet. The grace, agility, and phenomenal artistic expression of dance were mind-blowing as a child, but as an adult, she has a newfound appreciation for the challenge and skill of ballet. She believes if adults would give ballet classes a shot, the effect the classes had on their lives would surprise them.

Paula Pipitone Discusses the Physical, Mental, and Social Benefits of Adult Ballet Classes

Ballet is about discipline and control. Most days, adults don't feel very in control of anything, let alone their bodies. As people age, their joints become stiff and sore, they lose flexibility, and most accept these issues as age-related symptoms. Ballet, with its physical, mental, and social benefits, can show people that what they write off as age-related pain and limitation is only a symptom of complacency and routine. Ballet can reinvigorate your life and provide several advantages in the process.

Physical Benefits

While ballet is a form of dance and artistic expression, it is also exercise and stretching. Ballet helps improve your posture and align your body. It strengthens muscles in the core and legs while also contributing to improved coordination and flexibility. With routine practice and commitment to classes, adult ballet students will experience less physical tension and stress.

Mental Health Benefits

Ballet is challenging, even the fundamentals. Learning the dance style demands concentration and focus, meaning the practice helps exercise your brain. Paula Pipitone explains that after several ballet sessions, your stress levels diminish, and your confidence and self-esteem increase. The performance art might even spark your creativity and imagination.

Social Benefits

Many people work from home or don't have much of a social life outside of work. Ballet classes can change all that. By participating in a regular class, you will make new connections and develop new friendships spawned from a common and non-professional interest. You will establish a new and rewarding sense of community.

Emotional Benefits

While it may not seem possible, ballet can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. When you exercise or engage in strenuous activity, your body releases endorphins and other hormones. Endorphins help improve mood, which is why they are called the body's "happiness hormones." Ballet also permits self-expression, which acts as a stress reliever.

Paula Pipitone Encourages Every Adult To Embrace Performative Arts and Physical Activity

Paula Pipitone loves ballet but understands that not everyone does. While joining a ballet class can have several benefits, you may experience similar benefits from other dance classes or group exercise activities. The main thing is to participate in some activity outside of work, to find a new group of friends, and to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Through challenges, people learn who they truly are and what they can accomplish.