Ballet 50+
Ballet over 50 in Vienna
Posture, balance, strength and the pleasure of moving to music. Ballet suits the second half of life, if it is taught by someone who knows how.
ARTIS does not run a separate over-fifty group; you train with other adults, at your own pace. Three of its classes are built for exactly this start: Floor-Barre, where the whole ballet barre is done lying and sitting on a mat; the beginners’ barre classes, standing with both hands supported; and Stretching Light, forty minutes of guided, careful lengthening. Groups have at most eight people, and the teacher adapts each exercise to the person in front of her.
All three classes can be booked on their own before you decide on a membership; the two beginners’ memberships below contain them.
Why ballet after fifty
- Every exercise at the barre trains the small stabilising muscles of the ankle, hip and spine, which is what balance is made of.
- The ballet stance, a long spine, open chest and shoulders down, undoes years at a desk.
- Turnout and pliés strengthen the legs through their full range without impact.
- Learning combinations to music keeps memory and coordination working, and the room is quiet, elegant and unhurried.
Where to start
Begin with Floor-Barre. The spine is supported, and the teacher can see and correct your alignment before you ever stand at the barre. After a few weeks, add the standing barre and Stretching Light. Returners with previous training may start straight at the barre. Tell the teacher about knees, hips or back before the first class; every exercise has a version for you.
- Floor-Barre: Tuesday at 19:15 and Thursday at 18:00, 60 minutes
- Ballet Barre for absolute beginners: Saturday at 11:30, 60 minutes
- Ballet Barre: Thursday at 19:10, 60 minutes
- Stretching Light: Thursday at 20:00, 40 minutes
