ABSOLUTE BEGINNER

Discover Ballet as an Adult

Foundations Level - Ballet Basics

⏱ Wednesdays · 6–7 pm

📅 Weekly until December 9 (no class Nov 11, Remembrance Day)
📍 Danspace, 1800 Argyle Street, Halifax NS (3rd floor)
🧑 Teacher: Marel Eager – extensive experience teaching adult beginners
✍🏼 Register online. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before class. Not sure? Sign up for a free trial.

Always wanted to try ballet? This is your moment.

No experience. No leotard, ballet slippers or pink tights required. No expectations — just you, in comfortable clothes, giving yourself permission to try something new.

This 9-week course is built from the ground up for absolute beginners. Not “beginners who did dance as a kid.” Not “beginners who are secretly pretty fit.” Actual beginners — of every age, every body type, every fitness level, every background. Our students range from their 20s to their 70s, and every single one of them started exactly where you are now: a little nervous, a little unsure, wondering if they’ll be the only one who doesn’t get it.

You won’t be. That’s the whole point of this course — whether this is your very first class, or you’re back for another round.

If any of this sounds like you, you’re in the right place

“I’m worried I’m not flexible/fit/coordinated enough.” — Nobody arrives flexible. That’s what you are there for.

“I don’t have a dancer’s body.” — There’s no such thing. There are just bodies, doing ballet.

“I’ll feel silly walking into a real studio.” — Every person in that room walked in feeling exactly that way once. Including, probably, the person now standing next to you.

“What if everyone else already knows what they’re doing?” — They won’t. This is an absolute-beginner class, and we mean it.

“I’ve already taken this course — is it too basic for me now?” — Not at all. See below — this is a course many students happily take more than once.

Already taken Foundations? Welcome back.

Repetition is one of the best ways to build real, lasting technique — and a lot of our students choose to retake this course, sometimes more than once. Each round deepens your muscle memory, sharpens your coordination, and builds confidence you simply can’t rush. If you’ve done Foundations before and want to come back for more practice, more polish, and more joy, you’re very welcome here. There’s no limit on how many times you can take it, and returning students often say the second (or third!) time is when everything starts to click.

Why adults love this class

• A relaxed, judgment-free room designed specifically for grown-up beginners
• Better posture, balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination — gradually, at your own pace
• A genuinely fun way to de-stress, move, and reconnect with your body
• A teacher who specializes in adults just starting out and loves teaching this level — Marel has been teaching ballet for over 45 years!
• A room full of people who get it, because they’re doing it too

We warmly welcome students of every age, background, and gender — and especially encourage men to join, as we’re always working to build a more diverse dance community.

Not sure you’re ready? Try before you commit

You don’t have to decide anything today. Come to a free trial class, see how it feels, meet the group, and decide from there — zero pressure. Click Register and select the free trial option.

What’s included

•Classes build steadily on one another, so you grow in confidence and skill each week

• 🎁 Complimentary access to Maria’s Ballet Basics On Demand course, so you can support your practice at home – you get access when you register and can start anytime. Check it out here →

A few reassurances

What should I wear? All you need to know – we got you. Read this article →

Miss a class? You’re getting a free 16-lesson archive from Maria’s adult beginner online course, so you can catch up and practise at home anytime. Repetition is key to muscle memory, so you’ll be fine. Travelling or need to miss more than one class? Prorated fees are available – just ask.

Dance Duo Discount: bring a friend and you’ll both get 20% off (new students). Discounts & Offers →

📄 See our Terms and Conditions for details on withdrawals, make-up classes, and cancellations.

Five things to remember once you’re here

1. Ask for help. Your teacher wants your questions.
2. Show up regularly. Consistency builds confidence faster than perfection ever will.
3. Practice a little at home. Even 10 minutes makes a difference.
4. Compare yourself only to last week’s you.
5. Be kind to yourself. You showed up. That’s the hard part — and you already did it.

Not new to ballet? View our detailed Ballet Level Descriptions to find the best fit for your experience and goals.

You can also switch level, or try a level up or down free of charge midway, if you find your level isn’t the right one for you. See detailed descriptions →

Absolute Beginner - Ballet Basics I (Wednesdays)