November’s member feature is the lovely Heidi Tan. She was kind enough to share her journey into ballet as an adult with us, and how it has fulfilled a childhood dream whilst helping to manage her perfectionism, and boosting her body confidence.
“Hi! I’m Heidi, a geography teacher, and I’ve joined BalletBody regularly for almost two years now!
Since young, I’ve always wanted to attend ballet lessons and finally got the chance to do ballet when I was in secondary school. But, the thought of having to start ballet then with Primary school peers in grade three felt embarrassing, so I gave up the thought ultimately.
I came across BalletBody’s classes in 2018. It was refreshing being able to learn snippets of what I possibly would have done in ballet and it piqued my interest to start looking for classical ballet lessons. Eventually, I started attending classical ballet classes with 2 motivations in mind: 1. to destress; 2. to get better discipline in achieving my ideal body type.
I’ve always struggled with my body. BalletBody taught me how strength and grace could co-exist. It also helped me to embrace my body and love myself more, especially when it constantly forces me to look at myself in the mirror (I’m still not good at that), not to critique my body, but to embrace my uniqueness and build confidence.
I stopped ballet two years later when work got really hectic. However, something just didn’t feel the same. There was a day when I was packing my leotards and ballet shoes, and I told myself that if I could find a ballet school that could fit my work schedule, I would consider going back to ballet. And actually, that day, BalletBody’s new classical ballet classes advertisement popped up!!
I still struggle with myself; and the perfectionist in me just doesn’t make it easier. But now, every time when I stand in front of the mirror, I’ve learnt (and am still learning) not to be that harsh critique, but to be one who is able to forgive myself and embrace my progress. I hope that anyone who embarks on their ballet journey will be able to develop that strength and confidence, celebrate your progress (no matter how small it may be), and love that person you are facing in the mirror. I’m very thankful for really encouraging and assuring instructors in BalletBody who provide such a safe environment to learn and make mistakes.”
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Thank you Heidi, we are so proud of how far you’ve come in your BalletBody journey!
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