Our February Member Feature is Vanessa Neo, with her sweet smile and lovely lines! Vanessa has been taking classes at BalletBody since 2019, and shares what she loves about the art form and how it has impacted her life over the last few years.
Q: Can you share with us how you first discovered your passion for ballet?
A: I first chanced upon BalletBody back in November 2019 and was really intimidated to set foot in a dance studio, but I still recall loving the fun instructors that led us in a non-judgemental, comfortable space. Not to mention the fulfilling burn after class as we wobbled down the stairs for the first time. I’ve been back for more on a weekly basis ever since!
Q: How has ballet fitness influenced your overall physical and mental well-being?
A: Classes are integral to my overall well-being! Physically, stretching out and using muscles that I rarely use has alleviated my body aches from hours spent turtling over the office desk and made me build strength to carry my body frame (without bulking up). That aside, I love the attention to detail, the gracefulness in the smallest movements, and discipline that comes with ballet techniques. Mentally, you could call classes my safe space at the end of a draining week. They help me shut off from work and I genuinely look forward to classes whenever I have space on my schedule.
Q: What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in trying ballet for the first time?
A: Everyone starts somewhere. Give it a shot and be patient with your progress! As someone with two left feet and no natural coordination, my only goal in class is to not faceplant during centre work (am still amazed it hasn’t happened…yet).
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Thank you Vanessa, we are so happy to have you dancing with us at BalletBody!
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