Top 10 Ballet Myths Debunked

Ever wondered if pointe shoes are made from wood (FYI – they aren’t)? Or, perhaps you thought Ballet is impossible to begin as an adult (which isn’t true, because that’s why we are here at Ballet Fusion)?

We are here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about the world of Ballet – and some of them might even surprise you!

Ballet Myth 1 - Ballet Dancers are naturally flexible

When we are born, our body is not primarily designed to achieve the demand, technique and movements required for Ballet (although, it would be incredible if it were!). Instead, we train our bodies to increase the level of flexibility over a significant time frame.

The key is to begin slow and steady with a focus on a gentle stretching sensation and deep breathing. Everyone (including professional dancers), begins somewhere and as your body becomes more accustomed to the stretches, so your flexibility will increase as time goes on.

Ballet Myth 2 - Ballet Dancers are unable to train at the gym because they will build unwanted muscle

This is one of the more infuriating myths! Many dancers often combine training in the gym alongside their regular classes as they can add a sense of release and freedom from usual routines.

Often, there are several fallacies a dancer must look a certain way and this is simply NOT true. Therefore, professional dancers do incorporate gym workouts and they do train and build muscle, because who wouldn’t want power and strength?

Ballet Myth 3 - Ballet is only for females

This is a big NO! In fact, ballet began in the 17th Century as a male dominated art form. Without professional male dancers, Ballet would be non-existent. We only need to mention the name ‘Rudolf Nureyev’ and a huge number of people would recognise the name (even if they didn’t know the exact details about him!).

Ballet is often considered a sport, alongside being an art form, and is one of the most physically demanding careers on the body. Consequently, we need both males and females alike to perform for audiences around the world and fulfill the aesthetic of Ballet.

Ballet Myth 4 - Female Ballet Dancers must be short in order to establish a professional career

Speaking from personal experience, we know this is completely false! Just like fashions change (P.S. bootcut jeans are back ;), so do ‘fashions’ within the world of dance. Our instructor Alicia is only 5 ft 2 in and was once told she was ‘too short’ to dance, however when Margot Fonteyn was in the height of her career as a Prima Ballerina, she was just 1 inch taller at 5 ft 3 in!

In the end, it doesn’t matter whether you’re 5 ft or 6 ft 4 – your talent will always win in the end. P.S. Darcey Bussell is 5 ft 7in!

Ballet Myth 5 - If you want to learn to dance, wearing a tutu is compulsory

We actually can’t think of a time when we have ever attended a dance class and seen anyone wearing anything other than leotards or gym attire. The only time we would ever wear a tutu would be for a dress rehearsal or performance.

There is always a huge misconception that dancers only wear pink and frilly garments, but we all have an individual style and there are some amazing dancewear options out there - check out our Ballet Fusion Clothing range for some inspo.

Ballet Myth 6 - No pain, no gain

Just to confirm, Ballet should never be painful! Professional dancers may suffer from occasional injuries during their career, however, they will be treated and supported through their recovery, just like any professional athlete or individual. A dancer is never expected to continue through excruciating pain.

Of course, as with any physical job, the body can often feel fatigued or sore due to muscular tenderness. However, a dancer is expected to ensure they have enough sleep each night, eat enough to fuel their body and engage in necessary extra rehabilitation such as Pilates and physiotherapy. After all, a dancer’s body is their instrument and without it, they wouldn’t be able to do their job!

Ballet Myth 7 - Ballet Dancers starve themselves and never eat junk food

This is quite simply not true. Food is there to be enjoyed by all and we should never demonise certain foods or food groups. A professional dancer is highly active and without lots of food for energy, they would never be able to fulfill the demands of their job.

The key to life and subsequent happiness is balance; eating foods from all the main food groups and take note people: It is imperative that you should never feel as though you must ‘earn’ your food through exercise. Food is there to be enjoyed and we are so fortunate we have such a wide variety to enjoy.

Ballet Myth 8 - Ballet is expensive

Incorrect! With just one YouTube search, you can find hundreds of class videos to follow along with (for free!). However, we would always recommend attending either an online or in-studio class with a qualified teacher to ensure you are demonstrating movements and posture correctly, therefore helping to prevent future injury. But the good news is that group classes are inexpensive and affordable too :) Check out our online and studio classes, or visit our YouTube channel for loads of free content.

Ballet Myth 9 - Pointe shoes are made from wood & Ballet dancers dance on their tip toes

If you ever tried to stand on your tippy toes as a child, you’ll know it’s very painful and almost impossible. Ballet dancers don’t dance on their tip toes in a normal ballet class. They point their feet to a full extension and when they are wearing pointe shoes, their toes are supported by such snug, strong and well-fitted pointe shoes that there actually isn’t any direct weight on their tip toes. In fact, did you know that pointe shoes are made from layers of hardened fabric, cardboard and paper? Not wood.

Ballet Myth 10 - Ballet dancers are bitchy

If you’ve ever been to dance class and been on the receiving end of a frosty, or bitchy dancer, then you’ve been really unlucky. The truth is that ballet class is full of like-minded people who are happy to be there and want to dance as much as you do. It can be a great place to meet new friends and you’ll find dancers from different backgrounds and of all different shapes, sizes and ages. Our classes are a safe space which first and foremost, should be fun and you’ll find that most adult classes are the same. So ignore all those dance movies and come and see for yourself how friendly and welcoming dance class can be :)