Ballet est l’amour.

I never imagined I would start ballet in my early 40s. Ballet belonged to another world—one of childhood dreams and youthful flexibility, of effortless grace and lifelong training. Yes, my teenage years were largely spent doing gymnastics, which undoubtedly provided me with a strong foundation. But something inside me whispered: Why not ballet, and why not now? At first, I discovered ballet through watching YouTube classes online, but eventually, I decided to step into a studio for the first time, feeling both excited and a little absurd – Ain’t I’m too old for this?! I was a beginner among beginners, and yet, I felt at peace.

Ballet has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself. It is not only the movement—It is a language of its own, a conversation between the body and the soul—spoken in French, a language I must admit I do not speak, at all. But I do speak love, and ballet, after all, is love. Every time I show up in class it teaches me patience, not only with the steps and the technique but first and foremost, with myself. The progress is slow and exceptionally humbling. Some days, my body resists, in-between the soreness and aches, a reminder that time has shaped it differently. But then, there are these moments—fleeting, yet sincere—when everything seems to align, and I feel strong, and free.

More than anything, ballet has deepened my love and appreciation for my body. In a world that urges us to resist time and constantly highlights our imperfections, ballet has taught me to embrace and celebrate my body. Each plié, each tendu, each graceful extension is a reminder that my body is not something to be judged but something to be cherished. My body is capable. My body is resilient. It is alive.

While I feel more at ease at the barre than on the floor, I know that the true magic happens in the open space. On the floor, you are free—no longer holding on to anything. Yet, the barre is where you build confidence, strength, and the belief in yourself that allows you to one day let go.

Ballet is not easy. It demands discipline, an utter strength, and focus. It asks you to show up, even when you feel discouraged, and afraid you will mess up. But in return, ballet gives you something rare and beautiful—I have never experienced anything quite like ballet in its ability to bring me fully into the present. When I dance, the past holds no regrets, and the future carries no worries—there is only now; the music, the movement, and the quiet joy of being here. Once more, I feel like a curious child—open, and hungry to learn, not just about the discipline, but about myself.

Starting ballet at this stage in life is undeniably a lesson in humility, perseverance, and self-love. It is proof that new beginnings are always possible, and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is simply begin.

While my inner child may still dream of dancing on a grand stage, the adult in me understands that the true reward lies in the journey itself. In the quiet, unexpected joy of moving through life with an artist’s heart.