Can a 21 year old Asperger attempt ballet?

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CactusKid
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06 Nov 2009, 10:21 pm

I'm a 21 year old male and I'm interested in at least trying it...although I hear it's quite the vicious sport/art to those who are not of the correct body type. I'm bulky...180 lbs 5'10'' and with a pretty low arch although not completely flat feet. And then throw in all the Aspergian traits of subtle clumsiness...

Would I be able to at least get some fun out of this? Or would boxing be more my sport?

I'd prefer dancing to punching people.... :?

Anyone have any thoughts on this?


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visagrunt
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06 Nov 2009, 11:57 pm

I trained in ballet for a long time as a kid. The training is valuable for developing strength, flexibility, and control over your body.

That being said, rhythm is hugely important, and that's where my performance always fell down. I needed a lot more time to learn pieces than others. But being a guy, I was provided with a lot of extra help! (It's nice to be needed!)

My concern would be your feet. If you have arch issues, then extension is going to be an issue for you. Also, supporting your whole weight on the ball of one foot is going to be somewhat problematic.

At the end of the day, I say go for it. If you don't like it, you can always move on to something else. But if you learn some good control over your body, it may really help you in the long run.


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Fredozindo
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07 Nov 2009, 3:50 am

if you try and you are interested in.... as long as you pray as well....anything is possible in life....
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you know that levitating is not a myth....
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beef_bourito
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07 Nov 2009, 10:57 am

I say if you're interested in it, give it a try but be realistic, you're probably not going to get it right away and it'll take some work. I know that for me trying new things is a lot harder when I'm around people who are better than me, I feel as though they're judging me. Try to find a beginner class, ideally something for your age group, that could ease some anxiety you might have because everyone is new and everyone will be messing up.

Really, if it's something you want to try, just go for it, you won't know how hard it is until you do. Besides, it's a great way to meet girls, and if you decide to go into boxing later, the dancing will probably help your footwork "Dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee"



iquanyin
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07 Nov 2009, 6:15 pm

you might find tai chi suits your desires better...

but of course, the answer to the question of "can one try" is yes, one can.



bdhkhsfgk
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08 Nov 2009, 4:05 pm

You probably can, even though I'm male, I was better than most people in my class at practices, I seemed to have it in me, the talent.



iquanyin
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08 Nov 2009, 4:14 pm

what's your interest in that particular dance form? are you a classical music lover (or musician?) or you just like it?

i tend to agree with isadora duncan that ballet is very hard on the body.

do you have any goals with it? or simply want to try it for enjoyment?

just wondering. i personally have done things that people didn't think could be done, and i find strong personal desire is the key.

on the other hand, i've also spent time fruitlessly on things when, had i looked around a bit more, there were better (for me) things that i just didn't consider.

not saying either is the case with you, just wondering what specifically you're wanting from it. i suggested tai chi because it's very dancelike, it's also a martial art, so it's both useful and beautiful. it also has a major positive impact on mood and physical condition. and if one wants, one can also do competitions. if one doesn't want, no problem.

but then i thought, maybe these things aren't relevant. maybe the guy just really loves ballet. if so, go for it.



strapshoechris
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12 Nov 2009, 10:25 am

I took ballet as a kid (mainly for balance therapy as I'm also hearing impaired) and was in our Nutcracker every Christmas. I say you're never too old to try anything your heart desires and classic dance is certainly in need of more males! Just be sure to insist on wearing black leather full-soled ballet slippers with proper instep elastics (3/8 to 1/2 inch)-
Image-don't let the instructors or schools sell you on those cheap white higher-vamped canvas shoes or split-soled lace-up jazz oxfords which are virtually impossible for coordinationtly challenged persons like myself to creatively function in. Also avoid leg warmers at all costs. Generally men don't use them, but I've seen a number of injuries from slip accidents over the years.



LostInBed
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18 Nov 2009, 8:17 pm

:wtg: I don't see why not :D

other than flexibility(which will develop the longer you keep it up) if you have your heart set on an adult ballet class offered through with the local dance studio or parks&rec program guide I say go for it.


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LostInBed
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18 Nov 2009, 8:17 pm

:wtg: I don't see why not :D

other than flexibility(which will develop the longer you keep it up) if you have your heart set on an adult ballet class offered through with the local dance studio or parks&rec program guide I say go for it.


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18 Nov 2009, 9:49 pm

Its possible. Don't let a label stop you.

I was top of the class when I did jazz ballet as a kid



HH
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18 Nov 2009, 10:01 pm

Sure. Ballet is great for balance and proprioception training. It certainly can't hurt to give it a try.



CactusKid
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19 Nov 2009, 11:31 pm

Thanks for the encouragement guys!! Didn't expect such a response. I'm definitely gonna give it a try. :D


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LostInBed
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25 Nov 2009, 8:08 pm

HH wrote:
proprioception


:huh:


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03 Dec 2009, 2:10 am

Its good for strength, posture and developing good coordination, I was in ballet from 8 to 16 years