Precision in Motion

By Alison Cardoza • Photos By Matt Johnson

Ballet engages the entire body throughout all of its movements. From the tip of one’s head to the tip of one’s toes – and beyond. Ballet forms the basis of dance and is essential for building core strength, posture, and discipline. We have all experienced the beauty of a ballet recital or performance, either live or through television. Ballerinas embody sophistication, poise, and precision, executing their movements with apparent ease; however ballet remains one of the most physically demanding exercises for mastering body control. 

“Ballet Basics” class is offered by Denee on Wednesdays and every other Saturday at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. “This class focuses on fundamental ballet techniques that improve posture, flexibility, and strength while fostering a love for dance in a supportive and encouraging environment. This class is perfect for those new to ballet or looking to revisit their earlier training,” says Milestone‘s ballet instructor Denee. 

“Our participants range from raw beginners, who wanted to just try it, to very experienced former dancers who loved the ballet technique and the joy it brings them. This class at Milestone does not include the high impact or vigorous turns and jumps that they did when they were younger,” explains Denee. 

Denee grew up with Ballet as an integral part of her life. Her grandmother and mother were both dancers. Denee taught tap, jazz, ballet, and creative movement as the full-time dance teacher at Noe Middle for 22 years and was director of her ballet school at Village Dance Theatre in Crestwood KY for over 35 years. 2 1/2 years ago, she came to Milestone, looking to keep in shape after retiring as a ballet teacher. She then began teaching ballet at Milestone. Her clients are very loyal to her. 

“I love the Milestone ballet class! The exercise sequences work my memory; moving with the tempo of the music tickles my brain. Those two benefits combine to make ballet class my favorite form of meditation,” says Milestone member Tina. 

Because of its physical and cognitive health benefits as we age, ballet is not just for kids and professionals anymore. Adult ballet class programs are spreading around the world. “Through my own experiences with this class, the ballet technique, recovering after foot injuries, input from class members, and research into the benefits of ballet for 40+ adults I have gained an even greater respect for the benefits of a traditional ballet class far beyond practicing plies, arabesque, combinations at the barre, and adagio in the center. I love the connections with its members and the joy and camaraderie present as the class comes to an end with a traditional reverence, “ says Denee. 

This ballet class offers a comfortable place to unwind and release stress and tension while practicing the beauty of ballet movements. Join today. 

Alison Cardoza- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.