Starting ballet as an adult can feel exciting and a little nerve-wracking — that’s completely normal. These first class FAQ are designed to help with that.

THE STUDIO

  • We run classes across three convenient locations, making it easier for you to find a class that fits your schedule.

    Each venue offers a welcoming space to train, and the timetable clearly shows where each class is held so you can plan ahead with ease.

  • Free parking is available in the car parks of each the studios.

  • Comfortable clothes you can move in — leggings, a fitted top, bare feet or grip socks. No leotard, no pointe shoes, no specific "ballet look" required.

  • Ballet flats are recommended, but not required for your first class. Many beginners start in socks before purchasing shoes.

    • a water bottle

    • a small towel if desired

    • ballet shoes (optional for beginners)

    • an open mind and willingness to learn

  • We recommend arriving 10 minutes early for your first visit so you can:

    • check in comfortably

    • meet your teacher

    • find the studio

    • settle in before class begins

  • Yes. Note, we do not have showers at any of our locations.

  • Cubicles are available in the ballet rooms for personal items at Studio 25, Please be aware that belongings are stored at your own risk, and the studio cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items.

THE CLASS

  • A typical adult ballet class includes:

    • gentle warm-up exercises

    • ballet barre work

    • simple centre exercises

    • coordination and musicality practice

    • stretching and cool down

  • This studio is a welcoming, inclusive environment which exists specifically because adult beginners deserve a room built for them — not a kids' class with grown-ups awkwardly folded in.

  • Most adult students feel nervous before their first class. Our environment is supportive, non-judgmental, and focused on learning and enjoyment rather than perfection.

  • Modifications are always encouraged. Inform your teacher before class of injuries or conditions. We recommend that you consult your doctor or healthcare professional before joining, to ensure ballet is appropriate for you. You are welcome to opt out of certain exercises, take breaks, or adapt movements to suit your individual needs.

  • Mistakes are a normal and important part of learning ballet.

  • Absolutely. Teachers provide guidance, demonstrations, and corrections in a supportive and encouraging way.

  • You don’t need to be fit, flexible, or have any prior conditioning to begin ballet with us. There's no age or fitness cut-off here. Ballet meets your body where it is today and builds from there — that's the whole point of an adult-focused studio.

    Our classes are designed to help you build fitness, strength, flexibility, and coordination gradually over time, rather than expecting you to have them from the start. Every class is structured to safely develop your body step by step.

    Teachers provide options and modifications throughout class, so you can work at a level that feels right for you while still progressing.

  • That’s completely okay. Adults learn at different speeds, and no one is expected to know everything immediately. You are encouraged to progress at your own pace and rest as you need.

  • Not perfection — simply showing up, trying something new, and enjoying the experience.

  • You may feel:

    • mentally challenged in a positive way

    • more aware of posture and muscles

    • pleasantly tired

    • inspired to return

    Some muscle soreness is normal when trying a new form of movement

  • Please follow the teacher’s instructions, stay aware of your surroundings, and be mindful of spacing. Avoid chatting during the actual exercises, and respect your fellow students’ learning. Please avoid giving corrections to other students unless asked. Feel free to ask the teacher questions.

    Members are expected to:

    • Arrive on time and prepared

    • Maintain professionalism and respect

    • Commit fully to training and growth

    • Represent the school positively

  • Absolutely. We understand that trying ballet for the first time can feel intimidating. Our classes are designed to be inclusive, and judgment-free.

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Yes. Please visit the New Students Page here

  • Mind Body App

  • See Memberships

  • No. We operate on memberships only.

POLICIES

  • If you are late for your class, come in quietly, warm up and then join the class. This is for your safety; as you will have missed the group warm up.

    To help you get the best possible experience from each class, we recommend arriving a few minutes early so you can settle in, warm up, and start feeling prepared for movement.

  • If the class is full, you can join the waitlist. You’ll get an e-mail if you’ve been someone has dropped out and you’ve got the place.

  • For your safety, we ask that you inform your instructor and also obtain medical clearance before attending, so we can ensure you’re fully supported and can adapt exercises appropriately.

  • Not at this stage.

  • Email us at least 7 days prior to the next billing cycle on your contract.

  • You can start our adult ballet program from the age of 16 and over — there’s no upper age limit.

    Our classes are designed to be inclusive and supportive for adults at every stage of life, with most students ranging from their 20s through to their 70s and beyond.

    For dancers aged 16–17, a parent or legal guardian's written consent is required. Memberships for minors can be arranged directly in the studio, where our team can guide you through the enrolment process.

  • Classes are closed to maintain focus. Open days or performances will be scheduled for guests. When members are waiting for their class to begin, they can watch the very end of the class prior quietly.

  • Due to limited space and to maintain focus, children under 8 may not observe classes unless they are supervised by an adult and are not disruptive. No pets are permitted in the studio unless they are registered assistance dog. Adults not enrolled in a class should avoid remaining in the studio during class.

  • No. To respect privacy and copyright, recording or sharing of footage from classes, rehearsals, or performances in public or on social media is strictly prohibited without the explicit consent of the studio.

    Reviewing routines can help with practice and improvement. To support this, teachers may record class demonstrations and share them privately for the class’s use only.

  • Yes. As per our terms & conditions, images or videos captured during classes, workshops, or performances will be used to promote Ballet Éternel on marketing materials. We may take candid footage at any time without notification.

  • We don’t offer make-up classes. Your membership reserves a dedicated spot in your chosen level each week. This means your payment holds your place in the program rather than being based on individual attendance.

    Because of this, fees are not adjusted for missed classes, including absences due to illness, personal commitments, or holidays.

    This structure helps us maintain consistent class sizes and ensures every student has a dedicated place in their chosen program.

  • Enrolments are non-transferable, which means they’re linked specifically to the student who originally signed up. The maximum membership contract is 12 weeks. Please notify us by writing at least 7 days prior to that billing cycle ending if you wish to cancel.

OTHER FAQ

  • We specialise exclusively in adult ballet education, creating a space where adults are the priority — not an afterthought.

    Our approach is built around supportive, professional, and inclusive training, where every dancer is guided with care, regardless of age, experience, or background. This means you can learn at a pace that suits you, while still being challenged and supported to grow.

    We keep class sizes small and focused, allowing for more individual attention, better technique correction, and a stronger sense of progress each week. This helps you develop safely and effectively, with clear long-term improvement in strength, posture, coordination, and confidence.

    Unlike general dance schools, everything we do is centred on adult learning and classical ballet only, so the entire environment is designed to help adults feel comfortable, capable, and consistently improving over time.

  • We don’t offer casual drop-in classes, as our program is built around consistency and progressive learning.

    This membership-based structure is designed to help you get the most out of every class by training regularly within a supportive group. Over a dedicated 6 or 12-week program, you’ll be able to build technique step by step, improve strength and flexibility, and see clear, measurable progress in your ballet training.

    It also creates a more cohesive learning environment, where students grow together each week, allowing for better coaching, stronger foundations, and a deeper sense of achievement over time.

  • We don’t operate on fixed school terms. Instead, we run all year with no break, apart for some public holidays.

    We offer flexible membership blocks so you can start when it suits you. Our program is structured into 12-week individual membership cycles (or 6 weeks for beginner levels).

    This approach means you can begin at any point, stay consistent in your training, and experience steady improvements in strength, technique, posture, and confidence throughout your block.

  • Our team can help guide you based on your previous dance experience, confidence level, and goals. You can book a phone chat here. If you’re unsure, starting with a lower level is usually the best option. Please see here for guidance.

  • No — you’re never too old to start ballet.

    Our adult ballet classes are designed for all ages and backgrounds. We have students ranging from 20-80 currently.

  • We close on Anzac Day, Christmas Day, Kings Birthday, Cup Day and New Years Day. If your class falls on one of these days, it will show as cancelled in the online timetable. You will not be charged for the class that falls on a public holiday. If your regular class falls on a public holiday, a credit will be applied to your account, or if was already billed, then a refund for that class issued.

  • Not at this stage. If this is something you are interested in pursuing, please let us know.

  • At this stage, we don’t offer online classes, as our focus is on providing a high-quality in-studio experience where teachers can give hands-on corrections and personalised guidance.

    Training in person allows you to get the most out of each class, with real-time feedback that helps you improve technique, alignment, and confidence more effectively.

    We are always evolving, and online options may be introduced in the future.

  • Yes — we offer one to two intimate salon-style performances each year, giving students the chance to experience performing in a supportive and encouraging environment.

    Participation is completely optional, so you can choose whether performing is something you’d like to explore as part of your journey.

    For those who do participate, we also offer additional dedicated performance classes outside the regular timetable. These sessions help you refine technique, build stage confidence, and experience the joy of performing in a structured, supportive setting alongside your peers.