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.

IN STUDIO FAQ

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Email us at least 14 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 14 days prior to that billing cycle ending if you wish to cancel.

OTHER FAQ

  • 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.

  • 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.

In Studio Enrolment FAQ

  • Yes. We don't offer casual drop-in classes.

  • Ballet is a practice, not a one-off workout. Real progress comes from consistent training, quality instruction and a supportive community. Our membership model lets you build technique, strength and confidence over time, alongside dancers progressing with you.

  • All In Studio memberships run in four terms a year. Each term has 12 weeks of classes followed by a one-week studio break, and every member's membership starts and renews on the same term dates.

  • Each class has 15 -18 spots available for enrolment. Once you confirm your spot, it is yours for the duration of that term.

  • Choose the membership that suits you and enrol via the our online booking system - MindBody link. Once your membership is active, your place at the barre is reserved.

  • Our adult ballet classes are open to ages 16 and over, and all experience levels are welcome. For dancers aged 16–17, a parent or legal guardian's written consent is required, and memberships can be arranged directly in the studio.

  • All classes are $29 per class.

    • Once a week: $348 per term, or $26.77 per week

    • Twice a week: $672 per term, or $51.69 per week

    • Unlimited: [your price]

    • Level 1 Beginner block: $174 for 6 classes, or $29 per week for 6 weeks

    From 1 October 2026, new rules mean businesses can no longer add a surcharge for card payments, so the card processing fee is now included in our class fees.

  • We use the Mindbody app. Once you're a member, your spot is reserved for you in your class each week of the term.

  • You cannot cancel your term classes once you have committed to them, however you can add additional classes. We run 2 enrolments dates per term - week 1 and week 7.

  • Yes, it may. If the class you are enrolled in doesn’t have sufficient numbers we will talk to you about moving into a different class in the event that the time slot you are attending closes.

  • Enrolments for the following term can be cancelled by giving us 14 days written notice at info@balletforadults.com.au before your current term ends.

  • When you enrol, that spot is reserved for you for the whole term, and we plan teachers, studio hire and class sizes around it. Because your place is held whether you attend or not, fees aren't refunded, credited or adjusted for missed classes for any reason, including illness or injury, work or holidays, except where required by law.

  • Enrolments are non-transferable, which means they’re linked specifically to the student who originally signed up.

  • The studio is closed on Victorian public holidays. If your class falls on one, that class stays on your membership and you can make it up in any other class with a free spot before the end of term. Just book it in the Mindbody app.

  • Each term is 13 weeks long: 12 weeks of classes plus a one-week studio break.