This article was born from a Facebook ad, where it was invited to participate in ballet classes for adults in Guatemala.
Doubts arose about whether an adult could reach a professional level in this discipline, traditionally instilled from childhood, as well as the requirements to register. Therefore, we approach two academies that offer this option and talk to a student, Lázaro Arrega, 25 years old.
He began in the world of classical dance at age 22. It was not simple. He went to municipal projects and different academies, but the answer was that there were no options for him, due to his age and for being a man.
Arrega also considers that schedules are another important aspect, since in adulthood they work, study or have other responsibilities. “Who accepted me at the beginning was to dance. I attended on Saturdays and, although I arrived with ‘two left feet’ and without flexibility, I was advancing, ”he recalls.
From its beginning, it did not miss a single class, which allowed it to constantly progress. His thirst for knowledge in ballet and classical dance was so great that he looked for a new place and schedule to continue learning. Thus arrived at the Antonio Crespo Academy, where he received classes every night.
“In both academies they taught me techniques and, in the end, I returned to dance you, but at that time I already had an advanced level,” he says with emotion.
Currently, Lázaro has had the opportunity to participate in different events within Guatemala and has also traveled to other countries, although still with folk dance, not with classical dance.
2024 was a year that Lazarus remembers with great impact. For the first time, he was the main dancer of The Nutcracker. The reflectors and the scenario allowed him to fulfill a dream after months of intensive practice.
While time passes, Lázaro gives English classes in the morning and, in the afternoons and nights, runs to his classes to continue preparing.
I was the main dancer in The Nutcrackerin Antigua Guatemala. They were four intensive months of almost five hours a day trials. It was a dream that I had for years: I wanted to be on stage. Thank God, to my teachers and the academies, I became the first dancer in a work.
Dreams have no gender, he says safely and invites men to break barriers, because dance is not only for women.
What is needed to learn ballet?
We contacted Nadia Díaz, a teacher of adults in dance, who shares that, usually, the children, even from the age of two, begin to prepare in the ballet. During childhood, this discipline encourages punctuality and other learnings that are reflected in various aspects of life, including studies.
He assures that, the earlier it starts, the better. However, “many people fail to register in ballet during their childhood and reach adulthood with a frustrated dream, so we decided to open that opportunity for them,” says Díaz. The teacher also comments that this is a growing field worldwide, since more and more academies provide space to adults to learn movements and exercises of this discipline.
In general, there are options to receive classes on Saturday mornings or at night during the week. In this academy for five years, this alternative for adults is offered, although certain fears still persist in them regarding their development in ballet. “They have barriers such as thinking that they are very large or that they will make fun of them, but when they see others participating, they are encouraged to try,” explains Díaz.
Students are received from 15 years, although people of 25, 40 and 52 years, among other ages, also participate in this academy.
Díaz adds that, as a country, we need to value art more, as it is fundamental and offers the beauty of each discipline, in addition to promoting mutual respect and teamwork, among other useful values for society.
For his part, the teacher Mauricio Fernández, of the Antonio Crespo Academy recalls that in 2011 the concept of adult ballet was born at the National Dance School, directed at that time by Delia Quezada. A diploma was created where dance is known at different levels.
A program for adults is also offered at the Antonio Crespo Academy. Fernández explains that in adults the body and emotional response is different, but the movement helps to remove stress and also reduce the probabilities of diseases. “Dance is a natural bond of the human being,” he explains.
“It is time that the authorities and the Ministry of Culture and Sports take more care in the training of teachers and people who are dedicated to the teaching of dance nationwide, because many people are not prepared and a malformation is offered in dance Because who does not have real knowledge could injure a person for life, “concludes Fernández.
More information: Dance, WhatsApp 4662-6874. Antonio Crespo Academy, WhatsApp: 3922-9007.