Ballet At Any Age - Meet Our Adult Dancers
In this series, we’re spotlighting the inspiring adult dancers of Jersey City Ballet School who prove that it’s never too late to embrace the art of dance!
Let’s meet our first dancer…
Name: Cameron “Cami” Cicero
Years Dancing: 10 as a child, 1 1/2 as an adult
Favorite Ballet Accessories: Leg warmers!
Q. I know you danced when you were younger. What’s it like restarting ballet as an adult?
A. Restarting ballet as an adult has been so much fun. It’s so interesting to see how I’ve changed as a dancer but also as a person. I’ve grown in various ways that can and have had a significant impact on my technique since returning.
Q: What similarities and differences have you noticed from dancing as a child to now?
A: I find it super comforting to get to attend class and do the same steps at age 26 that I did at age 12. I’m not as flexible as I once was, new injuries have appeared in the years that have passed which can affect things. But the one thing that I’m most thankful hasn’t changed, is the way ballet makes me feel—free.
Q: Has your life changed since you restarted ballet? If so, how?
A: Of course so much has changed in my life, but that’s the beauty of ballet, and dance as a whole. It changes with you. Maybe not the technique or the repertoire, but your relationship with it as a form of expression evolves as you do. Thousands of ballet dancers across the world perform the exact same steps day after day. And yet the way they feel, and the way they can make others feel, is never the same.
Next, we talked with student Mayra Tuiche about her ballet journey. She kindly shared the challenges she’s faced, and gave her advice for those starting ballet later in life.
Name: Mayra Tuiche
Years dancing: 1 year and 5 months
Favorite Dance Accessory: Resistance Bands, Massage Ball, Foam Roller
Q: Why did you start ballet?
A: I took ballet classes as a child but couldn’t pursue it further. However, I never stopped loving the art form and felt inspired to restart after attending performances in NYC. Additionally, I needed a physical activity to take my mind off my doctoral studies and ballet was something I always loved.
Q: What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
A: I always had weak ankles and flat feet. After starting ballet, I seriously worked on strengthening those areas, which made my body alignment much better. This gave me a deeper understanding of my body’s shortcomings and what to do to prevent injury.
Q: What advice would you give someone who was thinking of starting ballet?
A: I would encourage anyone who loves watching performances and is interested in ballet to try a few classes. Remember each person’s journey is different and every beginner was unsure of what they were doing at some point. But, ultimately, do it because it makes you happy!