I have always believed that ballet is not only for girls, not only for the rich, and not only for the upper-class, prissy, elite members of society, as most would like to think. Ballet is really for everyone. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who thinks this way. There are many others, dance and ballet authorities even, who have stated similar thoughts and ideas themselves.

It may surprise you to learn that several people (whom you wouldn't expect to be involved in ballet) can also relate positively to ballet. For example, pro golfer Kris Tschetter has said in an interview that "I danced all through junior high and high school, then took it up again three years ago to get in better shape". Here's an even stranger example. The Diablo Ballet Company in Contra Costa, CA was founded by engineers, who wanted a place to become involved with this fine art. Engineering and ballet have something in common, they say, because there are structural dynamics behind each step.

You see? Anybody can study ballet; as long as you have the will to learn. There is an increase in people's awareness that leading a good life includes leading a healthy one, thus, many people are turning to ballet for its numerous benefits. Ballet provides a complete warm-up, called barre, which when executed correctly, increasingly gets the muscles from head to toe working. As well as excellent cardiovascular exercises, it includes exercises which help strengthen and increase flexibility of all the major muscle groups.

You have to keep in mind, though, that ballet cannot be hurried; the learning and the benefits that come along with it involves a unhurried process. If you wish for fast results, you will probably be in for disappointment. But just have patience and attend your classes regularly, then without knowing it, you'll notice that you can do something you weren't able to before. Each class develops your body slowly but surely, adding incremental changes and improvements, until you can suddenly see and feel these changes.

But the benefits of ballet is not only restricted to the physical; it's also good exercise mentally. It requires a great deal of focus where your mind lets go of other thoughts. After classes, your mind returns to the daily norm, but you will sense a clearer and more refreshed view of the world. Some friends have confided in me that this particular benefit is the one that keeps them going, despite the difficult exercises. If ever I walk into ballet class upset or confused, your thoughts and spirits get cleared up and you walk out with a much brighter perspective.

All you really need is a good pair of ballet slippers, plus a leotard and tights. Wearing these will allow the teacher to observe your body and give suggestions on proper placement. Leave your jewelry at home, though, and if you have long hair, make sure to tie it up and keep it off your face to get a better view and avoid distractions.

So, are you interested yet? What are you waiting for? Go ahead and join your local ballet school today! Find out where your local dance schools are and find out what kind of classes they offer for beginners. Some fitness centers and gyms also offer ballet classes for those who are interested. See if you can observe a class first, or you could just enroll as a drop-in student. That way you can get a feel for what ballet class is like and what's in store for you. You can also decide whether you like the atmosphere of the class and feel like you can work with the teacher. Once you find a class you feel comfortable in, you're on your way to having a good start in ballet.

Annie Loreno is a researcher and writer for http://www.aboutballet.com, which provides high-quality ballet barre equipment. Visit us for all your ballet bar equipment needs.