International Adult Ballet Festival Highlight: Bowen Ruan

In this heartwarming dancer highlight, we meet Bowen Ruan during the 2022 International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF) in Chicago. Ballet is often seen as an individual pursuit, focused on the solitary perfection of a relevé at the barre or the precision of a pirouette. However, as Bowen eloquently shares, the true magic of these gatherings lies in the community.

For many adult dancers, finding others who share a deep-rooted passion for the art form is "the best" part of the experience. The IABF provides a unique platform where dancers from around the world converge to celebrate their love for ballet. Whether you are working on your plié or mastering complex combinations, the shared struggle and success create an unbreakable bond.

Bowen highlights that meeting people from diverse backgrounds who are all equally interested in ballet makes the intensive training even more rewarding. It is not just about the hours spent in the studio; it is about the conversations during breaks and the friendships formed over a mutual love for en pointe work or the intricacies of a well-executed arabesque. At Broche Ballet, we believe that dance is a journey best shared.

Bowen’s recommendation of the IABF experience underscores why we encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones and participate in festivals and workshops. These events offer a perspective that goes beyond the local studio, showing that the ballet world is vast, welcoming, and full of like-minded individuals. If you are looking for more than just technical instruction, Bowen’s testimonial is a reminder that the social aspect of dance is just as vital as the physical training.

From the first tendu of the morning to the final bow, the people you meet along the way define your dance journey. Join us as we explore the IABF through Bowen's eyes and get inspired to find your own ballet tribe.