What You'll Learn
- How to transition from online ballet classes to an in-person intensive environment.
- The creative challenges and rewards of choreographing your first ballet piece.
- The role of professional teachers in pushing adult dancers to reach new artistic heights.
- Perspectives on starting a new artistic discipline like ballet choreography later in life.
About This Video
At Broche Ballet, we believe that it is never too late to explore the heights of artistry. In this inspiring dancer highlight from the 2022 International Adult Ballet Festival (IABF), we meet John Veranth, a 72-year-old retired university professor who has redefined what is possible for adult dancers. John’s journey began like many others during the COVID-19 pandemic—through online ballet classes.
However, his passion led him from the virtual barre to an immersive in-person ballet intensive, where he faced his biggest challenge yet: choreographing a ballet piece for the very first time. While John had previous experience in modern dance, this intensive marked his debut as a choreographer within the classical ballet idiom. This transition involves more than just knowing your plié from your tendu; it requires a deep understanding of spatial awareness, musicality, and the unique vocabulary of the dance studio.
Throughout the video, John reflects on the exhilarating process of working directly with dancers and teachers who pushed him far beyond his perceived limitations. The environment of an in-person intensive offers a unique synergy that online classes alone cannot always replicate. John discusses the importance of the physical presence of mentors and peers, noting how the expert instructors at the intensive provided the necessary critique and encouragement to help him find his creative voice.
His story is a testament to the fact that the technical demands of ballet—whether practicing a sharp dégagé or a fluid arabesque—are only one part of the equation. The true magic happens when a student takes those technical foundations and transforms them into original movement. Whether you are just starting your first relevé in your living room or are an experienced dancer looking to choreograph your first piece, John’s experience at the IABF serves as a powerful reminder that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
Join us at Broche Ballet as we celebrate the lifelong journey of dance.
