What You'll Learn
- How the IABF creates a supportive environment for adult ballet dancers
- The benefits of setting specific performance goals to accelerate your technique
- Why community and teamwork are essential components of a ballet competition
- The personal growth that comes from transitioning from classes to the stage
About This Video
In this inspiring dancer highlight, Hannah Cho from San Francisco shares her transformative journey at the International Association of Ballet Festivals (IABF) 2023 in Miami, Florida. For many adult students, the transition from practicing at the barre in a local studio to performing on a professional stage can feel like a daunting leap. However, Hannah explains how the IABF provides a unique, supportive environment that bridges this gap, offering dancers a tangible goal to work towards throughout the year.
At Broche Ballet, we champion the idea that every dancer, regardless of their age or body type, deserves the opportunity to experience the thrill of the stage. Hannah's testimony perfectly encapsulates this mission, highlighting how the sense of community among participants fosters a space of mutual encouragement rather than intense rivalry. Whether you are perfecting your basic plié or mastering complex pirouette combinations, the IABF atmosphere ensures that every dancer is celebrated for their progress.
Hannah emphasizes the importance of having a specific objective on the horizon. For her, the preparation—the hours spent in classes and rehearsals—culminated in a performance that focused on personal growth and self-improvement. This shift in mindset is vital for adult artists who may feel like they started "too late" for the stage.
The video also touches on the camaraderie found behind the scenes. Unlike stereotypical high-stakes competitions, the IABF encourages teamwork and support. Dancers help one another as they prepare to go en pointe or step out for their variations, creating a shared bond through the universal language of dance.
If you have been searching for an opportunity to challenge yourself and find your own "ballet family," Hannah’s story serves as the perfect inspiration to take that next step in your training.