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.

Just take a look at these examples of people who you probably would not expect to be involved in ballet. Kris Tschetter, professional golf player, has stated in a Sports Illustrated interview that she has danced ballet in her high school years and took it up again a few years back because it helps her get into shape and develop her concentration. Here's an even stranger example. The Diablo Ballet Company in Contra Costa, CA was started by engineers, because the founder of the company wanted to provide a place for engineers to be involved in the arts. Engineering and ballet have something in common, they say, because there are structural dynamics behind each step.

You see? Anybody can study ballet; all they need is the determination to learn and keep going. In today's world, there has been a growth in people's awareness of leading a good and healthy lifestyle, which has also lead many to studying ballet. Ballet provides a complete warm-up, called barre, which when performed correctly, progressively 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 is a continuous process; the learning and the benefits that come along with it involves a continuous process. Enrolling in ballet classes and expecting major results after a week or so will just leave you frustrated and disappointed. If you attend class regularly, you may not see results from class to class, then without knowing it, you'll suddenly find yourself able to do something you weren't able to do before. Your body responds in each class with small gains which add up until you see the change.

But the benefits of ballet is not only restricted to the physical; it's also good exercise mentally. Studying ballet requires you to have strong focus and concentration, where you will have to let go of all your other extraneous thoughts. When class is over, your mind will return to its normal mode, 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, I walk out and my mind has cleared; the world looks like a much brighter place.

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. If you have long hair, make sure to tie it up off your face and leave the jewelry at home.

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. You may even find classes available at your local fitness center or recreation center. See if you can watch a class first, or you could just enroll as a drop-in student. This way, you can get a feeling of the atmosphere of a ballet class and of 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.