Alternatives to the gym are everywhere. You can't turn a corner without finding a yoga or Pilates studio. Now, there's ballet.
And while lithe dancers make it look easy, their stamina and strength equals that of any professional athlete. It's just that they aren't allowed to look exhausted and sweaty. The life of a ballet dancer isn't easy. According to Lindsay Chan and Linda Fung, both former dancers with the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London; it demands all-round perfection.
The dancers are judged not only on their technique and performance, but also on their physical appearance. As with many other aesthetic sports like gymnastics and figure skating, the dancer must have the right physique. According to Chan, the perfect body is a small head, short torso, long neck and limbs and big feet. Since the body is being used to paint a canvas, the visual effect becomes the goal.
According to Fung and Chan, the body suffers enormously. The hip turnout is absolutely critical in following classical technique, but it isn't always natural. Injuries are frequent, including to the knees, feet, back and hips. Many dancers end up injured or worse, with hip replacements after they retire.
Nevertheless, ballet made the leap to mainstream fitness in America in 1997, when the New York City Ballet published a book based on the stretches and moves performed by their dancers. Now many of America's leading health clubs offer a certified New York City Ballet class. While the moves in these classes focus more on conditioning than group dance and are somewhat simplified, the choreography comes directly from the elite ballet company.
The workouts are challenging both mentally and physically. They focus on creating firm bottoms, stomachs and lean legs. Your balance and alignment are tested and your brain works over time on co-ordination.