Going Back to Beginner’s Classes After an Injury, What That Did for Me and Why If You’ve Ever Thought About Ballet, You Should Run - Not Walk - to a Pointe Black Class

After injuring my Achilles, I found myself walking into beginner’s classes for the first time in years. Before that, I had been dancing at an intermediate or advanced level for 10 years, so stepping into a space where I was essentially starting over felt strange.

***“The muscle atrophy was so real.”***

A ruptured achilles is a career ender. There was times I thought I would never be able to walk again. But when the cast came off I worried so much about never being able to get up on my tip toes ever again. It didn’t feel like my leg was connected to me. The muscle atrophy was so real. The thought of never being able to dance again was unbearable for me. So despite it being strange for me, it was necessary. I tried a lot of classes, I think I’ve tried every beginner adult’s class in Central London, before settling into one in a mainstream studio that was tailored not just for beginners but for dancers coming back from feet and ankle injuries.
Something unexpected and super beautiful happened in those classes.
In rooms of sometimes more than 40 people, I began to notice a familiar feeling pattern, the Black women were naturally gravitating toward each other during and after class. It was like the ballet version of the Black girl nod. You know the one. There might only be two or three of us, but in those shared glances and quiet words of encouragement while we changed out of our ballet shoes and stretched after class, I found something powerful. Connection. Sometimes fleeting. But in the moment, we all needed it.

Reclaiming a Childhood Dream

I started hearing the same story over and over from the women in those rooms. For many, ballet had been one of their childhood dreams, but the doors to that dream had felt firmly closed. Maybe it was inaccessible, financially or for other reasons, unwelcoming, or simply not inclusive enough when they were younger. Now, as adults, they were stepping into the studio for the first time, reclaiming something they’d wanted to do as a child but couldn’t.

At Pointe Black, we want to make those childhood dreams a reality, not just for our young ballerinas but for adults too. Whether you’re coming back to ballet after years away or stepping into the studio for the very first time, this is a place where you can feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

Our adult classes are about more than pliés and pirouettes. They’re about healing old wounds, rediscovering joy, and building strength—both in body and mind. Our classes incorporate culture, our own music and influences, and movement that reflects who we are. Bhu’s Amaballet masterclass is becoming a firm favourite of our community, a fusion of ballet and Amapiano that brings so much energy to the space.

At Pointe Black, we’ve created a space where you can learn at your own pace, surrounded by a community that looks like you and shares your love for movement.

Ballet as an Adult—A Growing Movement

I love watching videos on TikTok and Instagram of women stepping into ballet for the first time as adults. The videos are filled with joy, determination, and the pure delight of living a dream that once felt out of reach. It’s inspiring to see, but even more so to witness it firsthand in our classes.

And if you know me, you know I live for the ballet fashion, so I love seeing everyone’s class fits and GRWMs. The excitement of getting ready, picking out the perfect leotard, or gym gear, and styling ballet warm-ups—it’s all part of the experience. Ballet is more than just a dance form; it’s a culture, and it’s one that we can take ownership of in our own way.

Walking Into a Ballet Class as a Black Adult

Walking into a ballet class as a Black adult can feel intimidating. Too often, ballet spaces have been places where we didn’t see ourselves reflected, and that leaves its mark. That feeling of being "the only one in the room" is one that so many of us know too well. I even feel it when I go to classes and I’m the only person with a visible tattoo. The "traditional" ballet girlies just can’t compute it. The judgement in certain studios is so real.

But at Pointe Black, we’re rewriting that narrative.

This is your space. A space where you don’t have to shrink yourself to fit in. A space where you can take up room, move with confidence, and step into your ballet journey unapologetically.

If you’ve ever thought, I wish I could try ballet, this is your sign to start. Come join us—whether it’s to live a childhood dream, find a safe space to heal, or just try something new and exciting.

What to Expect in Class

So, you’ve signed up for your first class (or maybe you’re still debating it). Here’s what you can expect when you walk into the studio:

1. A Welcoming Environment

Whether you've danced before or have never set foot in a studio, you’ll feel supported from the moment you arrive. We know that stepping into a ballet class can feel intimidating, so our teachers take extra care to make sure you feel comfortable and confident.

What this looks like:

Teachers who guide you through each step and never assume prior knowledge.
A class filled with people just like you—adults taking a leap into something new.
Encouragement over perfection. Progress, not pressure.

2. Strength and Skill-Building

Ballet is beautiful, but it’s also a full-body workout. Our classes blend traditional ballet training with strength-building exercises to help you develop power, balance, and endurance.

What this looks like:

A structured warm-up to prepare your body for movement.
Barre work focusing on posture, core strength, and foundational ballet steps.
Center exercises where you’ll practice traveling movements, balance, and turns.
A closing stretch to lengthen muscles and prevent soreness.

We also encourage modifications for different fitness levels, so whether you’re working through an injury or just starting out, you can move at a pace that feels good for you.

3. A Community That Uplifts You

We’ve already talked about how Black women in ballet naturally find each other. At Pointe Black, that happens before class even starts. There’s a unique camaraderie in the room—people exchanging nervous smiles at the barre, laughing at wobbly relevés, and clapping when someone nails a step for the first time.

What this looks like:

A judgment-free space where mistakes are part of the process.
A mix of complete beginners and those returning after years away—everyone is on their own journey.
A supportive teacher who wants you to succeed and feel strong.

Ballet is for everyone, and it’s never too late to start. Everyone can take something from a beginner’s class too. Whether you’ve danced for years or minutes, coming back to basics is essential for everyone.

Join Us at Pointe Black

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start ballet, this is it. Pointe Black’s adult ballet classes are a space where you can move, grow, and rediscover the joy of dance.

We’re here to make sure that no one has to wait until adulthood to feel welcome in ballet—but if you’re starting now, we’re so glad you’re here.

Come dance with us. We can’t wait to see you at the barre.

Adult Beginner’s Ballet: What it did for me