[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 19. Try an adult ballet class

When I was younger I used to do quite a lot of dancing, mainly modern and gymnastics. The two forms of dance I didn't do much longer than a couple of classes were tap and ballet.

I tried tap a few years ago which I quite enjoyed but life ended up taking over, so that just left me with ballet to try. I had never managed to find an adult class though and didn't fancy prancing around with a lot of 7 year olds in a leotard.

Luckily, I found a local adult class called ballet fusion and the website said: if you want the long, lean and toned look of the professional dancer then this is the class for you and it strengthens back and abdominal muscles and, most importantly, is highly enjoyable and fun so sounded perfect.

I am now on my 5th week and I can honestly say it is really, really hard! Not only am I using muscles I've never used (well not since I was 4!) but trying to memorise the routines the teacher seems to make up on the spot is near impossible! The first week was taken up with first school day nerves but everyone seemed nice so I went back, and again, and again. But, it doesn't seem to be getting any easier as the mini routines change every week. And without fail during the 'turns' section every week I nearly end up on the floor or hitting the wall as I attempt to gracefully travel from one corner of the room diagonally to the other whilst getting my feet in the right place, my arms looking dainty and keeping my eyes off the floor whilst spinning.

It is certainly making my legs stronger and I am enjoying the stretching element of it. I feel like a ballerina when I have my leg on the bar but I am sure I don't look like one. In fact I don't think I have ever felt less like a ballerina than when I am there.

The last two weeks I have struggled to get myself to go but I have had a quiet word with myself. My list (previously known as my 30 before 30 list) has been all about me pushing myself and my boundaries. Ballet is certainly doing that. I am not sure whether I am actually enjoying it but I am definitelay ticking it off the list. I am going to try and get to 10 weeks and then, falling nicely in line with our holiday, I will decide whether to go back. If nothing else, by then I will be the proud owner of some worn in ballet shoes ;)