Top 6 Myths About Ballet Debunked — April Fool's Edition

Ballet has a reputation for being exclusive, intimidating, and only for the perfect body type. When I first started dancing, I believed all the myths — and they almost held me back. But after years of training and performing, and since today is April's Fool, I’m here to bust those myths wide open. Let’s laugh at the misconceptions and celebrate the truth about ballet!

Myth #1: Ballet Dancers Are Naturally Flexible

When I first started ballet, I thought all dancers were born with the ability to do the splits and perfect arabesques. Spoiler alert: they’re not! Flexibility is something we work on every single day. It takes time, patience, and a lot of stretching. Even professional dancers weren’t born flexible — they trained their bodies to get there.

The Truth: Flexibility is earned, not inherited. Start slow, stretch consistently, and you’ll see progress.

Myth #2: "Ballet Dancers Don’t Go to the Gym

This one made me laugh. I used to think lifting weights would make me “bulky” and ruin my ballet lines. But guess what? Many professional dancers hit the gym to build strength and prevent injuries. Strong muscles are essential for those powerful jumps and graceful lifts.

Gym workouts complement ballet training. Strength is just as important as flexibility.

Myth #3: "Female Ballet Dancers Must Be Short

I’m 1,72 and I used to think I was too tall for ballet. But then I learned about Sylvie Guillem's hight, this legendary ballerina is also 1,72. Height doesn’t determine talent or success in dance. Whether you’re 1,72 or 1,55, your passion and hard work are what matter.

Of course, we cannot lie that it might not be a little harder for taller dancers, but if you choose right, and work hard, you'll get there. For example, dancing in Portugal is very different than dancing in the Netherlands — since dancers in the second country are usually taller.

Myth #4: Ballet Causes Injury and Is Bad for the Body

This myth scared me at first. I thought ballet would wreck my joints and leave me in pain. But ballet, when practiced correctly, is actually great for your body. It improves posture, builds strength, and enhances flexibility. Injuries usually happen from overtraining or poor technique — not ballet itself.

Ballet is mostly low-impact and beneficial when done safely. Listen to your body, find good teachers and train smart.

Myth #5: "Ballet Isn’t a Real Workout

If you’ve ever taken a ballet class, you know this is one of the biggest lies ever told. Ballet is one of the most demanding workouts out there. It requires core strength, endurance, and precision, not to mention the mental effort to coordinate every movement with the music.

Ballet is a full-body workout that challenges your mind, body and soul.

Myth #6: "You Have to Be Skinny to Do Ballet"

This myth is not only false but harmful. Ballet is about strength, grace, and artistry — not body size. I’ve seen dancers of all shapes and sizes excel in ballet. It’s time to ditch the outdated stereotypes and celebrate diversity in dance once and for all!

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Ballet is for everyone — no matter your age, gender, body type, or experience level. Don’t let these myths hold you back from trying something new. Whether you’re dreaming of pirouettes or just looking for a fun way to stay active, ballet has something to offer. And if you’re worried about looking silly, just remember: even the pros started somewhere.