Online you can try new or old things without everyone needing to know about it

There is a lot to be done in a pandemic lockdown, who knew? Living in rural Donegal, I’m one of the lucky people who has a picturesque 5km to roam – but with the Baltic weather, my exercise-averse self is finding excuses to stay indoors. That’s why I’m loving finding the unusual things people do during lockdown.

Everyone seems busy worrying about work (or lack thereof), home-schooling, online shopping, and the lack of personal grooming. We scroll for ideas on self-care, appreciating the little things, keeping to the regulations and staying healthy during a pandemic. There’s pressure on us to do everything, while also feeling trapped and isolated. It’s tough.

So when Susie, one of my fellow writers, mentioned she was doing online ballet lessons, my curiosity got the better of me.

‘ONLINE BALLET LESSONS?!’ I shrieked in capital letters at her on messenger.

Now, I don’t think she’d mind me saying that she and I are of an age when ballet would not be the easiest of movements.

‘Tell me more,’ said I with a good-natured chuckle, almost jealous that she’d found something unusual to do with her time.

Netflix and Amazon Prime fill my evenings and much as I love the escapism, I marvel at people taking to new past-times and hobbies. It seemed though that Susie was simply returning to a passion from her past.

That was even better. There is something comforting or beautiful about returning to things we enjoyed in our youth.

‘I love it,’ she said. ‘I’ve done ballet as a child, and then did adult ballet a few times over the years, but finding a class near me was hard. And as I got older [nearly 50], I’m not very fit and generally was too tired to drive for a half-hour and then do an active class. So, when I saw adult ballet online during lockdown it seemed ideal.’

This was something I could really relate to.

More than ever we go online for our community and in it we can also keep fairly anonymous. You can try out new (or old) things without everyone needing to know about it.

However, just as I was thinking of perhaps taking the plunge into a tutu, she says: ‘There are free classes on YouTube, but due to my experience I signed up to the live classes. They’re live video, with the teacher making sure everyone is doing it right.’

‘Holy suffering goodness,’ says I. ‘People see you?’ I’m not sure what I expected but the conversation led me to find ballet lessons for over55s. I was reading that classes improve mobility, posture, co-ordination and energy levels. It mentioned that they are suitable for beginners and experienced dancers. There are no age or physical restrictions for signing up to the fun. Another sign of my age but I also found myself thinking that it is ideal to be at home if you have a weak bladder...

While watching the dancers, the elegance of it all was gorgeous. I thought it appealing that everyone could go at their own pace.

‘There are also different types of ballet classes now,’ Susie explained. ‘Barre, or similar, can be a really strong conditioning class, and work your abs and leg muscles and help define your physique. So do your homework. Try and do a trial class. If you are totally new to it, look on YouTube or connect with the tutor. A few hashtags on Instagram will help find you classes, such as: #adultballetclass #adultballetzoom #barreclassesonline.’

With the Netflix hit series Tiny Pretty Things based in an elite ballet school, I can only imagine that many people might want to know how to leap about the living room more effectively.

But in all seriousness, the benefits of dance to mood, well-being and flexibility are well documented. With a quick Google, the health, emotional, social and cognitive benefits of dance are easily found.

It totally brightened my day when Susie told me: ‘Oh it can be very funny too. Like the time the teacher’s Zoom froze and the rest of the class were uncertain about what to do. Also, there’s always someone’s partner leaning over Zoom trying to get logged on etc and you’re really not sure whether a checked-shirt farmer is about to join your class. And then there’s always the pets that get involved... or under your feet. I might never go back to a real class though. The convenience of Zoom is outstanding – and you can mute your farts too!’

With all the angst on adults to be responsible, and to keep their families safe and sound, we are all entitled to find our own happiness. Susie, and others, have shown me that one method might be to recall what brought us real enjoyment in our childhoods. Can we adapt these activities now and rekindle that spark?

Much as online ballet lessons are not for me,

I’m thrilled for Susie and I would love to know if any of you take up similar pursuits. You can find me on Twitter @sharontwriter.

The Murdering Wives Club by Sharon Thompson is

published by Poolbeg and available now