“Inside every dancer is a beginner who fell in love.”
Janelle House has been teaching dance her whole professional life. And it’s that quote that keeps her motivated every day.
Janelle was once a little girl who saw a sign advertising beginner dancing classes in a shop window. Like many young girls, she pestered her mother to let her join. Finances were tight in her family, so when her mother said no, she pestered some more. When she said no again, she persisted until she got a yes.
And she made sure her mother got value for money.
For as long as she can remember, dancing has been in Janelle’s blood. Supplied: Janelle House
While Janelle adores the artform, what has kept her invested in her career is being there for beginner dancers at the start of their journey and showing them just how fun it can be.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to impart my love of dance on to other people. It’s given me so much joy and is my identity now as a human being,” she says.
Janelle is passing on her love of dance in our Ballet for Adults: Intro short course at the CAE. Whether you’re looking to reignite a love of dancing from your younger days or are a complete beginner, Janelle’s mission is to make sure her class is the most fun 60 minutes of your week.
“The only prerequisite is that you come in with an open mind and I’ll make sure of it,” she says.
“Be prepared that once you start, you won’t want to leave.”
Janelle will be teaching some of the greats from the classical ballet repertoire, which can be modified to suit every student’s experience level.
The benefits of learning ballet extend far beyond your improved dance moves.
“It’s not only exercise, but it also works on your coordination, your musicality, and your memory.”
“Plus, it’s much more fun than working out at a gym!”.No stranger to the CAE, Janelle previously spent 6 years teaching Spanish flamenco dance classes. Her fond memories of teaching at the CAE brought her back, and she was blown away when she stepped into the ballet studio.
“The facilities at the CAE are wonderful. It’s a beautiful studio, it’s mirrored, bright and light and right in the heart of the city. It’s a lovely space to work in and to feel comfortable and happy.”
Part of what will make Janelle’s class the most fun 60 minutes of your week is that it’s also a social affair.
Janelle makes sure her classes provide an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and leaves the course with a bunch of new friends.
“I probably shouldn’t say this but one of my favourite parts of our classes is going for coffee at the end. There’s always so many interesting people to chat to in the class, and we’re all tied together by a love of dance.”
Enrol in Ballet for Adults: Intro to get your fitness en pointe.