The benefits of taking private dance lessons with Misako Ballet Studio are numerous. Lessons are unique in that each class is tailored to the needs of the student to strengthen their skills and bring them to the next level. Whether they are held virtually or in the studio, students are given individualized instruction to help them succeed in dance!
Private lessons with the owner and founder Misako Aoki, give students one-on-one experience with an accomplished dancer with a keen eye for detail. Misako can quickly recognize areas where students struggle and help correct issues that they would not recognize on their own. The goal is overall improvement as a dancer. Some students like to focus on improving what they already know while others may want to learn new skills. Regardless of what your specific reason for wanting lessons may be, Misako can help you make the most out of your time.
Lucas Belenky is a student of Misako Ballet Studio and has been taking private lessons with Misako for a few months. He shared some of his thoughts with us on how helpful lessons have been for him.
Lucas’ interest in ballet stems from the challenge it poses. He liked the reputation of difficulty but was intrigued by its aid in flexibility. He had also read Dancer by Colum McCann and enjoyed watching a music video showcasing ballet from Sergei Polunin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-tW0CkvdDI).
Misako teaching Lucas in studio
He spent 10 years in Nairobi, Kenya, and started ballet training at the Dance Centre Kenya. When he relocated to the DC area, he was in search of private ballet classes that would fill any gaps that his previous training had left. In his search, he found that Misako Ballet Studio was one of the only studios that specifically offered private classes for adults. He was also impressed with Misako Aoki’s resume.
Ballet teaches transferable life skills, and when asked about how what he has learned helped in his life overall, he responded with:
“Posture, posture, posture. I don't know if other people have had this experience but sometimes, I'll see people, either in movies, TV, or real life, and the way they carry themselves, or walk, is somehow different and special (Mads Mikkelsen comes to mind). It always turned out these people were dancers at some point. I think learning to dance will make you graceful in all parts of your life.”
As he previously anticipated, ballet has a reputation of difficulty. Lucas mentioned that previous boxing training kept his body in physical shape, but ballet has taught him how to properly use his muscles. Flexibility has always been a challenge for him, but the mental aspect of ballet has proven to be even more difficult as he is not used to relaxing his body while also keeping track of the different things he should be doing.
Although this can be frustrating, Lucas acknowledges that Misako’s instruction has attributed to correcting any issues he comes across during his classes. He stated:
“I appreciate her extensive knowledge and ability to quickly see what I'm doing wrong when I lose my balance or can't move the way I'm supposed to. Her teaching style is very direct and a little strict, which is what I respond best to.”
Lucas understands that people don’t often see ballet as a conventionally masculine sport; however, he wants anyone interested in taking classes to know that male dancers are “very strong, aggressive, and powerful. When you see that, it changes how you think about ballet. Tupac Shakur and Rah Emanuel both danced ballet.”
When asked what he hoped to gain from taking private ballet lessons, Lucas said “You learn much faster in a private class because the teacher can focus entirely on you. In a group class or private class, it's your time either way. You just get a lot more out of a private class for the same amount of time.” He also encourages anyone interested to read Dancer by Colum McCann.
Lucas is merely one example of a student that has benefitted from private dance lessons with Misako. Misako Ballet Studio offers private classes for students 12 and up who are serious about leveling up their talent. Contact us for more information on how to schedule your private lessons today!
Nyla Green, Studio Assistant & Writer