October 24, 2019
Ballet and Wine class basics:
- Dress how you want.
- Drink wine if you like.
- Dance.
Classes are led by Annie Nimmo, an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. “Zero experience is required,” Annie says. Ballet and Wine classes are for “newbies-to-dance and for all ages!”
In class there may be barefooted dancers wearing yoga pants and t-shirts, dancers donning toesox, leggings, and tank tops, and maybe one or two wearing ballet slippers and leotards. So long as you can move comfortably in the clothes, most anything goes. A variety of ages can be expected. When I attended, ages ranged from twenty-somethings to sixty-somethings. It was such a fun and social crew.
The class was proof that learning something new plus wine equals a good time. Stand at the barre in first position. Have a sip of good wine. Do some tendues. Have another sip. After most accomplishments regardless of the level of execution, the class is invited to have a sip of wine provided by Annie.
Classes are held at a dance studio in Minneapolis’s A-Mill Artist Lofts. The ambiance is cool and artistic. Parking spaces are easy enough to find close by.
After enjoying a class and planning to attend more, I wanted to learn more about Annie and her perspective on practicing, performing, and teaching ballet. She’s as gracious as she is graceful both in-person and online. Her excitement in sharing ballet with the world is evident in her responses to the questions I sent her way.
Q: Why Wine and Ballet?
A: I believe that anyone can do ballet and enjoy it, and I know there are many people out there who would love it if they had the chance to give it a try. I think there’s a bit of a stigma that learning ballet has to be serious, even for adults, but I don’t think that has to be the case! These classes are to introduce adults to ballet in a relaxed and fun environment without any pressure or expectations.
Q: Who are your classes for?
A: Anyone who likes to move and have fun while they do it. If that person is particularly eager to learn ballet that is a bonus!
Q: What do you hope wine and ballet students leave your class with?
A few things:
- Knowledge of some basic ballet steps and how to do them.
- Tools and tricks for good posture and stretching they can use at home.
- Inner confidence that they can successfully do ballet and enjoy it.
- Endorphins from moving and a good time! 🙂
Q: What do you prefer to call yourself: dancer, ballerina, performance artist?
A: All of the above I guess! I think I’m first human, then woman, then artist, then dancer, then ballerina. 🙂
Q: How did you become a ballerina/dancer?
A: My mom signed me up for ballet at the dance studio down the street when I was seven years old…I haven’t quit yet!
Q: What challenges do you face in your work?
A: Ballet is very athletic, so like many athletes, injuries do happen and are challenging because they put everything on hold while you recover.
Q:How many hours a week do you train?
A: It depends on the season and what I am doing. If it is Nutcracker season (October-December), I would typically train five days a week. If it is the summertime, training is lighter, but I make sure even in the off season to get my pointe shoes on at least once a week to maintain foot and ankle strength.
Q: What do you love about ballet?
A: So many things! It makes me feel freer both in body and mind. There’s a focus and precision it calls for balanced by the outlet of expression it provides. When I dance I get to be completely in the moment and for me nothing can quite compare to the great workout it is!
Q: What is your favorite ballet exercise, move, or step?
A: I love adagio, which involves steps to slower legato tempos. I love the drama of the music and the gracefulness and detail you can put into the steps.
Ballet and Wine Anyone?
Classes are typically an hour and a half and cost $25. Find out about future classes and see some gorgeous ballet moves by following Annie Nimmo on Instagram @annie_nimmo. Click here to see if a class is available to sign up for. As of today’s posting, the next class is on November 14th. If you’d like to get some girlfriends together and have a party of your own, Annie offers those too. Just click here.
