The Ageless Art of Ballet: Embracing the Dance at Fifty

Nguyen Kieu Trinh’s journey to ballet was an unconventional one. With a fine arts background, she had a diverse career as a painter and journalist before becoming a writer for an English-language newspaper.

Yet, dancing was always a dream. For most of her life, it remained a fleeting pastime, a stress reliever she dared not pursue seriously.

It was only in middle age that Trinh truly embraced dance as a path of self-discovery and a way to challenge herself. She found her place at Kinergie Studio in Hanoi, where a diverse group of dancers of all ages shared a meditative and joyful approach to dance, focusing on personal growth rather than competition.

Trinh faced unique challenges as an older learner, including reduced flexibility, limited range of motion, and diminished strength and stability. Even the smallest progress required immense effort and persistence. She recalls the foundational stage as the hardest, with endless repetitions at the barre that felt monotonous at times.

However, her dedication paid off. Trinh eventually mastered one of ballet’s most iconic milestones: dancing en pointe. This achievement is especially remarkable, as pointe work is typically reserved for younger dancers. Her studio mates jokingly refer to her as the first Vietnamese woman in her late 50s to dance en pointe – a testament to her perseverance and willingness to embrace challenges.

Trinh’s dance journey began with dancesport and later explored the expressive and rhythmic movements of belly dance. Eventually, she was drawn to ballet as a way to build a strong foundation while continuing to challenge herself physically and mentally. She found that ballet and belly dance, though seemingly opposites, complemented each other beautifully.

For Trinh, dance is more than just movement; it is an exploration of music, culture, and self-expression. Her curiosity, passion for learning, and continuous self-renewal keep her engaged and optimistic about life. She inspires others with her story, proving that it’s never too late to start something new and that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams.

Nguyen Kieu Trinh shines on the dance floor, a radiant testament to the power of pursuing your passions. Photo: Supplied

Breaking Down Barriers, One Step at a Time

Trinh’s ballet journey began five years ago, but it was only in the past two years that she committed to regular practice. What started as sporadic attendance quickly became a priority, reorganizing her schedule to attend weekly classes. Her dedication brought her to the pointe, a remarkable feat that symbolizes the rewards of her perseverance.

Redefining Beauty and Embracing Self-Expression

As a child, Trinh dreamed of dancing, but self-doubt held her back. Now, she has proven that passion and persistence can overcome such doubts. She never imagined she would pursue her childhood dream, let alone stick with ballet for so long. Her optimism and energy inspire others to embrace their passions and take chances.

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