8 Friday, November 4, 2016 brooklintowncrier.com Yes Woman By Marissa Campbell Prima Dance I Am Now a PRIMA Ballerina My inner tomboy quaked in her sneakers. I looked up at the sign for Prima Dance Academy, took a deep breath, and entered. Cue flashback to "muffled years ago" when I was five. I stood shivering in a large open hall, waiting for my first ever ballet lesson. I wore a pink leotard and scratched at the constricting fabric, squirming in my shiny new pink slippers. The instructor called the class to order and I lined up beside a row of ballerinas. I had no idea what I was doing. About as uncoordinated as a rhinoceros in pointe shoes, I blundered and fell, flailing my arms and missing my steps. An hour later, I left the class in tears, determined to never go back. Jump to present day. I'm just as uncoordinated as I was when I was five, but I no longer fear the colour pink. Here's the thing: I love to dance. Give me music and I'll boogie like nobody's watching. But my style of dance is a free-flowing form of art borne of years honing my own personal flair and creative expression. In no way does it resemble anything structured, though I do consider myself a step above Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Elaine from Seinfeld. With my eclectic approach, I met Catherine Kourkounakis, or Mrs. K. as she is known to her students. Mrs. K. is Prima Dance Academy's Artistic Director and Co -owner, and she welcomed me with open arms, ushering me into the studio. I was introduced to the other women in the class, all either learning ballet for the first time or revisiting their childhood love of the dance. They enveloped me in an atmosphere of acceptance and exploration. To my delight, there was laughter and smiles as we stretched, tested our balance, and practiced some pliés and classical foot positions. Mrs. K. knows her stuff. She regaled the class with history and taught technique and form, all the while infusing the movements with a mind, body, and spirit consciousness. Ballet is disciplined but also Zen-centred. You connect to your body and your breath as you focus on the nuances of this beautiful dance. Not only did I gain a real appreciation for the dedication and skill this practice requires, I also learned it's an excellent workout. If you're looking for a booty lift, this is the dance for you. Your core is active throughout the movements, and the needed coordination challenges your balance and strength. I loved every minute of it, despite my body shaking from the effort of holding my leg up for that photo op. I had sweat pouring down my face at several points throughout the hour and a half class (the leg warmers had to go). Prima Dance offers movement and ballet classes for ages two and up. Before I left, I was fortunate enough to catch a peek at a class of young ladies practicing ballet. The studio focuses on training dancers for further professional studies, and the poise, grace, and dedication of these young women was inspiring. Prima offers two adult ballet classes, one for beginner/intermediate students and one for dancers looking to take their skills to the next level. They also offer a free trial class, so you can come check it out and see if it's right for you (both adults and children can try a class for free). I may not be the most graceful gazelle out there, but even five-year-old me was happy. Now to find a pink leotard to go with that awesome tutu. (Yes Woman is a paid advertisement) Totally nailed 2nd arabesque Rockin' my tutu with Artistic Director Catherine Kourkounakis (Mrs. K)