Adult ballet classes: Aging gracefully

Kay Martin approaches the ballet barre for a Friday morning class at Ballet Mississippi.

The petite Madison woman, dressed in a black top, black footless tights and a skirt, practices various positions and moves with three classmates under the sound of instructor Cherri Barnett's voice.

Soft piano notes fill the room as students bend their knees into a plié and gracefully raise their arms to frame their faces. The women are mothers, professionals and grandmothers, but their inner ballerinas come out for practice three days a week.

Martin, 68, started ballet at age 6 and stopped in high school because she didn't want to be a professional. But ballet was the only activity she liked and returned to in her late 50s.

"Cherri makes it comfortable for any ability," Martin said. "At this age, I feel very comfortable that I can still do it, and how blessed I am that I can do something that I love and you get this beautiful music."

Barnett teaches adult ballet at the Ballet Mississippi School at the Mississippi Arts Center in Jackson. The class is designed for true beginners as well as former dancers like Martin (ballet was her hobby growing up in Okolona and Washington, D.C.). She took adult classes off and on while raising her children and needed the exercise to keep up with her 10 grandchildren.

Point, lift, point, lift, plié, Barnett says.

Martin moves with ease and intense focus when she twirls or bends toward the barre. The mirrors help her maintain form, and toned muscles signify years of dedication to the class.

"No moaning; suffer for your art," Barnett reminds the class. When the women move from the barre to the center of the room, Martin maintains her posture and gracefulness.

Martin's ability to make half and full turns on one foot makes ballet look easy, and the flexibility is a bonus. The practice gives her a full-body workout and the moves aid circulation. She has osteoporosis, so staying active helps her maintain good health.

The adult ballet class members perform in Ballet Mississippi's production of "The Nutcracker" — Martin is one of the mothers in the party scene.

"Isn't it a blessing if you find just one thing you like and you can do it?" Martin said.

Contact Terricha Bradley-Phillips at (601) 961-7067 or tbradley@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @Terricha_CL on Twitter.

Adult Ballet

Schedule: 10-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Mississippi Arts Center, 201 Pascagoula St., Jackson

Cost: $75 a month

Contact: (601) 960-1560; www.balletms.com