Retired Ballerina: What I Miss the Most About Dancing

Retired ballerina Brittany Haws on stage performing — _{Image credit: NDM Balet Ostrava (Brittany Haws)}

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Hanging up the pointe shoes and stepping away from the stage as a retired ballerina can be bittersweet.

While retirement opens new doors, it often leaves behind a treasure trove of memories from years of dedication and passion.

So what do retired ballerinas miss the most about dancing?

In this blog post, I’ll share my reflections on the aspects of ballet I miss the most as a retired ballerina.

Table of Contents

1. THE THRILL OF PERFORMING

A significant aspect I miss as a retired ballerina, and one of the primary reasons I was drawn to dance, is the performance itself.

The ability to breathe life into characters and tell beautiful stories, all while accompanied by stunning orchestras and elaborate costumes, fuels dancers’ passion.

It’s the magic of the stage that makes all the hard work and pain worthwhile.

Retired ballerina Brittany Haws accepting audience applause — _{Image credit: NDM Balet Ostrava (Brittany Haws)}

Letting go of this artistic and emotional expression is difficult, and finding new ways to explore this passion is a challenge in itself.

There’s truly nothing quite like the moment the curtain rises and you take that first step onto the stage.

You experience a rush of adrenaline, excitement, nervousness, and joy all at once.

That exhilarating feeling is irreplaceable and lingers long after the final bow.

One of my most cherished memories as a dancer is standing in the wings, mere moments away from stepping into the spotlight.

The subtle energy from the audience creates a unique buzz that’s unlike anything else.

You can sense their anticipation and excitement, which amplifies your adrenaline.

It’s in those quiet seconds before the curtain lifts that you realise the power of performance just for yourself but for everyone in the theatre.

2. THE DISCIPLINE AND TRAINING

After years of following a structured schedule, stepping away from that disciplined lifestyle was quite a challenge.

Dancers become incredibly organised and precise in their craft, and when that routine disappears, you can’t help but wonder, ‘Now what do I do with all this time?’

Reflecting on the rigorous training I underwent on a daily basis, I can truly appreciate its profound impact on my life.

It instilled a work ethic like no other and taught me the discipline and resilience that you need in life.

Every moment of struggle, sweat, and sometimes tears provides:

A deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed; and
Reveals who you are and what you’re truly made of

Retired Ballerina Brittany Haws with Artistic Director — _{Image credit: NDM Balet Ostrava (Brittany Haws)}

These experiences teach resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work, shaping your character and preparing you for life after the stage.

3. THE CAMARADERIE AMONG DANCERS

The camaraderie among dancers is something truly special.

The bond that forms with fellow dancers, forged through countless hours of rehearsals, performances, and backstage moments, creates a unique sense of community.

When you’re far from home, often living in a foreign country, your company becomes your family.

You share both the highs and the lows, and over time, your colleagues often turn into lifelong friends.

In my experience, my company was incredibly close-knit, and even after retirement, I’ve remained in touch with many of my fellow dancers.

When we reunite, we love reminiscing about the good times, the funny backstage moments, and the unforgettable experiences we shared, both on and off the stage.

That sense of community and shared history is irreplaceable.

4. THE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Ballet is a beautiful art form that requires no words to be understood.

Through movement and music, dancers can convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with audiences on a deep level.

The creative process of bringing choreography to life has always been one of my greatest joys, allowing me to express emotions in ways that go beyond speech.

Now, as a ballet teacher, I’ve found a new sense of fulfilment.

Not only do I get to share my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of aspiring dancers, and guide them through their artistic journeys.

Watching them discover the joy of dance and helping them refine their expression brings me a deep satisfaction that reminds me of my dancing days.

5. THE SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

The sense of accomplishment I gained throughout my career is something I will always cherish.

Once you step away from the dance world, it remains a part of you, no matter what path you take next.

I feel incredibly fortunate that my dream of becoming a professional ballerina became a reality.

Not only did I achieve that, but I also danced major roles in ballets that I can now look back on with pride.

One of the most special parts of my career was meeting my husband.

Retired Ballerina Brittany Haws with Husband — _{Image: Brittany Haws with Husband}

We danced in the same ballet company for nearly eight years, and even today, we fondly reminisced about the performances we shared.

Our connection, through dancing and raising a family together, has only deepened with time, and the memories of dancing side by side remain some of the most cherished moments of our lives.

However, life after dance has offered a new kind of fulfilment.

For me, that’s raising my children, reminding me that while one chapter ends, another begins.

Brittany Haws' children — _{Image: Brittany Haws’ children}

RETIRED BALLERINA FAQS

WHAT DO RETIRED BALLERINAS DO?

After retirement, many ballerinas seek to stay connected to the dance world. A common path is transitioning into teaching, where they become:

Ballet instructors
Masters
Choreographers

Others may gravitate toward related fields, such as Pilates or yoga, utilising their unique understanding of body mechanics and conditioning.

Some dancers opt to pursue further education or delve into other business ventures, exploring diverse interests outside of dance.

Ultimately, the choices are as varied as the dancers themselves.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE RETIREMENT AGE OF A BALLERINA?

The average retirement age for a ballerina can vary from the late 20s to early 40s.

Many dancers choose to retire around their mid to late 30s, but the decision often depends on personal circumstances.

Each dancer’s journey is unique; sometimes, the timing of retirement is chosen for them, while other times it feels like the right moment or simply what’s meant to be.

WRAP UP

While there are many aspects of dance that I miss as a retired ballerina, there will always be memories of those special moments.

It’s important to embrace the next chapter and find new passions, just as fulfilling as the ones we left behind on stage.

And honestly, I can’t say I miss the pain of dancing long hours en pointe day after day!

While the rewards of performing were incredible, there’s some relief in stepping away from the physical demands that ballet requires.

It’s a reminder that, while we cherish the beauty and artistry of dance, there’s something equally sweet about finding balance and comfort in this new chapter of life.