second chance ballet
Newtownabbey
Ruth Adams founded Second Chance Ballet circa 1965 Ruth's classes at the
Crescent Arts Centre attracted numerous students of all ages, genders and ranges
of experience. Ruth was inspiring and exceedingly patient, and had great
artistic flair which extended to intricate costumes and beautiful props for her
students’ performances. She saw the best in her students and always reminded
them to keep smiling and keep breathing no matter how difficult the exercises
were. Ruth was working in Dublin, when cycling home one day, she heard the sound
of music and followed its strains to a ballet studio. She was greeted by a
vision, just like the ballet dancer in the film, the Red Shoes, who inspired her
to establish her career as a dancer and then as a teacher. She moved on to train
in Belfast with the late Maxine Graham, a highly-respected local tutor, to
become a member of the Royal Academy of Dance. She subsequently got involved
with the Lurgan Operatic and Ulster Operatic Company as a performer and
choreographer as well.