‘All my grace and poise come from ballet’

The actor shares how classical ballet training helped her find the confidence to present herself to the world
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 14, 2025)

Starting at the age of five, actor Tara Sutaria trained as a ballerina for over a decade. On World Ballet Day today, she shares how the discipline and training continue to guide her every day: “I learnt from the pioneer of classical ballet in India, Mrs Tushna Dallas. She trained several known names, including (choreographer) Shiamak Davar. My training completely shaped how I sit and stand, walk and talk, how I present myself and greet people. All the grace and poise I possess come from my ballet training.”

The 29-year-old adds how helps her professionally: “Today, I can learn dance routines for my films within minutes thanks to my training. My body is accustomed to learning dance quickly because of muscle memory,” she shares.

As a child, she would go to ballet class with her sister, Pia, straight from school. “We used to change into our ballet clothes and tie our hair into a bun in the car while doing homework. Tushna ensured there wasn’t a hair out of place. It taught us discipline.”

Calling ballet “for everyone,” Tara says, “There’s no gender attached to it. The athleticism required is more than most sports.”

Talking about how her ballet journey became a turning point long before acting entered the picture, Tara says, “I appeared for ballet exams at the Royal Academy of Dance, UK. I didn’t know I would be an actor back then, but even when I performed musical theatre, my ballet training taught me how to present myself to the world.”

Recalling her first time performing ballet on stage, the actor shares, “My first time on stage was performing with the Kazakhstan ballet company that had come to Mumbai’s NCPA (National Centre for Performing Arts) to perform the Nutcracker ballet. Along with the girls and boys in our ballet school, I joined in the performance. To be working with such accomplished professionals at the age of six, where I played a snow angel, is a memory of a lifetime.”

Tara signs off by encouraging others to take up performing arts. “The training helps me a lot in my career, but it’s important to have classical training in voice or dance, no matter what profession you are a part of. It helps guide your life and teaches you how to carry yourself. Parents need to encourage their children to take up any form of classical training in the performing arts. It teaches you how to use your arms, legs and keep your core in place,” she ends.

‘All my grace and poise come from ballet’