Second Chance Ballet

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.