Ballet is a cornerstone of most formal dance instruction, and teaches the strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and movement skills which are the foundation from everything from Hip Hop to Salsa. Proficiency at Ballet takes years of practice, so if you’re just starting, patience and a willingness to learn from the beginning are key, but the rewards can be huge. Ballerina and fitness expert Mary Helen Bowers, who worked with actress Natalie Portman to prepare for her starring role in Black Swan, says dance is a great way to maintain fitness, in many ways better than popular alternatives like yoga.