It's time to dust off the dancing shoes – ballet for grown-ups is the must-have hobby for 2011.

Ballet schools across Sussex are getting booked up by mums, not children.

Some say it’s down to Strictly Come Dancing while others believe it could be due to the new Hollywood film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman as a high flying ballerina.

Either way, adult ballet is becoming the fashionable way to get fit with sport brands such as Adidas working with ballet companies to create new outfits.

Sonya Pettigrew, 36, runs the Brighton Ballet School and says her classes, which take place six days a week, are nearly all full.

She said: “Women love it because it either evokes childhood memories or helps them create those memories if they didn’t get a chance to dance.

“We’re one of the only places in the country to offer adult lessons, most ballet schools concentrate on children."

Have you taken up an unusual hobby later in life? Tell us your stories by calling 01273 544547, emailing naomi.loomes@theargus.co.uk or comment below.