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Ballet/am i too old?

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Expert: - 10/11/2008


Question

i dont know
i am eighteen years old. I've been dancing for eight years. ballet for 6. i started out as a jazz dancer. i was very limber, however, very weak. my instructor told me to take ballet to gain strength. ballet stuck with me more so than jazz. i love it. i am constantly visualizing improvements on my technique. i am still very limber and I've gotten dramatically stronger. now i just need to do some fine tuning. i feel like it will take me a couple more years of regular training for me to get to that point. will i be to old to join a company? say like twenty

Answer
Hi Shira. No, twenty is not too old to join a company if your training is complete.

You can augment your ballet training with Pilates and other core strengthening exercises. I have written many articles about strengthening at http://www.theballetstore.com (you read for free). Maybe you can pick up some tips from them.

Most companies like you to have some experience, so perform as much as you can with your school or school's company.

Feel free to ask any further questions. All the best, Dianne

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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