Expert: Connie - 11/4/2008

Question
hi....... I am twelve years old and i really want to start ballet! my mother and father say I'm to old now but its not stopping me trying. Last night i couldn't sleep so i decided to do 200 plee-ayes (him not sure how to spell that)anyway i cant get ballet out of my mind, i live in South Africa so it makes it even harder to try find a class! i have never done any kind of dancing before him always doing twirls in my room. I'm going to a boarding school in about two years and they require ballet lessons but i really want to start now. I home school so times really aren't a problem.

Please help me!

   Alice
   xox

Answer
Your mom and dad are right in acknowledging that 12 is older than the age most dancers start at, but they're wrong by saying that you shouldn't start.  I started at 13!  There are plenty of dancers that become professionals that start at a later age.  If you work hard and are dedicated you can overcome the obstacle of starting later.  Ask your parents to really help you find a good school for dance so you can begin!

Also, doing 200 plies probably is not great for you!  The endless repetition of this exercise can injure you.  If you want to do something that will be helpful for your dancing, work on getting into good physical shape.  Running, walking, swimming, etc. will all help your body get stronger and prepare it for dance lessons.

Best of Luck!