Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/3/2008

Question
hey there. i am seventeen and i'm looking into taking ballet for the first time. i think it is a beatiful form of expression, but until now i have been unable to afford lessons. my problems are these: i am pear-shaped, 130 lbs, i have short legs, short hands, a smallish bust and thick ankles. besides that, ive never had anything to do with any sort of dance. i was wondering if pursuing ballet is a lost cause. i would love to learn the discipline and grace that dancers exude, but perhaps im being over-ambitious? my mom always says i reach too far. can you please give me some advice on what to do and how to prepare if ballet is maybe up my alley?

Answer
Hi Katie. It is certainly not overambitious to study ballet for your own enjoyment. Aspiring to dance ballet professionally would be unrealistic, beginning at seventeen. But there is no reason not to, for the purpose of developing grace and elegance.

The best thing you can do is to find a class and start. To get a good understanding of ballet technique, there are many articles on ballet technique at http://www.theballetstore.com which you might enjoy reading. Also many blog posts about ballet on that site too.

Enjoy your ballet! All the best, Dianne.