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Ballet/can i start again?

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Expert: - 12/14/2008


Question
I am 14 years old and i really want to start ballet again. I started ballet when i was around 7 and stopped around 9/10. I am a really hard worker and i still practise what i remember from ballet and would say i am quite flexible and can stand right at the tip of my toes. Could i start again? And if so, would i have to have extra practice?

Answer
Hi Sally. It seems like it would be fine for you to start dancing ballet again. I'm not sure what kind of structuring your ballet school has, but if you wanted to progress faster than the class you get put into, you might ask your parents to buy you The Perfect Pointe Book.

The author's link is at http://www.theballetstore.com

The reason why I highly recommend it is because it is written by a dance medicine specialist, with safe home practice in mind. It covers the basics of correct ballet training, and is also set up for you to self-test with specific exercises so that you know exactly when you are strong enough to study in pointe shoes safely.

All the best! Dianne

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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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