Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 5/21/2008

Question
Hi,
I'm 19 years old and have been dancing on and off all my life, but never seriously. Lately I've decided I would like to pursue a professional dancing career and I'm trying to take more and more classes and as much experience as I can. My problem is, I'm obliged to this other program that doesn't involve dancing for the next 2-3 years. I try to fit classes in but I get only about 6 a week. My technique isn't very strong and I'll be applying to collage at age 22 or more. Do dance programs tend to accept applicants at that age, especially if they're not very experienced? And another question, how important is it that I dance en Pointe? Because I never have danced en pointe, and I can't find the time (or a teacher) to do that.
Thanks for your time, Oryan  

Answer
Hi Oryan. I do not know what area you are in and what is accessible to you - though it sounds like you are committed to the program you are in. It definitely would be better to get in more classical ballet  classes.

For example, if you were in a post-secondary program in the school attached to a dance company (ballet or modern) you would probably be in 10 classes a week, at least.

It sounds like you will be quite experienced if you apply to college at 22 - it would depend on the dance department. The focus of each one will likely be a little different. Also, in college you will be obliged to take a lot of non-dance classes. If you want to do enough dance training to perform professionally, you need to do more dance.

I cannot see you or what level you work at now, so I can only guess that  you will more likely head into modern dance rather than ballet - the demands of ballet are very great. You may never doance in pointe shoes, and that does not matter if you focus on getting the best technique you can for developing into modern dance.

It's tough if your energy goes into other classes. Focus on the finer details of your basic technique, proper stretching, and read all you can. At http://www.theballetstore.com there are many articles on basic technique with lots of detail.

I hope that helps Oryan....please feel free to ask me any further! All the best, Dianne.