AboutDianne M. Buxton Expertise I can answer questions about ballet technique, training, pointe shoes, mens training, diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, been ballet mistress, and director, with dance companies. For any answers related to health questions will offer my experience, but will also automatically include "see a professional".
Education/Credentials Graduate of the national Ballet School of Canada. Taught at the National ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard Universtiy.
Question Hi,
Just have a few questions
hope you can answer them.
1. when is too old for men to start ballet?
2. do men do pointe?
3. what should i wear if i start?
4. should i start?
Answer Hi Harry. When is too old for men to start ballet? Any man who is fit to do any kind of exercise, and does not have a medical condition, can start ballet. You don't say how old you are, or if you have professional aspirations, so I'm not sure what perspective to put the answer in. Should you start? If you are healthy, why not?
Some men in ballet like to work in pointe shoes to strengthen and stretch their feet/arches, and to refine their professional foot work and balance. I have written articles about that which are on http://www.theballetstore.com, some in the blog area.
Men wear black tights, a dance belt, and a black or white leotard. Some schools ask for a white t-shirt with the tights, but leotards don't pull up out of the tights and many prefer them. Black or white leather ballet shoes are the norm. Many dance studios have a looser dress code and allow colors and other variations - some do not. The main purpose of simplicity in ballet apparel, is so that the teachers can see the muscles and joint placement of the students.
If you do decide to go ahead and study ballet, all the best to you.
