Expert: Connie - 7/8/2008

Question
Hi Connie,
I am in a huge pickle.
I started ballet when i was 13 and got on to pointe within a year because I busted my butt on my own time. I've been working really hard because I felt like I needed to get up to speed with the girls my age. Not to brag or anything, but I have excelled remarkably fast and my teachers have had me skip levels because of my quick improvement. I want to take      performing arts seriously, like as a potential career but my parents don't want me to. They make me feel guilty because of the cost of ballet classes and the time. Because of this I have purposefully been hindering my improvement because I'll have to stop if I get to a level that's too high. I never want to stop dancing and I know I will have to if I excel too far. Do you understand what I mean? It's hard to put into words. Thanks so much

Answer
That's horrible!  Sit down and talk with your dance teachers.  If you really love it there should be a way for you to pursue it.  See if you can work cleaning your studio or doing office work for them in return for classes.  Also you could look at schools that give out scholarships.  There is usually a way to get around paying for class if you're resourceful.  As for the time thing, it's your time to decide whatever you want to do in life.  Anything you want to do will take up time.  Try talking with your parents to get them to understand that this is what you want to devote your time to, and that you'd love their support.
Keep dancing, and best of luck!