Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 8/22/2008

Question
I started dancing when I was about 5 and did ballet, tap, and jazz on and off
until I was about 16. I also did gymnastics, and I am still really flexible and
everything. I'm in great shape, and I'm 19 now. I have really regretted my
sudden hault with the dancing...I would love to be a professional dancer, but
I know that would be crazy hard to pick back up. I'm an artist now, but I
absolutely love dancing. Do you think I should try it, or should I just take it
on as a hobby?

Answer
Hi Aimee. My suggestion would be this: get into classes at least twice a week if you can. Go for 6-8 months and see how you progress.

Learn some Pilates - do a few classes, and maybe continue with a DVD at home, if you like. The cross-training would be wonderful for your core muscles.

At http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com

you will find a link to The Perfect Pointe Book, to strengthen feet and prepare for pointe work (you will get ahead really fast with it)
and to The Body Series, Deborah Vogel's books on Arabesque, and Body Mind Balance

and many articles on ballet technique, if you enjoy reading and need some help.

After 6-8 months, ask your teacher for feedback on your progress.
Sometimes it is too late to catch up with ballet and go professional. However, you may have a wonderful technique and find that some style of modern or lyrical dance offers you a venue.

All the best! Dianne