Expert: Connie - 9/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm 23 years old and I'm a ballet dancer from Germany. I moved to Los
Angeles three month ago.I dance since three years in Stuttgart whit a teacher
from the stuttgart ballet.Six times per week.With fourteen i danced jazz for
four  years.
So I know I am too old to become a ballet dancer but I love it so much and I
would everything do to life my dream.Now I'm dancing here in Santa Monica
every day but I search for a one or two year program to make me ready for
the company auditions or something like that!
Have you any advice for me?Not only for California.
I know there are many colleges and universities but my whish is it to find a
ballet or modern school where I can go every day to take my workout!
Thank you very much

ANSWER: Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the California area at all.  If I were you I would do some research and try out classes at a few different places.  Trust your gut instinct about these classes and go with the ones that you feel will help you most.  You may be (but not definitely!) a little old for a professional career in ballet, but I would look out for auditions for jazz, modern, musical theater, etc.  Don't be afraid to travel to go to an audition, or call your old teacher for recommendations.  Sorry, I know my advice is a little vague, but just be persistent; work on your technique and don't give up at auditions.  Best of Luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your answer.I think it helps me a lot.
And I will definitely go to auditions in modern and jazz too.
But I have one more question, do you think it is not definitely to late for a professional career in ballet?When I work hard every day?Do you think I can still have a little bit hope?I would everything do to make my dream come true.
Thank you very much

Roberta


ANSWER: I think that realistically it is likely not possible.  However, there are always exceptions, so if you have the natural talent, the background training, and the determination and drive, you may succeed as a dancer.  I say don't give up. =]

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your answer.Itīs so hard for me to give up my dream for Ballet and I still always have a little bit of hope!
So I think a good thing for me is that I am looking very young.The most people say like 17 or 18.
I am sorry but I have one more question because of the eat.I would like to lost weight but I donīt know how.Not much but a little bit.Sometimes I am eating to much before the ballet class starts and sometimes to less.
Could you get me an advice for this?Whats good and what is bad for a dancer.
Thank you very much


Answer
Food is a hard thing for every dancer to regulate.  I'm not a doctor, so I can't really give great nutritional advice.  My best advice would be to make an appointment with a nutritionist.  Since you just want to lose a little weight, I would focus on cutting sweets out of your diet.  
As for eating before class, I find that as long as my meal is very small I can eat up to a half-hour before class.  It's different for everyone.  If you constantly get hungry during class keep energy bars and nuts in your bag so you can run in and grab some to keep your energy level up.  
Hope this helps!