Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/23/2009

Question
Hi Dianne,
I am 15 years old and want to start ballet next year. I'm trying to build up my skills so I will be ready for Juilliard when the time comes. My question for you is: Is it too late for me to start ballet? And how long until I will be ready for pointe?  

Answer
Hi Antoinette - and Happy Holidays!

It may be too late for you to study ballet with a professional career in mind. I cannot say for sure, since I can't see you dance. Here is the general guideline for ballet dancers in relation to training and beginning pointe: at least three years of classes with three classes a week for the past year before starting pointe work.

That puts you at the age 19 when most ballet dancers have completed their training and are dancing with a professional company.

If you feel drawn to performing, really ask yourself if another art form such as acting or musical theater might satisfy your artistic yearning. Starting dance now, you could become adept at jazz, tap, with some ballet training accompanying your studies for learning a safe movement technique. You would have all the pressure of competition, but you could possibly end up in a rewarding career without the tremendous intensity of classical dance and pointe work requirements. I'm saying this to cheer you up, not to depress you!

All the best to you Antoinette - career planning and learning what your real talents are is a challenging but exciting adventure. Sometimes you are suited for something you never even dreamed of - and there are many steps to go through to discover where real happiness lies for you.