Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/22/2009

Question
I'm 14, and I did ballet all throughout my elementary years, and then I quit for the 6th and 7th grades because I moved. I restarted and I LOVE ballet. I'm seriously consitering auditioning for the VA School of the Arts, instead of my few times a week classes. however, I still feel like I need to improve and find out if dancing is really for me.
I'll be a freshman next year, and i was wondering if you think the school would mind if I auditioned in my freshman year instead of my 8th grade year? Or is this a bad idea?

(sorry if I sound a bit arrogant) My instructor says I have the perfect body type, and my turn out is excelent and im continuously working on my flexiblity. I got my pointe shoes about two months ago and I'm doing well with them. I still feel I need to improve on my actual dancing, but I'm improving every week.

Your opinion on this would really help me,
Have a nice day :), thank you,
Blake

Answer
Hi Blake. Try to decide as soon as you can whether or not you want to study dance full time. It's better that you start sooner than later. Investigate the requirements for auditioning here,

http://www.vsaart.com/admissions

It looks like you can audition any time. Why not find out whether or not you would be admitted? Generally someone your age is urged to not wait to begin training. I think it would be good for you to see the level of class work you would be working on there, if you haven't already.

I can't guess what is best for you, but I think you'll be happier later, if you decide to stick with professional ballet classes, if you start training seriously sooner. You might regret lost time!

Whatever you do, all the best, Dianne.