Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 3/28/2009

Question
I am an 18 year old male and I have been dancing for a year at my high school. my training is not the best, but I have excelled beyond most of the girls who have been dancing for many, many years. I have a long way to go, but i'm passionate. REALLY passionate. I have a lot of strength and my flexibility is improving pretty quickly.

I want to know if it is possible to reach a professional level as a contemporary dancer (a contemporary dancer who uses a lot of ballet technique and modern styles of dance)?

Answer
Hi Anthony. There is no reason why you shouldn't consider it a possibility. Get the best training you can as soon as you can. And (you may already be doing this) you can train at Pilates for example, learn in a real class and practice at home with a DVD for guidance. Pilates is excellent for strength training and safe elongating movements. I have no doubt you've explored all your exercise options.

If you are interested in reading about basic ballet technique in order to work with the utmost accuracy, there are many articles about this at http://www.theballetstore.com under Articles and under the blog section as well.

Having taught in a dance department, I have seen dancers start as beginners and go on to professional schools after graduating, and on to become professional performers, artistic directors and choreographers of note.

Their accomplishments were based on their first years of hard work, regardless of opportunities that followed. You sound like hard work is what you already do. Learn to work safely, recover properly, prevent dance injuries, and you will dance!
All the best, Dianne.