Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 4/13/2009

Question
Hi Dianne...i have always admired the artistry and techniches of ballet, but as a young girl, my parents couldnt afford to take me to a teacher or class. I dont know if ive ever wanted anything more in my life than to learn. I am only fourteen but i have been told that its too late to learn now. I should have started training years ago. Is this true??? Can i really NEVER learn? If you have any tips at all as to what i should do, it would be very appreciated. Is finding a teacher extremely expensive? Im only holding a part-time job right now and money is a little tight at home...as with a lot of people around here. So if you could just help with tips at all thank you.

Answer
Hello Jessie. I'm not sure how you would fit ballet in if you're working part time, and I assume, going to school.

Look for local studios and call a few. Or look at their websites. See what their tuition and class schedules are like.

Could you at 14 become a ballet professional? That is considered unlikely even for those in professional schools, with 10 plus hrs of classes a week.I feel very sorry any time I have to tell someone that, but that is the truth.

If you love dancing and can take two classes a week for a couple of years, you will build enough technique to tell if you want to continue, with modern or lyrical dance as a goal, or you may fall in love with performing and learn that you have talent as an actor.....you never know where things will lead you. I've taught dancers who became actors, stage managers, expert medieval music players, symphony orchestra conductors, lightning directors and entertainment lawyers. All starting with a passion for ballet classes.

Wherever it leads, it's a great place to start. So investigate your attraction to ballet and figure out what is the essence of it. Does that essence relate to another art that can be pursued with fulfillment?

Please feel free to ask any more questions about this. I hope I have been a bit helpful.All the best, Dianne.