Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 5/7/2009

Question
Hi,
I am a 35 year old male!  I would really like o know your opinion on whether I can expect to find any success in a career in ballet.
I know that I am old, simply old actually, but I would just like to ask, if, I found myself to be a natural talent in ballet (I have previously been told that I was very good at a class I did a couple of years ago), and if I was prepared to give it my all (I have enough money to pay for a private education at degree level), (a) would I ever be able to become a professional dancer? and (b) would I ever be able to have a career as a dance teacher or an artistic director?
I know that I am ridiculously old, but I suppose what I am trying to say is, if all other things were in my favour ie, I found out that I truly am a natural talent!!, would there still be a chance of a career for me as either a dancer, a teacher, or an artistic director?
I would really appreciate your honesty and any advice you could give me,
Thanks so much,
Adrian

Answer
Hi Adrian. IN the world of ballet competition is fierce and the job market is small. Persons beginning at age 10 have a tough time competing, although males are in shorter supply and have a better chance.

Some beginning in university have a small chance of getting enough training to graduate and then go on to a professional school to complete training and do go on to get a job with a professional dance company. In my experience however, it is rare to see someone in that path of training go into ballet. More commonly, the gifted dancers who also have the financial means to persist, end up in modern dance because it is simply more forgiving concerning one's physique, and is easier to do.

Out of the many successful professional ballet dancers, few become artistic directors. World class training, a world class career, and a management/leadership personality is part of what would land such a coveted position.

I guess you see where I'm going with this. I have never seen a 35 year old train and go into professional ballet.

Teaching is another thing. If you chose a venue such as Cecchetti or R.A.D.,  and studied as a teacher to learn all the grades, and took classes, did the exams, etc., you could succeed in qualifying. With those credentials you would be taken seriously as a teacher, though maybe not in a professional (i.e., full time school).

If you love ballet you can study it and dance for the rest of your life. You may also have other gifts to bring to the dance world. If you have business training, or fund-raising training, or simply a rallying personality, you could contribute greatly to a dance organization. Even small city dance schools have a great need for organization, qualified board members who have business and management skills, and dance schools also have a need for good teachers who have a management sense.

I'm not assuming anything about you because you are male, in regards to business. You may be an artist or a person of independent means who has not pegged themself in any profession yet.

So that is my general answer. I also believe that there is an exception to every rule. My suggestion is that you take ballet full time for 6 months at the best school you can get into. See how it goes for you. Your first challenge will be finding a school that has adult ballet beginner classes more than once or twice a week. However, you can add Pilates as a cross train, it is excellent, and develops long lean muscles just as ballet does.

Also, an amazing book about strength training is a recent publication "Body By Science" by Doug McGuff, M.D., and John Little. While it has a long clinical section, it would be of interest to you or anyone your age as it is a great myth-buster in the exercise arena, and also validates dance (without necessarily meaning to) as an excellent exercise choice. Especially for adults who intend to grow older and stay strong.

I suggest that book because as an older male training in ballet, you may be asked to learn partnering with girls who are considerably more advanced, and you will need to be strong. Strength training is a necessary part of that, and do not worry about bulking up - that is a body type issue and you will or you won't.

Also know that if you train in ballet you may also be asked to perform character roles with a school's performances, and some acting classes would add to your value as well. I am keeping you busy, theoretically, aren't I!

So without knowing much about you, I have tried to give you a broad answer. Whatever you do, Adrian, all the best to you!