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Ballet/Am I too old?

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Expert: - 6/9/2009


Question
I'm 15 years old and since I was younger I always loved dancing but never got any training. Ive been trying to be real flexible since i get stiff easily, are there any specific pilates i need to do? And im getting over a knee problem, but I still going to try.
I wanted to do ballet but some problems stopped me to convince my parents, since i was younger. I know it will be harder for me to get to the level of the people who started when they were 5. But i am determined to do all the work, it is hard to find a classes for beginner teens in my area(fredricksburg) or they dont put it in spefcifics. And I'll really regret no doing it , I plan to start this summer or fall.

Answer
Hi Angie. You are not too old to take ballet classes. However, you should let your knee heal completely before you do.

Use the internet and search for studios in your area. Call them up and see if they have classes for your age.

You can find lots of ballet articles (some in the blog area) at http://www.theballetstore.com Some are about stretching and how to do stretches properly. Others are about correct ballet technique.

All the best, Dianne.

Ballet

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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