Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 7/11/2009

Question
ok i just turned 20 not too long ago and i want to attend a performing art college for dance. now is it possible for me to get trained in ballet and be able to audition for a school in new York next year for the fall? and what can i do at home or outside to get my body into shape for the school? im very talented in all the arts but im more drawn to dance. i am a hip hop and I've been doing that for about 6 years now. im went to a performing arts high school for visual arts but not dance and now im getting worried that it might be too late foe me to decide on whether i should go to school for dance or choose another field to go into. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me give me an answer lol. i really want to perform and be one of the greats. :)

Answer
Hi Quentarius. I definitely get your enthusiasm and your willingness to dedicate some hard work to studying ballet. That is a big plus for you.

At the age of 20, becoming a well trained professional ballet dancer is usually not an outcome.

However, studying ballet and excelling in a less demanding dance style is not so unlikely.

If there is anyway to get still get into any dance classes this summer, say beginning ballet, and beginning modern dance, anywhere, do it.

Start stretching with a guide like The Stretching Handbook - you can read about it at www.thestretchinghandbook.wordpress.com.

Here's the real deal, in my opinion: if you can live without dance and have talents that will support you throughout life, go for the other talent line of work. If you cannot live without dance, then you won't!

Dance has always been a very small job market - but that has changed. Even 5 years ago - would you see dance on network tv? No way. Now look at it! One and two hour shows, intense competition - professional judges - hey who woulda thought! It's not quite the subculture it used to be.

I hope this answer helps you - I guess you've probably searched the college dance depts and the dance schools - do whatever you can do, and see where it takes you. I don't mean to sound flakey or anything, but getting started is important.

All the best, Dianne