Expert: Connie - 8/11/2009

Question
hi!
my names Alana and im 12 yrs old. i started ballet AT 7, stopped at 9, started at 10, stopped at 11 again, firstly because they academy shut down, then because of financial problems: $50 per 30mins!!!!! in a class too. so, i want to start again doing ballet. i am pretty flexible and fit. so at 12 yrs old, im rummaging around my room, i suddenly find a pair of old dance shoes, and i decided to start dancing again. is it actually possible? i rang my friend to ask her what they did in each level, but her answers were vauge..."hmm, well, we do positions..." FRUSTRATION. and since i dont know what they do cos for the 9-11 time, i trained with this asian dance thing, that really only taught how to pick up your leg and hold it casually by your head. and ive long forgotten the 2yrs in proper ballet. so, can you please help me? can i start agin, and also, what is it they do at their grades, cos i do not want to make a fool of myself!!!
thanks alot!
Alana

Answer
You can definitely start again!  Many people don't start serious ballet training until the age of 12.  First of all, even good schools should not charge more than 20 dollars for an hour-and-a-half or two hour class.  Next, you could look for some adult classes to get the basics before jumping into classes with kids your age.  Sign up for an adult ballet class.  Then talk to the teacher; tell them your goals and they should be able to tell you which classes to take.  I would also recommend buying Basic Principles of Classical Ballet by Agrippina Vaganova.  This book should provide a reference for everything you learn in class.  Good luck, and feel free to ask any more questions!