Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 8/26/2009

Question
My parents aren't allowing me to go to a school that specializes in ballet. Its making me mad that their not supporting me,but my real worry is that I won't get anywhere when I'm older in ballet without professional help. Would majoring in college in ballet help? I still don't know if that would be enough experience to get into a ballet company after college. Thanks for reading. :]

Answer
Hi Stephanie. You are correct in thinking that you need pro training right now if you want to dance ballet professionally. After the age of ten, it becomes more crucial to study full time.

College dance departments do not normally train a pro grade ballet dancer - because dancers are already performing professionally by around 18-19 years of age.

Continue training locally if that is what you're doing right now. And keep focusing on what you really want, because things change and often get better. Be the best dancer you can be right now, and be the child who makes their parents WANT to do all they can for - appreciative, helpful and cheerful about what you DO have right now. Be sure to thank them once in a while for the classes you go to. Parental hearts are melted by seemingly tiny things.

Because things always change - nothing in life stays the same, even when it seems like it. So accept the reality right now, because fighting it takes up energy you need to progress in everything. Keep thinking "things change!" and be light hearted, cheerful and helpful with your parents. At least experiment with this for three months, as best you can, and see what happens.

I hope this doesn't seem like a lame answer. When I was young I was a couple of thousand miles away from a pro ballet school. Going there was simply out of the question. But I got over moping and tried to be cheerful about life - suddenly my dad was transferred in his job, and I was 60 miles away! Then I ended up going to a summer intensive and the teachers suggested to my mom that I audition for the ballet school. My mom said ok, but not to get my hopes up - there was no money to send me. Then I was accepted - and guess what - my grandparents contributed some money for the first year and I got partial scholarships every year till I graduated. And I never would have dreamed it could happen - so that's just one story, but you see how I believe what I do about life.

(You are the first person I have told this to on the internet!).

You can also read free articles about pro ballet technique at http://www.theballetstore.com/
in the articles and blog section - to trouble shoot any technical problems you might have, and get ahead.

So keep on keeping on, okay? All the best, Dianne