Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 9/28/2009

Question
Hello,

I have danced since I was 4 years old. I have had ballet training, but nothing too rigorous. I quit when I moved to college, because Im a math major and lost my free time. 2 years after starting college, and at age 20, I have a great passion and desire to become a ballerina. I have been attending community ballet classes to gain my technique and stamina back , but I find myself wanting to perform. I realize many dancers turn professional at 18, so I am already behind. I have a lot of motivation, and if I knew there was any hope for me to be accepted into any serious program regardless of my age, I would seriously study and practice ballet as much as needed to do so. Basically, I am looking for an opportunity to get into a program that will help me become a better dancer, instead of simply taking community school classes that are not challenging me enough.

Thank you for your time,

Tracy

Answer
Hi Tracy. It is not likely that someone with interrupted training could become a professional ballet dancer. If you decided to go ahead and see if you are an exception, you would need to get into a full-time training program immediately.

This could be in a college program, or a program in a professional ballet school.

The dancers who turn pro at around age 18 have had many years of intense training. I'm sure you are aware of the competition for dance jobs, among the most qualified. Sorry to be discouraging....

You can do ballet for the rest of your life and perhaps perform with a local company - and this type of involvement will continue to enrich your life. You could become an amazing ballet teacher or a dance medicine specialist. Assess what your strongest talents truly are, and don't neglect them!

All the best, Dianne