You are here:

Ballet/pro ballerina

Advertisement


Question
I know that at age 12 its a little early to be thinking about the future but.. I want to go to college but by then i will be at a professional level i want to be a ballerina and still get an education so i can have a backup plan...

Answer
Hi Emily. It's not too early to be thinking about this. Pro ballet dancers are working while their peers go to college.

Many pro dancers go to college after they retire from dancing full time.

If you want to be a pro ballet dancer, you need to be taking 6-8 classes a week, right now. In a very good quality school.

A good back up plan is to maintain excellent grades in school in case you want to later get into dance medicine or some other specialty requiring good math and science. As well as get financial aid easily.

Good for you for thinking ahead!

All the best, Dianne

Ballet

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.