Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/6/2010

Question
Hello,
I started ballet in april 2010 (7 months ago) at the age of 19 without any dance or gymnastics background. I am fortunate to have high ballet standards, arched feet and legs, long neck, thin body and a good flexibility and turn out (I have my 3 splits, and oversplits on the sides). I've been taking 2h30 ballet classes a day since september - and I may start 4h very soon - with a very good teacher and ex bolshoi soloist (I attend both beginners and advanced classes, teaching with Vaganova method). I will start pointe work within a few weeks. I love ballet, this is almost the only thing I'm doing and thinking about now, i'm totally commited to it and could dance 10 hours a day if necessary, but I am very very anxious at the idea of failing, so I can't make up my mind to start a "real", formal training. What can I expect as a late starter ? As a professional, as a teacher, any other career, job related to ballet ? How long will it take, and how hard is it going to be ?
Thank you for your answer

ps : sorry for my english, not perfect yet..

Answer
Hi Julia. I cannot answer your questions completely, since I cannot see you dance.

You could audition for a professional training program and see if you are accepted. It sounds like you have the flexibility for ballet, but bear in mind that the professional students seeking jobs right now have been training for 10 or more years already.

Even though you are an adult, I recommend that you prepare properly for pointe work. Adding exercises and testing yourself correctly for the strength needed for pointe shoes, can be learned in the Perfect Pointe Book, which can be found at http://balletpointeshoes.info

You definitely could train for professional teaching qualifications. Ask your teacher what program to follow to do the correct exams as you progress.

I'm not saying you cannot dance ballet on stage - there are always exceptions to following the beaten path. And I would not think about failing. If you are free to train without interruptions, there will be opportunities to perform in a studio situation, if not professionally. If you love ballet that much, will you be happy to be a pro teacher? If you are clear on what you want, I'm sure you will reach a happy goal in the ballet world.

I hope this helps! All the best, Dianne.