Expert: Connie - 2/14/2010

Question
I am 13 years old and have never taken ballet classes with a proffesional teacher. I have taken dance classes they offer at my school for 3 years now.my current dance teacher believes I am a natural, but my technique knowledge of positions etc. Is poor. I became very interested in ballet and I want to be the best ballerina I can be. I want to know if it's too late to start, what level should I start in, and what studios/ teachers do you recomment in los angeles.

Answer
It's not too late to start!  You'll have to work harder than others to catch up, but you still have a shot.  I would recommend starting in a beginning level to allow you to catch on to the terminology and technique, but push yourself to learn everything and move up quickly.  If you want a head start on terminology, the book "Basic Principles of Classical Ballet" by Agrippina Vaganova is wonderful (http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780486220369).  I am not familiar with the Los Angeles area, but the Los Angeles Ballet School looks reputable, and the  Marat Daukayev School of Ballet has a solid training system.  I would look into both of those schools.  Best of luck!