Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/7/2010

Question
Hi, I'm fifteen and I really (really) want to start up on ballet. I did it when I was younger but quit at the start of 3rd grade. I have seen many videos of ballet dancers and I fell in love with it! I'm not sure if I can still take lessons. I haven't talked to my parents because I don't know if they are willing to let me join in ballet (and pay for it) since I haven't shown much interest before. I learned basics from youtube, but no teacher or dance lessons.
I'm not quiet sure if I can still learn and if my parents will let me. Help?

Answer
Hi Ivy. Just go ahead and ask your parents. Aside from you loving ballet, you can tell them it is a great form of exercise and will improve your overall health.  That's if you feel you might have to "sell" it a little.

Starting again at 15, you may not become a professional ballet dancer. But you can still become a good dancer and enjoy learning it.

You can learn tons about the basics of ballet moves if you like at http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

It is quite technical and may explain a lot of what you see and practice from youtube. Yet, it is always best to learn ballet with a teacher.

I hope this goes well for you! All the best, Dianne.