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

Question
So it appears that I will have a good chance of getting my question answered here.
I have read other questions regarding a professional career and having a late start but I was hoping I could get an answer more tailored to my situation.
I started ballet at 13. I am currently 16 and about to start my first year on pointe and my first year as a member of the performing company at my studio. In the past I've had a schedule of classes twice a week. For summer this year I will be taking class 4 days a week. I'm not sure what my schedule for the school year will be though.
Do you think it is possible for me to have a successful dance career? I know it will be harder for me to "make it" but I am willing to do the work required. Ballet is my passion and I would love to make it my career.
Thanks. :)

Answer
Hi Emily. While I cannot see you dance and give any opinion as to whether you could make the professional grade or not, I will try to help you see it for yourself. Here are some professionally trained 14-17 yr old dance students, who will be able to get a job in a world class ballet company:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=National+Ballet+School+of+Canada

This play list includes other schools as well. Compare the ability and technique to the students at your school/company and you will see how your abilities match. Bear in mind that these students have had 6-10 classes a week with world class teachers since they were 9-10 yrs old - so don't get self-critical!(I know, dancers specialize in that!).

While it may not be possible for you to train well enough to get into the top world ballet companies, perhaps you would qualify for a smaller/regional company. Look at as many as you can on line.

Consider a summer intensive next year at a major school, to work in a professional training schedule.

Consider a  BFA program where you will train and perform through your college years, and be able to go on to dance history, criticism or teaching when you can no longer perform. Or, you could enter B.Sc. program in dance that will proceed to dance medicine/physical therapy as a specialty for after you stop dancing. In the meantime, you will be dancing!

So you see, even if you cannot have the career that a dancer with 8-10 years of intense training can have, there is much to do in the world of ballet! Since you are so drawn to ballet, you must believe that you have a special gift to offer the dance world, in one way or another. Keep your personal vision alert and wide, and your adventures in dance may be amazing!

If you want to learn technical details to improve in ballet read some posts at http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

All the best, Dianne.