Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/6/2011

Question
Hello,
I have been toying with the idea of starting ballet now, sadly I am 15 and I do understand that this is very late, but I was wondering what are some reasonable goals to set for myself. I am 5'5" and 121 pounds, but have very good flexibility and great balance. I am willing to work hard too. My reasons for joining are to increase my physical exercise and it is something I have been wanting to do for some time, but have only recently been seriously considering. I want to know if it is possible to get to en pointe in two years? Or how far along I would be if I still continued through all breaks. I do not think I would not participate in competitions either. Thanks for you time and input!

Georgia

Answer
Hi Georgia. I couldn't tell you at this point if you could get onto pointe in two years. I recommend that when you choose a ballet studio for classes, tell the teacher exactly what your goals are. She/he will tell you how many classes a week she/he thinks you need to get strong enough for pointe.

A teacher may not be able to tell you this until you have done a few months of classes, and your progress can be seen. The important thing is that the studio teachers know that you are aiming high and willing to do the work.

A cross training that is great for ballet is Pilates. This will strengthen your core muscles faster than just doing ballet. After a few classes you will be able to practice at home every day.

To get your feet strengthened faster I recommend The Perfect Pointe Book which you can read more about at

http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com/2011/11/perfect-pointe-book-by-lisa-howell.ht

All the best! Dianne.