Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 2/14/2011

Question
Hi there! a quick question...how many classes a week (and how many hours) should a 14 yr old ballet dancer be taking? I mean, I want to become a ballet teacher when I'm much older, but I want to keep dancing until then because I have a passion for it.
thanks!

Answer
Hi Kira. For most people two to three ballet classes a week would be needed to progress into teaching ballet. You would want a regular class, and a class for syllabus - be it Royal Academy or Cecchetti or Vaganova. Completing one of those systems will qualify you and you will be able to achieve the teaching credentials you need.

If possible it is also good to get some training in a second system, just so you see how it is different, but also how basic ballet technique does not vary that much.

The third class would be a pointe class, when you are ready.

Classes for a serious student would be one and one half hours, an hour for pointe.

This is a general outline, as every individual dancer would adjust it for their own development.

All the best with your dancing!

Regards, Dianne