Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 8/22/2011

Question
hello, i used to do ballet for about a year until i was 6. i want to get back into it now, but im worried that im not flexible enough and skinny enough. i weigh 110 lbs and im 5"3. is that too fat to start doing ballet again? i am worried about being in a class with lots of other girls that are all much thinner than me, and that makes me weary of starting classes again, esspecially if i have to wear tight leotards and they are much thinner than me. please help me! x

Answer
Hi Clara. 110 lbs and 5'3" is not fat, or too heavy for ballet. Sounds just about right.

Once you get into classes, you will learn stretching exercises and also you'll be exercising so you will probably lose a little weight.

If you feel like you could be a little thinner, diet the healthy way. Just cut out junk foods and desserts, but eat three proper meals a day otherwise. Don't skip breakfast and don't eat packaged foods - they all have extra calories.

Keep focused with the idea that you will look and feel the way you want after starting ballet again. Maybe not right away, but be patient. So it doesn't matter what the other girls look like. Keep your vision strong, that is all that matters for you.

And, above all, enjoy dancing! Regards, Dianne

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/ has lots of articles and exercises you can read about, if you like.