Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/8/2007

Question
Hi, my name is Jessica and I was wondering if 20 years old was to late to start ballet. I have never taken a dance class before but taught myself a lot of things at home. I have always loved ballet, and I've always been told by family that I couldn't do it because I was too old. So I was just wondering, how old is too old to start ballet/ I love dance, and really would love to do it as a profession but I'm just afraid it's too late. Thank you,
Jessica

Answer
Hi Jessica. Here's the statistics: pro dancers usually start around the age of nine.

The exceptionally gifted can start later - around 12 or 13. Ballet is pretty tough, takes a lot of years to learn, and the average age for entering a professional dance company is 18.

I have always suspected that the majority of audience members who attend ballet regularly are dancing right along in their mind and heart. They can actually feel it, right along with the performer. And the best performers cause the watchers to feel it even more. That's why they are the best.

A rapport is set up this way that just can't be beat. It's a unity of consciousness. Please don't think I'm getting way out here. I'm actually not. Art is a unifying experience. And you have the ballet bug, it's contagious.

My thoughts are this. You are about ten years behind the usual training stage. It would seem out of the question. But there is a reason that you are attracted to ballet and have thoughts of doing it.

Could it be that you have talent for performing in a different, less physical performing art? Or a love for the art that could develop you into a brilliant dance company manager? I don't know, but you will come to know what this is all about.

Just think about this. You have an intense feeling for ballet, you can teach yourself things at home, so you are self-motivated and hard-working it seems. Those are exceptional qualities. Try to envision where that could take you.

I hope this makes some sense. All the best, Dianne

A brief follow up - I've recommended to almost everyone to read my articles and blog entries at http://www.theballetstore.com You have to create a user name to log in to see all the blog entries - your privacy is safe! I really apologize that I didn't tell you this - I'm not a technical person!