Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 8/31/2007

Question
Hey!
I studied ballet when i was 3, then quit at 7. I am now 13 and am starting again, but i don't remember anything from when i was younger, so that's no use. I enjoy dance so much, and want my career to be all about it. Teacer/Agency whatever. The only thing is i keep getting worried that i'm too old to start and then to make it into a profession?
Am i? Also how many years will it take me to get onto pointe roughly? Thank you !
Clarissa xx

Answer
Hi Clarissa-Ann. Your first project now is to find the best teacher in your area. http://www.theballetstore.com and http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com are 2 sites that have a wealth of articles about technique, and finding the right teacher.

Your progress at this point will depend on how many classes a week you can do, on your ability to work, and natural talent.  Also how well you eat will influence how you develop muscles strength. Sugar makes muscles weak and contributes to inflammation. You can read from several of my other answers on this site what a good diet is.

You can study for a  couple of years and ask your teacher how well you are doing. If it is too late for you to dance ballet professionally, there are excellent teacher training courses at most professional ballet schools. They are offered for post-secondary dancers. University programs don't seem to be as good for teacher training as the professional schools. Some dancers get a dance degree, and then go on to a two or three year teacher training program at a ballet school.

Teaching is a vocation, and if it is your vocation, you can start assisting a teacher and learning to teach while you are an advanced student. That is how some dancers pay for their classes, and you will learn how a class is structured and how to correct students properly.

If it becomes a toss up between and RAD and a Cecchetti oriented school, I would choose Cechetti. It is more related to professional techniques that RAD.

Pointe work can be done when you are strong enough. Your teacher will have to decide that at the time.

There is always a way to make something happen!

All the best with your plans! 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!