Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 12/31/2007

Question
Dear Ms.Buxton,
Now i'm 15 years olds. I never attend a class of ballet but I really love it. Is it too late for me to start? In my country ballet isnt even cared and of course there are very few classes. I know a good book named: Ballet for beginners. do you know where i can download it from the in ternet because in my country it isnt sold. thanks a lot.

Answer
Hello. Thu. First of all, go to http://www.balletshoesand pointeshoes.blogspot.com. There is, down the left hand side, under "interesting links", you'll see Ballet Schools Around The World. See if that helps you at all.

Also, scroll up on that page you'll see a "Get The Perfect Pointe Book". I recommend this book to all dance students, as it gives all the basic routines for strengthening feet, turn out, posture and much much more. The author is a dance medicine specialist, also a former dancer. Even if you never intend to go as far as pointe work, this is a wonderful manual with photos, anatomical explanations and charts for you to do exercises and record your progress - and more. It is 118 pages and the author asks $47.77 US $. I personally consider it the equivalent of a college textbook. And I do not know of a better book that is available for download at this time.

I hope that wherever you are (Vietnam?) you find a ballet class. 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!