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Ballet/Starting ballet...

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Expert: - 10/23/2007


Question
I am 15 and have taken jazz classes for about five years, and I've also done a year or so of contemporary and other styles, including some ballet, but I was wondering how long you think it would take me to get up to pointe standard if I started some ballet classes? I am also a gymnast and trampolinist, so I am quite flexible and I have strong legs.  (And my jazz teacher says I pick up the steps really quickly as well). Can you help me out?

Answer
It seems like you'll probably be able to start pointe pretty soon, especially if you are getting the best training you possibly can.  Do some research and see if you can find a teacher with professional dancing experience who has studied dance teaching.
You'll have to make sure your ballet technique is strong enough to begin pointe, so the better your teacher the quicker your technique will get stronger.
Hope this helps! =]

Ballet

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Connie

Expertise

I can answer lots about ballet, specifically the Vaganova syllabus. I'm still training, but both my parents were professional dancers, so most answers will be coming from them, not me. :) They're the experts. Obviously, questions about difficult technique, etc, would be better answered with someone else, but if you're just becoming interested in dancing, or are having problems with basic steps, like pirouettes or plies, then I may be able to help

Experience

I've seen ballet since the age of 0, because of my parents, and I am training to become a professional dancer now.

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School.

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