Expert: Connie - 12/29/2006

Question
I've been dancing for a few years now but i only have one year of experience in ballet. I absolutly love it. I've been working hard but no matter what i do it seems like my turnout isn't improving and when i work on it i get pain on the inside of my knees, is this something i should be concerned about? I've also know that i started dancing later than many other girls in my ballet classes, is there any hope that i can still be en pointe? I'm already 16 so now i'm worried that im so far behind that i'll never be doing pointe, its not that i don't know what im doing or dont have the ability, but im affraid im not taken seriously in ballet beacause i dont have the experience i have only done one year of training, 2 times a week.

Answer
1) DO NOT FORCE YOUR TURNOUT!  
If your knees hurt in turnout, don't turn out that far.  If your body doesn't have 180 degree turnout, don't push it.  Learn to utilize the turnout that you have as well as you can.   Make sure you're squeezing your butt and holding your stomach when turning out to take the stress on your knees.
2)  As soon as your feet get strong enough you should be able to do pointe.  Talk to your teacher and ask for an estimate of  when you could start and if you need to increase the amount of classes you're taking.
Good Luck!