Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/9/2007

Question
Hi. Thank you for taking the time to read this question. I started ballet a couple of months before I turned 14. I absolutely love it, and have a passion and a talent for it.
Is there a chance of me becoming a professional starting at such a late age?
*Right now I take three classes of ballet a week, one and a half hours each.

Answer
Hi Zoe. Normally, a professional training schedule for ballet is 1-2 classes a day.

I can't see you in class or determine your physical facility for ballet, so I can't say whether you would progress to a professional level or not.

If you live near a professional ballet school that has daily classes for the public, I would consider doing at least a daily class if possible.

I regret sounding pessimistic, but the competition is fierce even within the pro schools that pick students out of thousands at the age of 9-10.

However, everyone is unique and nothing is impossible. Just assess your situation the best you can, get a professional evaluation if you can, and go from there.

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!