Expert: Eden Atencio - 8/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: i am aware that people begin ballroom even at an elderly age...but what is the average age that pro ballroom dancers begin?... would it be unlikely for a 19 year old to begin to aspire to get close to the pro level in 5/6 or even 7 years?

ANSWER: HI!

This is a great question. You can absolutely become a pro ballroom dancer in that amount of time. But you will have to work extremely hard! Here are somethings to work on if you want to reach the top of your game:

-Flexibility:
You can strectch all you want, but if you want to get flexible fast you need to take drastic measures. I recommend Bikram Yoga. The heat will allow you to progress rapidly where you might otherwise be a bit tight.
-Strength Training- for lifts and dips.
- Practice, pracetice practice. You should take classes and dance every day. EVERY DAY. Practice even when you can't get to class. Take ballet in addition to your ballroom training.
-Inspiration- watch competitions and any movies that have dance. Listen to music that inspires you. Put up pictures of Fred and Ginger, or anyone who makes you excited to dance. Take a variety of classes, including Hip Hop or Bellydancing, to challenge yourself.

Good luck, let me know when you go pro!


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you so much for answering my question... i wasn't sure if i would get one at all...
what sort of strengh training would you recommend?
are there any other strectch methods i could do on top of Bikram Yoga or in place of?
ironically i have already begun ballet... hip hop and belly.. (well hip hop and belly sort of just for fun with friends)

Answer
HI!

You should get a personal trainer to advise you on strength exercises, but you'll need a full body workout. Also, a lot of people really like Pilates classes for this. I stand by Bikram as the best, but you can always just stretch on your own or get a friend.

If finance is a factor, then don't forget you can always get books from the library or videos that detail specific exercises! I really like yoga books in particular.

Keep up the good work!