Hey!
It’s jana – thank-you so much! Well do I have advice for you! So you want a story like mine…. late starter, want to be on pointe… Listen to my advice – i’ve been there:

I’m not rich, but I have a home studio. If there is no room for that at your home, clear a space, just for you and PRACTISE EVERY DAY! Find some good music, a good place in your mind and dance, stretch, strengthen, learn evey term in the book. Let it be a big piece of your life. It is so worthwhile. With ballet, I found my place, my harmony.

DON’T EVER judge yourself angainst someone else – it will crush you. Instead, make personal goals. Goals about wieght, touching you toes, going on pointe. You and your teacher can discuss this. You dance for you, so don’t compare yourself because there IS someone who is better and thinner. I was the slower, and yes curvier (at a whopping 113 pounds at 17) in my class. It just goes to show we’re all different. Don’t let weight slow you down. You’re beautiful.

Don’t sweat the loetard. They are fun! And comfortable! I actually have to wear little girl patty-hose because they are the only pink ones I can find. They create roles under my leotard because they are so tight – it drives me mad! it happens to everyone! If you are allowed, wear leg warmers or shorts. I think they help

So you’re practising everyday and you see no progess – DON’T WORRY! when progession hits – it hits hard. It’ll take about 2 months. Don’t get discouraged. After 9 freakin months, I finally touched my toes. You can’t imagine that excitement!
I have my own barre – it was only 50 dollars – but you can use a counter top or stairs – just keep stretching!!!
Everyday – or at least every other day – stretch, practise the basics, then go over everything your class has just learned, then give yourself a free dance. Watch plenty of youtube vidoes and books really do help.

Pointe is really rare to go on early. i’m older and my body was ready. Give yourself a year. You’ll see major progress in 3 or 4 months and you’ll be a ballerina at about 8. Stck to it. I know what that regret feels like – I wish I had started earlier! It is so fun. There is alot of sweat involved though.

In class – stay in the lowest level possible. You would rather be the better one, knowing what’s going on rather than feeling like your slipping behind. Please, please stay in the lower class – dance with the 5 year olds if you have to Can you take individual classes on the side? That would help. And in class – when you push yourself, do it to impress the teacher, NEVER another student! Always focuse on YOUR feet and the teacher – nothing else. I mean, don’t ignore everyong else – just keep your eye and the ball.

Last advice for the moment – (because this got long:) HAVE FUN!!!!
Look, I’m 18, dancing for a year, on pointe for 7 months, and I actually TEACH 3 classes ages 4 – 9. I think I reached my goals. You can do this! Have fun, work hard, and dear lord take care of your body and mind :):)
Have a merry christmas and a WONDERFUL new year!!!
Good luck!!! Hope to hear from you soon!