The Ballet Bible
Discover the Secrets to Conquering Some of The Most Common Pitfalls You Face When Learning Ballet
Late starter -Can I ever be good?Hi everyone, Im looking to start ballet but Im a very late starter (just about to turn 19). Obviously I know theres no chance of being a professional, and I dont think Im cut out for the life anyway(performances stress me out!!), but I want to be good at ballet, not just mediocre. I have a musical background (piano and violin from 5 years old) and Ive always loved dance, but the terrible thing is that I was always too self conscious to take classes! Basically I felt like everyone else had been doing it for ages and I felt too fat!! Now I realize that Ive just got to go for it while I can, and I guess Im just asking if you think I could be good. Ive been doing pilates and yoga and also sheilas kellys s factor (look it up if you dont know what it is NB im not advertising!!) for a couple of years so Im quite strong like that, and I have excellent posture (people in the business have asked if Im a dancer because of the way I walk). Once I know the exercises I will practise every day without fail, the same as professionals do - I put my all into everything I do. I just couldnt bear it if I worked and worked with no hope of ever being any good, even if no one ever sees me dance. Anyone know what I mean? Anyway, if you think its worth it, Ill buy the ballet bible and practise as much as I can while Im away travelling, and then start classes at university. I know other dance forms are easier to learn and you can start much later, but Ive tried several, for example bellydance, and they just dont seem to be expressive enough. Im not really emotional in public, but I watched romeo and juliet with tamara rojo and carlos acosta (the first ballet ive seen) and it moved me to tears! Since then Ive been addicted and its practically all I can think about! Please tell me what you think, and Im really sorry this got so long!! Thanks so much! Helena December 31, 2007 | In Questions |9 Comments »RSS feed for comments on this post. Leave a comment |
|
This is almost exactly like what I am going through!!! I am 14 though!!!!
I need advice for this too!!!!
Comment by Jessica — October 1, 2009 #
Well, I’m WAY younger than both of you but I have been doing ballet since I was 2 and i am in a pre professional ballet class. What you need to do is pay attention! One time there was a new girl in my class and she never payed attention and messed up at the recital. So, pay attention to your teachers instructions. Stretch before class starts or take a nap to get you warmed up. Make sure to make friends in your class because I once had a class where I had no friends and I kept messing up because I was always sad about having no one to hang out with. But still, talk to ballet friends before and after class! Ask some of the girls for tips. Making friends can also help you a lot since you are a beginner. Ask the friend you trust most. If they can help you, you will soon become a great dancer! Keeo dancing!
Comment by girl-you-dont-know — October 3, 2009 #
Im 19 and I started ballet just before I turned 18, so very much in your situation. But it really is true about practice and listening. Youre teacher will help you to be the best you can be and will constantly encourage you. I know Im not as good as the other girls, but there are some sections of dances we do where Im no longer hidden at the back. Practice does make perfect, so go for it. Ballet really does express so much emotion
Comment by kate — December 3, 2009 #
well, i have started ballet at 20!! i am 26 now, i am extremely flexible, and strong on pointe, i can do 20 fouetes al together very well, and is one of the best in my class.. and i can be better if i focus more and do more:) NEVER say NEVER!!!
Comment by Apollina — December 15, 2009 #
i am in a similar situaition im 13 and started just this summer but already im moving into ballet 2 so dont worry you can advance really quickly and its really worth it to keep your body healthy!
Comment by carley — December 21, 2009 #
well, i started ballet when i was 6, but until my age is 7, i stopped ballet. when im in 11 years old, suddenly, i want to start dancing ballet again. im a beginner just like you. in the first time i come to my ballet school, my teacher said, that im not flexible yet. im a little bit sad when my teacher said that. so, before the class start, i try to stretch, so, i wont make my teacher sad again. and, when the class start, im starting to be flexible! so, what do you need, is stretch before the class start. that will make you more flexible.. dont give up! there are not such thing as “late” in study..
Comment by Mimi — December 30, 2009 #
Personally, I think ballet is a great way to exercise, and a fun hobby. Good for you for wanting to take up ballet! Anything can happen, and never give up! Trust me, i did, and i am on a lower level. Good Luck!
Comment by Melissa — January 2, 2010 #
Hello:* Yes, you can! I’m 16 and I just started ballet this year. I’ve always been told that I was too old for ballet..ever since I was 10. I’ve recently found out that there is no age for ballet. As long as you strongly wish to do it, you have to do it and no one would ever stop you from becoming a good dancer.I promised myself that I will not quit ballet until I’m pleased with myself and until I think I have performed everything that was needed. I was kinda asking myself the same thing. Will I ever be good enough? In ballet, you’re never good enough. Yes, but will I be at the same level as the best in my school (I’m talking about the girls in the 5th year, ’cause they’re the best). I was told that I already am.. I don’t really believe that..since I’m not as flexible as they are. But the people that had always said that I was not good enough and that I was too old have now said that I’m better than all the girls there.
Taking into consideration that you have a great will to do it, you will do it properly and you will be good at it. You must know that ballet means hard work and determination .. but as long as you put your heart into it, it will seem easier than it actually is. “If ballet were easy, they’d call it football”(that’s what a ballerina friend with a 9 years experience in ballet told me). Never give up ! You can and you will do it. No matter what others thing, if you really want something and if you really thing you’ll get that something, then you will.
You’ve also told me that you’ve been in contact with music almost all your life.. that you’re flexible..
What a good ballerina needs? An ear for music, balance, flexibility and grace. :* Good luck in developing those!
Comment by Iustina — January 2, 2010 #
Well, I just started ballet this year and I went straight to pointe. I do recommend ankle strenghtening though. Try a class, if you don’t like it- try private lessons!
Comment by Maura — January 18, 2010 #