Too old for ballet?

[an onlooker]

SarahJojo wrote:

Neither of these are my names, I never use my real name on the internet.I'm sorry I forgot I had used Jojo on this site:)I have another question, How can I skip a grade in the future? I'd prefer to be in a grade with people my age(Im sure everyone does who starts late) I just want to get very good at dance so I can buy nice body suits and pointe shoes etc. and to dance beautifully in them to. I just want to catch up and be a good dancer....so how can I skip?

It might help if you can get a few private lessons from your teacher and do summer intensives. You don't want to skip without being able to do the stronger work. It still is up to you teacher in the end.

[SarahJojo]

I would just like to thank everyone who responded to my posts, it is much appreciated. The first time I saw that someone wrote back I was like "wow someone I dont even know wants to help me" and I hope to continue posting more comments and I hope you will post back:)

[Dancer]

SarahJojo

I also do not use my name on the internet. I would like to say that this is a very smart idea. Good job for having a good approach to internet safety.

You really need to talk to your teacher about what you can do to improve. Talk to her about what you want to get out of her ballet class, maybe ask her if you can try a harder grade.

Good luck

[missing dance]

I started dancing in high school and found that I had a natural talent and fell in love with taking classes and performing. I then went on to majoring in dance in college. I studied ballet and modern and excelled in both. I've been out of school now for three years and have not been taking classes. I miss it so much and use to dance almost every day. Why is it that I have not gone back to something I loved to so much and was good at? If you have left dance for a period of time and came back to it, please tell me of your experiences..why am I so afraid to return to dance??

[Combat Dance]

Here is a good butterfly stretch tutorial. Helps a lot with other stretches that help it as well.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch...

[ana]

hi, I wanna start dancing but I think I am way old for that, (I'm 20). so what do you guys think I sholud do. please be homest, thanks

[Dianbee]

Hi Ana. Read my articles at http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot... . I have lots of advice for dancers who start later, and you CAN DO IT! There is no reason not too unless you have a medical condition that limits you. Cheers!

[Dianbee]

No one is too old to start ballet - they just have to find the right class! Some studios have classes for older beginners and some don't. Just call around. Ballet is wonderful at any age if taught properly.

[SarahJojo]

Guess what! Because of everyones kind advice....I am skipping to grade 6 ballet, I am skipping three levels and im going into intermediate foundation..., which is where all the VERY good dancers go. You have to be asked to join that class! Thank-you to everyone that helped me reach my goal, I am so excited!

[danceftl]

Ok am i the oldest one here? Im 35 and my dream is to do the splits and one day learn pointe. Is it too late for me. Im taking begginning ballet but too ashamed to share how discouraged i feel becuase of my age. I've always loved to dance and ballet is just one of the most beautiful expressions of dance.

[danceftl]

and almost no flexibility anymore

[SarahJojo]

Is there any practicing methods I can use to get better? Because I am skipping 3 grades and grade 6 is much harder than 3, I am going to be very embarassed and bad on my first day of grade 6...but is there anything I can do to become better faster?? Thank-you everyone:D

[JGC]

i started ballet age 12 and am now nearly 19. i did gym when i was little and could never do the splits - am even worse at them now - any hope for me?

[JGC]

Also, my turnout is rubbish... anything i can do other than frogs legs etc?

[david2189]

Hi guys, im a 19 year old guy and ive always wanted to do ballet, why? i really dont know ive always had the urge too! I'm thin, well shaped and very flexible so i think i'd be perfect. but as everyone else is thinking here, am i too old and what would the other people there think of me =x

id really like some other peoples thoughts on this

ps. ive looked into lessons and as i work in london near liverpool st ive decided to get in touch with central school of ballet near farringdon, has anyone had any experience with these?

[Dianbee]

Starting later means finding the right studio - and enjoying it!

Re: the splits there is an article or two at http://www.theballetstore.com about stretching for the splits. They will help.

[Bri]

Im 15 and did ballet when I was much younger, when it "wasn't cool." I regret quitting and really want to start, but I think/thought I was too old. Everyone's posts about starting eveb later than I makes me think otherwise and gives me hope!!! I hope I can find a studio and become a fellow ballerina!

[Amber]

Hi Maple or anyone in the Denver, CO area. I would really like to get back into ballet and was wondering which studio you are going to? I've taken some ballet lessons when young and a semester in college. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!
lochness1978@hotmailcom

[Caroline]

No, 35 is not too old! You're never too old to dance :O) Also, your goals are well within reach. I read of a 50 year old woman (in great shape of course lol) who went en pointe for the first time at 50. So, go for it, but get trained professionally and watched carefully as our bodies aren't the same as they were when we were 18 or 20, they loose the flexibility of tendons and muscles and our joints creek and crack a bit more LOL. I'm almost 28 and I'll be starting ballet soon again. Did it when I was about 7 or 8 for a year. I have goals just like you, and I mean to get there no matter what or at least try really hard and get close to my goal. It's just a lot of fun though, enjoy it!