The Young Ballet Dancer's Guide

By Odette, (Ballet Dancer's Guide author, former Principle for the National Youth Ballet, BAFTA winning performer)

Discover On Ballet Dancer's Guide

Within this ballet dancer's guide, you will soon discover being a ballet dancer is doable for you if you have the right tools in your locker.  It demands a lot of determination, hard work and commitment, but learn how to think differently about each hurdle in your way and you will have an advantage on your opposition.

To progress through any level in ballet you need the right skills and work ethic to improve. You need inside knowledge and guidance. That's where this website can help.

• The 7 secrets of success in ballet
• "Top tips" on auditions
  
• How to manage your pointe shoes
• Which are the perfect Ballet Pointe Shoes for you?
• Legendary ballerinas and what to learn from them
• Top ballet companies
• How to find pointe shoes for you

and many other tips to improve, progress and flourish as a dancer.

Ballet Passion is Key

Since my first few ballet classes in the studio, I have always remembered the enjoyment it brings. Having a passion for ballet is so important for ballet dancers.

I had many thoughts that one day I would love to dance on stage and be a professional. And, I did it, performing around the world and fulfilling my passion.

The legendary dancer Martha Graham once quoted, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

This is absolutely true. It's not easy to become a dancer and as soon as you start to loose the passion, it's almost impossible to keep being a great dancer. 

You will soon learn how fascinating the dance world is. You will see that ballet dancers are one of a kind.  In one sense, the outside world, they are are glamorous, athletic, powerful, and successful.  They did this against the odds.  They are the ones that made it against unbelievably high odds against them.

They have to be resilient to the gilded cage they are in, the all powerful and egotistical directors, the endless injury issues, the non-stop training, the lack of freedom.

They really have to love what they do, have lucky genes, have dedication to use those genes and above all, an unbreakable will.

So, let me help you discover and share my passion with you too. Whether you dance just for fun, or dreaming for more, you can reach your potential and become a better dancer.