Ballet Exercises- Getting ready for Ballet

by Jeannie
(St Helens, OR)

Ballet Exercises- Getting ready for Ballet

Hi Odette

I have always dreamed of being a ballerina, but there were no classes or schools around where I grew up. I want to start now, but some people say that its to late to start because I'm a teenager and I didn't start when I was a little girl. But I really want to try anyway. Can you give me some tips and exercises to make my body and mind "Ballet Ready."

Sincerely

Jeannie K,

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Reply by Odette
To:- Ballet Exercises- Getting ready for Ballet

Hello Jeannie,
Thanks for your message it's great to hear from you. I know that you mostly read about ballerinas who started training full time when they are 11 or 12, but there are actually many professional ballet dancers who started as late as 13 or 14. Just do some research on ballerinas Misty Copeland and Melissa Hamilton to get some inspiration!

However, the process to become a ballerina is much more intense than what you might expect. There is a lot of time, hard work and dedication that has to be put in for all the hours of training you must do. It is not easy to reach a professional and some would say the chances are very slim. You must be aware of the rigorous process, because it is not easy to reach the level of a professional.

The priority for a young ballet dancer is your training. It is crucial to be getting enough practice to develop yourself as a dancer. To give you an example, I started training at a vocational ballet school when I was 11 years old and continued until I was 18. It was daily training class into more ballet classes, rehearsals, repetoire, character dance, pointe class..... then also school work and academics on top of my ballet training.

There are pages and pages on my website full of exercises and tips, so I suggest you get reading!
Remember, if you want something then you have to reach for it and take action to make it happen.

No one else will do it for you, so use your determination to reach your goals!

Best wishes,
Odette