Career Development Plan - 18 Too Old To Start Professional?

by Laura
(OKC, OK, USA)

Career Development Plan - 18 Too Old To Start Professional?

Hello, I am eighteen and I've never taken professional dance lessons, though through school and other things I've always be exposed to dancing and music. I'm strong, reasonably flexible and thin but I've only just recently discovered a desire to start dancing professionally and get real training. One of my biggest problems though are dance schools are so dead set that you have to begin early that they most don't even offer classes for those under fourteen and those that do won't even let you try. Is it possible and where do I go? Is 18 too old to really start?

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Career Development Plan - 18 Too Old To Start Professional?

Reply by Odette

Hello Laura,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Along with the physical ability, it's absolutely crucial to be mentally prepared for a professional ballet career. It highly depends on your self-motivation to how you succeed in becoming a professional ballet dancer. The Seven Secrets, on the 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page, will give you the key answers of how to thrive in the ballet world.

It is crucial to follow the right steps if you want to become a professional dancer. If you are determined to fulfill your dreams in ballet, then follow the personal development plan which are the gradual stages to becoming a professional dancer.

Dance schools have to begin training their students at an early age in order to build the strength that is needed to become a professional dancer. It takes a lot of committed training in order to become a professional which is why most dancers go to train at vocational dance schools for their early years.

It could prove a challenge to pursue a ballet career at 18, as it is around this age and above when dancers should be trying to get noticed, researching ballet companies, discovering your style and identifying who you are as a dancer. It hugely depend on your current dance ability and the action in which you take to whether you can pursue a professional career in ballet. It is the intense, regular training which is key to building strength and securing the technique of ballet. You would have to find yourself a good quality teacher who is able to push you and support your goals.

I believe dance schools should always offer classes as a hobby because ballet can be enjoyed just as much for pleasure and fun. There are great mental, emotional and physical benefits to achieved from practicing the discipline of ballet.

Many people have turned to ballet as an enjoyable and rewarding form of exercise. This is because it tones and strengthens the body whilst still making it supple and lean. Ballet exercises are valuable to both the mind and the body.

In terms of a hobby, it is never too late for you to take dance. However, renowned choreographers such as Frederick Ashton and Matthew Bourne both began dance training at a later age and still managed to pursue a successful career within the dance world.

I advise you to keep looking to find a friendly and welcoming dance school that will let you take dance classes for the enjoyment. You never know what beginning ballet could lead into the future, so keep persisting and find dance classes that will support your passion.



Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page