Career Development Plan - Choosing a studio

Career Development Plan - Choosing a studio

My names Franchezka and I want to go en pointe
I'm 10 and it is my dream to compete in the Youth American Grand Prix, to be part of a ballet company.

I have a strong, stable demi pointe, and a good arch.

I only have 1 problem. I'm only just restarting ballet.

I started ballet at around 3, and quit when I was 8 due to me moving house. I was on ballet grade 2 and got a distinction in all the exams.

I went to another dance studio from age 8 to 9, but I dont think my teacher knew how important ballet was to me and never let me do what I was capable of. She asked for an example of a piroutte, so I did a trile one, then got told off for showing off. Thats when I quit studio number 2.

Almost immediatly after quiting,my mum called another dance studio to see if they had ballet lessons. They did, and I went down for a taster lesson.

This new teacher pushed me harder, and said it would be possible for me to skip level 3 all together, but I ended up not being able to go due to my mum losing her job.

She got a new job, and I got accepted for a competitve dance team. I took the opportunity, but they didn't offer ballet, so I quit.

Now I love ballet like someone might love their own child, and I am probably physically and mentally capable, but I am worried that I wont be good enough for the YAGP (youth american grand prix)

Can you please respond? Its not much of a question, but yeah, thanks

Franchezka x

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Reply by Odette
To: - Career Development Plan - Choosing a studio

Hello Franchezka,
Thanks for your message, I'm glad you contacted me and found my website - I have tons of advice to share so you must keep in touch!

Firstly, I have a precious guide called 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' which will give you the opportunity to grow and help transform your outlook in ballet. What's more is you can have this for free! So if you haven't already, then just subscribe and enter your email here (it's all safe don't worry), then you will receive your Seven Secrets and weekly emails full of advice from me!

It's sounds like you've been on an up and down journey with ballet so far, which is most like every single dancer out there. I started ballet when I was 4, then quit, and started again when I was 8 years old. I've gone to many different dance schools in my training and it's not been an easy ride to reach my goals.

What you need to do is take action now and become the one who believes they have the skill, knowledge and talent to reach your ambitions. I can help you with this, not only with the hundreds of pages on my website, but mainly with my new eBook
"7 Virtues of a Professional Ballet Dancer".

The 7 Virtues in my eBook will prepare you for every possibility you come across in ballet, but most importantly get you ready in every aspect you need now sooner rather than later. If you want to enter something like YAGP, you don't just need to be technically up to standard but also believe in yourself that you can. If you are having doubts or feel you're not good enough, then "Virtue 4: Mentality is the one for you.

I suggest you take some time now to brainstorm your options of where you could study, as well as what's realistic for your family and circumstances. There are many factors to take into consideration when you want to take ballet seriously, so if you still feel unsure or uncertain then look at other professional dancers like Melissa Hamilton to give you inspiration.

Please keep in touch and don't be shy - I love to hear from you!

Best wishes,
Odette