Career Development Plan - Never Danced, But Want To Become Professional?

Career Development Plan - Never Danced, But Want To Become Professional?

"I have never danced and I am 13 but I want to go pro, will this ever happen? Are their professionals that started late?"

I am 13 years old and one day I woke up and decided I wanted to do ballet. I have been inspired by musicals and movies. I did ballet when I was four. This didn't last very long. I have also done gymnastics for a year when I was 7 or 8. Will this give me a better advantage of becoming a better ballerina because I have had a little bit of experience?
I was very flexible then and I miss that.
I have decided I would really love to become a professional ballerina. Should I give up on my dream?
I have heard that some professionals started late as well at my age, is this true? Some people say you have to start at 8 years old and you would get pointe shoes at my age. If I work hard do you think I could get pointe shoes in a couple of years, 3 maybe?
I really want to become a professional but I'm scared that my dreams will be crushed. :(


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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - Never Danced, But Want To Become Professional?

Hello,

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

Firstly, yes it will help that you did both gymnastics and ballet when you were younger.

I wouldn't give up on your dream yet. I believe it is best to give something a go, as oppose to give up before trying. What you will have to do it "'take action"and follow the right steps. Find a good dance school and take lessons in not just ballet, but other styles too such as jazz or contemporary.

There is no fixed age of when you need to start ballet, however dancers who want to become a professional have to commit to a more rigorous training schedule than those who do it for a hobby. Many dancers start their professional training at a later age. I have known of dancers who train within their hometown until the age of 16 and then move to a vocational school to pursue a career in ballet.

As for pointe shoes, I wouldn't worry about them yet until you have a strong technique in ballet. To be ready for pointe work, you have to study ballet for a sufficient amount of time before you are strong enough to get pointe shoes.

If you are determined to fulfill your dreams in ballet, then firstly take a look at the personal development plan which are the gradual stages to becoming a professional dancer.

All the best,

Odette

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