Career Development Plan - Parents Do Not Allow For Ballet

by Sarah
(Singapore)

Career Development Plan - Parents Do Not Allow For Ballet

Hi Odette, I am 13 years old and I have been taking ballet lessons for the past year. Recently,my ballet teacher has been proposing to extend my weekly lessons to 3-4 times per week and also double the normal duration. She says I have talent and potential and wants me to have all these lessons so in future, I can audition for vocational schools and summer intensives. But my parents do not want me to become a professional dancer but study hard and get good grades and become a doctor/lawyer,which I don't want to become. They are also not in favour of extra classes and are thinking of even cutting out my lessons totally! Help!!! I want to become a dancer/cheorographer but I will never become one if my parents don't allow me to!!!

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Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - Parents Do Not Allow For Ballet

Hello,

Thank you for contacting me, it’s great to hear from you. I absolutely understand your situation and you may be surprised, but I understand your parents too! I know exactly what it’s like to be a young, excited and passionate 13 year old who has the potential to become a professional. I know it’s what you want, but when you’re older you too will understand your parents for wanting you to take a more academic profession. They are looking out for you and what to make sure you will have a stable career to look after yourself when your older.

Honestly, ballet can be a very unsteady career which will throw many ups and downs at you. It won’t earn you near enough the money and stability a career like a doctor/ lawyer will, unless you reach the very top of ballet which is extremely tough to do. Yet if you have the talent for ballet, of course it can be very satisfying and special to do.

If you are intelligent enough to become a doctor/ lawyer it is an impressive career, which may not appeal to you now but it could when you’re older. I don’t want you to think you ‘could’ have become a dancer and always wander what would have happened if you’d pursued a ballet career. Therefore, the decision has to come from you. If your parents absolutely do not approve, it will be tough to change their mind but remember they’re doing what they think is best for you.

I continued with my academics and training seriously in ballet until I was 18. If I had not gained a job in ballet company, the option to apply for university and study was still an option for me. Therefore, this could be similar for you to. As long as you are willing to commit to your academics as well as ballet, you could have a win/win situation. A ballet career does not last forever, so you will always need another career plan after ballet. If you are gifted academically, make sure you continue with the exam and schooling until you absolutely feel clear you’re on the path to pursue a ballet career.

Take a think and keep in touch, let me know what you think.

Best wishes,
Odette