Career Development Plan - Realistic Dreams?

Career Development Plan - Realistic Ballet Dreams?

Dear Odette,

I have wanted to become a professional ballet dancer for a few years and I just started ballet this summer. I live in a very small town so there is only one dance studio in the area. The studio only offers one class for my age. The class is 90 minutes long but I know that is definitely not enough if I want to be a professional. What should I do? I am also not sure if my dreams are realistic. I keep hearing that you have to start ballet at a very young age to be a professional. Since I am starting at 14, is it still possible? My teacher put me in a class with other dancers my age and says I am catching up to the others very quickly, so that gives me a little hope. Are my dreams possible?

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Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - Realistic Dreams?

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

Every ballet dancer has to start somewhere, so even if it is just a dance class at your local ballet school at least it is a start!

I began ballet at the age of 8 at my local dance school. Only two years later, at aged 11, I joined a full-time vocational ballet school to get serious training for the profession.

Whichever age you start to dance, pursuing a professional ballet career is tough. There are so many young talented dancers around the world that want to pursue a profession in dance, so the competition is immensely high.

If you really want to become a professional, then it is the regular and intense training that matters most. Since you have only just began ballet, you need to allow yourself some time to catch up and grasp the basic techniques.

However, you would really need to look into more serious training to become a professional, but you must discuss with your ballet teacher and family first. If you have the potential to become a ballet dancer, then anything could be possible but it all depends on your talent, physique, mind set and circumstances.

I suggest you carefully look through my personal development plan to give you an idea of what it takes to become a professional.

You must reflect to yourself, why do you want to become a professional? Do you truly love dance? Can your family support you? Is there another dance school you can audition to train yet?

There are many factors to take into consideration, but you have to remember ballet CAN be enjoyed just as much as a fulfilling yet still serious hobby.

Best wishes,
Odette

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