Career Development Plan - Rising Higher in Ballet

by Catherine
(Texas)

Career Development Plan - Rising Higher in Ballet

Hi Odette! I'm only 15, but I'm aspiring to be a professional ballet dancer. My company has a few exceptionally talented dancers, and they are ALWAYS chosen to be soloists and to partner or have lead roles in every performance we do. Do you have any tips on how to get a guest choreographer to notice you? I'd really like to be a soloist next year, but I'm not sure what I should do to get to this position. Are there any exercises I should be doing at home to improve quicker? Also, what kind of a diet should a ballerina have? Thank you so much! Your page has helped me a lot thus far! :)

===========================================

Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - Rising Higher in Ballet

Hi Catherine,
Thank you for your message it's great to hear from you. I'm pleased I can be there to guide you and keep looking through the pages, as there are such hidden gems to always give you advice!

I would say, try to give out the right energy to the guest choreographer. I bet you are all fine dancers and able to master the steps he gives you, but it is sometimes that extra quality or confidence in yourself that helps you stand out.

It is easier said than done, but as soon as you push yourself and go beyond your comfort zone you can rise even higher. So, be attentive and stand near the front when he is teaching you. You can show you are listening and be responsive, so if he asks the dancers to do something then do it straight away.

You have to always be alert for any teacher to take notice of you. Even if you feel unsure or doubtful, try to believe in yourself and go for it.

You must take a look at this page, which reveals the key qualities to stand out as a dancer -

Dancing Ballet - Skills for a Star Dancer

You can always be doing physical exercises at home like pilates or with the use of physical therapy equipment. Yet don't forget the important of your mental ability too.

You can train yourself to think with confidence and belief, which can completely alter your approach in ballet. You will radiate with energy and stand out for the fact you are not afraid to just dance!

I can tell you, the choreographers and directors always love dancers who are able to pick up what they are saying quickly and just go for it no matter what. You can always do MORE!

I hope this helps for now, but keep in touch and I can always be here to give you the top tips.

Also, check out these pages for discussions on a dancer's diet -

Healthy Diet

Dancer's Body

If you type into the search box on my site 'diet', then you will find pages on advice on a dancer's eating plan/ body/ diet.

Best wishes,
Odette