Career Development Plan - Summer Ballet Intensive Programs

by Lianna
(Colorado)

Career Development Plan - Summer Ballet Intensive Programs

Hi Odette,
I love dancing and really want to pursue it further from my two classes a week, but I doubt my parents will let me attend a dance school. I was thinking of doing a summer intensive program, but I dont know a lot about them so I'm a bit nervous to try to ask my parents to sign me up for one (most likely next year since the auditions will be held in a couple weeks). Also, I was thinking that instead of attending a ballet school, I could use this to extend my skills because I'm still unsure if I want to do ballet professionally, but just in case, I wanted to consider this to help if I decide i want to become a professional. I just dont know what to expect and am a little afraid to travel outside of my comfort zone and out of my regular studio. I also dont know if it will be a shorter and smaller equivalent to a ballet school because I want to be able to experience ballet in a "ballet school" type of environment. Thank you for yor advice.
-Lianna

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Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - Summer Ballet Intensive Programs

Hello Lianna,
Thank you for contacting me, it's great to hear from you. I can understand you are unsure about whether to pursue a professional. It's a choice you have to make so young with lots to take into consideration, so it's natural you are feeling this way at the moment.

I think often the case is that dancers will say ballet chooses them more than anything else. You absolutely have to be determined and believe in what you want to do, but there are tons of young dancers who wish to become a dancer and not everyone can get that chance. Whether it is to do with your family, location or circumstances there are lots of factors that can help or hinder what you want to do.

Yet once you make that choice, you have to go for it with your full heart and know you did your best to make it possible. No dancer can easily become a professional, it takes extreme hard work and a strong mentality to never give up.

I think a summer intensive is a brilliant idea for you at this stage. It will give you a chance to see what it's like training more intensely and perhaps a feeling to whether you like it or not.

Don't be nervous to talk to your parents, because they are the ones who can support you. It's always good to have your family there for you, so let them help your thoughts.

I'm always here to help too, so keep in touch!

Best wishes,
Odette