Career Development Plan - Too late to think about professional ballet?

by Victoria
(California)

Career Development Plan - Too late to think about professional ballet?

Hi Odette,
My name is Victoria and I'm 12 years old. I long to be in a professional company some day but I come from a small town with only recreational dance studios. The director of my studio is amazing! But it doesn't have a preprofessional divison. I'm going en pointe after nutcracker(so in January). Twelve seems kind of old to begin pointe and ill be thirteen in February so what I'm wondering is, is it too late to think about dancing professionally? I know I can't possibly be the only girl with this on her mind... I obsess over ballet and I can't possibly imagine not dancing but I know that I will be considered a late starter. What do you think?


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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - Too late to think about professional ballet?

Hi Victoria,
Thanks for your message it is great to hear from you. I only began training seriously when I was 11, as well as just starting pointe. Before, I was taking local dance classes from the age of 8. This is just my example, but there are many dancers that have started at all different ages and some even as late as 16, so I think if you have the right facility for ballet as well as a good teacher then you can definitely still aim to dance professionally.

I would say you are still considered young for a chance to become a professional, but it will now depend on your training and how you progress through the years.

It is really important to have a good teacher and a place that believes in your potential. You don't always need to train at a top ballet school, but the more regular and intense training you can get is what's crucial.

Best wishes,
Odette