Career Development Plan - Too Old for a Career?

by Gabrielle
(Holtville, CA US)

Career Development Plan - Too Old for a Career?

Is 19 year old beginning ballet too old for a career? I just entered the wonderfully beautiful world of ballet. I love it and my instructors say I have the perfect body type for it, but I feel a bit intimidated by the younger girls who have been practically breed for this. I know it takes time and dedication but I'm not sure if I will ever be anywhere near as good as the other girls. I'm a cross-country runner and have developed different muscle and there is only one dance studio in my area which doesn't allow me to dedicate as many hours as i would like to dance. 1 hour twice a week doesn't seem enough to me. I would give up everything even if it required me to live in a box, just so that I can dance as much as I would like too. Am I too old too see this as my future? Is there anything I can do to improve myself?


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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - Too Old for a Career?


Hello Gabrielle,

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

Firstly, I have to commend you for your comittement and dedication for dance. It is this passion which is crucial for all dancers. You need to have the drive and focus all the way through to pursue a professional ballet career.

The secret to success is mental discipline as well as physical ability. Along with the three physical secrets, the Seven Secrets, on the 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page, will give you the key answers of how to thrive in the dance world.

Although you have this valuable dedication, there are many other factors that can prevent even full-time training students from having a ballet career.

I want to make you aware of these factors before you try to begin a professional career, as it is this inside knowledge that will help you reach closer towards your goals and ambitions.

There are many other aspects that can interfere with having a career in ballet, such as auditions and whether a ballet company has any contracts available. Or the competition of other dancers and even just knowing the right people to get you recognised in the ballet world.

You have the dedication which is a crucial aspect. If you can commit yourself to full-time training, or go to a vocational dance school then this will give you the best chance of pursuing a career in ballet. However, dancing is a short career and 18 or 19 is the age where dancers aim to get their first job in a company.

I suggest you to keep your options open and have a true talk with your instructor explaining your desires to begin a ballet career. You need the direction and guidance from someone who knows your circumstances to help you decide.

Best Wishes,

Odette

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