Body type for ballerinas????

Question

What kind of body type are for ballet dancers? and which is better? does it really matter what body type you are?

from mi friend's mother, I heard that the ppl with a 'certain body type' who aren't skinny and tall shouldn't dance because it'll be a waste of time because American Ballet Theatre I think only accepts the tall and skinny w/ barely any muscles to join their ballet (I am the more muscular but short person)

Answer 1

You have an advantage if you are short, below 5'8. You have an advantage if you have long legs. Yeah, thin is good.

Answer 2

No it doesn't matter in my opinion. I'm a teacher for the first year to highschool students this year and it bugs me so much when these girls tell me, "I can't do ballet I'm too fat." I wouldn't reccomend that they join a professional dance company right away but if you want to take ballet lessons you can be any body type. There are things you want to strive for such as: strength in the back muscles, quadracepts, ankles, and abs, flexibility and the legs, stomach and back, and good balance and turn-out in the thighs. But these are things that you learn and attain, not many people are born this way and stay like that their whole lives unless they do ballet and keep it up. If you enjoy ballet and want to pursue it then don't worry about your body type, just go for it and work as hard as you can. Different companies look for different body types, such as Alonzo King's LINES ballet consists of mostly tall thin framed dancers, however some companies prefer shorter and more muscular dancers. There is a place for everyone, so don't worry about it too much. Just focuse on your technique and artistic creativity and you'll do great.

Answer 3

The ideal body type for a ballerina or male ballet dancer is: a good natural turn-out from the hips (you can turn your toes out to the side, while keeping your knees and toes alligned), a high leg extension (being able to raise your leg high -to the front, side and back- without raising your hip up), and extreme flexibility (especially in your spine).

Aesthetically, ballerinas often feel pressure to be very thin. Many ballet companies prefer their females to be shorter than 5'7" and weigh less than 115 lbs. This is usually so that the female is shorter than the male while she is "en pointe" and so that she is light enough for him to do the many intricate lifts that ballet involves.

BTW- Your friend's mom is likely right about ABT. They are very, very strict. This doesn't mean, however, that it's impossible for you to dance professionally.

Answer 4

You may not be suited for the American ballet, but remember that ballet is INTERNATIONAL - explore the requirements elsewhere in the world and dont give up on your dreams.

Also be prepared for the unusual - there are career choices to be made - it may not be mainstream ballet, but you may be a specialist balletist that performs in an acrobatic troupe or something like that.

Answer 5

If you start ballet when u small u develope lots of muscells and are normally skinny, also your but is flat, flat chested, feet are turned out easily....it definatly helps having a ballet dancer body cause its easier bt u can still dance profesionally with a different body type i do ballet but i definatly do not hav a ballet dancer body

Answer 6

yes a lot of professional ballet companies such as ABT need you to have the ideal ballerina look. its not only for looks though. if your lighter than its easier for men to pick you up. but there are soo many people who dance and are amazing at it and that dont have this body image. you can still dance, and love to dance, without being professional. so it doesnt really matter until you are really, really, serious about becomming pro. and if you are really good at it, theyll accept you no matter what you look like!

Answer 7

Even though most ballerinas are slim, quite tall and basically flat sort of like models. I think that ballerinas can be any size as long as they have very strong leg muscles to support thir body weight when they do spins and balances. I learned how to ballet dance and I'm quite slim but I ain't flat. I have strong leg muscles so when I dance now I can stay balanced and not injure myself. But I know ballerinas who are quite large and they're really good at it, so it doesn't matter.

Answer 8

I don't think there are hard and fast rules about that anymore. I think that dance has become more of an art form and that anyone who can do it, should.
Don't ever limit yourself. It's better to try and fail than never know what could have been. And what if you're good?
Your body will change as you learn and practice. Before you know it, you will have the body type.

Answer 9

My co-workers daughter has been in ballet since she was 3 and is now in a college ballet group. She is short (5'3") and very thin. I have never seen a ballerina with any fat on her and most seem to have very small chests.

Answer 10

I hate this! If you want to dance and really dance pro, than do it! Yes most companies have a weight requirement but this is the reason most dancers have eating disorders. The best thing you can do is study your craft. Some people have gone on to have great careers that are not skinny in any way shape or form but because the are great at their craft they succeed. (Mia Michaels) Please don't focus on weight, focus on the dance and find a company that fits you. Trust me I know about dancing and eating disorders. It almost ruined my life.

Answer 11

well if you really like to do ballet and will work hard for it then it doesnt matter what body you have.

but if your really want to know what is the best body type for ballet then:not very fat,long legs,no big feet