is 17 too late to be a ballet dancer?

Question

I'm 17 now, and I have been taking ballet for about three months now, and seem to improving really fast. I'm already taking an intermediate class with my beginner's class. people keep saying I have talent, a good jump and nice lines, and I am beyond devoted. I am so obsessed I can't even concentrate in school because I want to dance instead. I practice EVERY day and stretch (I'm not very flexible, but getting better). Is there still a chance for me to become a pro? I know 17 is SUPER late, but It's beyond passion and Nureyev didn't start until he was 17.

Answer 1

Even if you are passionate and work hard it is still VERY hard to become pro...especially starting late! Some ballet dancers that started at a very young age and were very devoted did not make it into companies. There are tons of young and ddicated dancers out there, so the competition is brutal. Keep trying though!
P.S: Nureyev, being a guy didn't need 180 degree extension..it's a lot easier for men ballet dancers to improve then females...in my opinion. Plus, there are far less male ballet dancers while as there are a ton of young, talented ballerinas. Check out the Kirov Academy, SAB, or ABT's school. And ballet is a ton different from other sports by the way. @.@

Answer 2

You'll know the answer once you start progressing beyond simply taking classes and get into performing. If you have been doing other forms of dance since you were younger then maybe you have a legitimate chance. If you're just starting with no dance background I would say your chances are slim.

But here's the thing. If you love dancing, keep doing it until you no longer love it. Even if you never become good enough to dance professionally, you can always do it as a hobby. At the very least you've found a great form of exercise which you really enjoy.

Answer 3

Having grown up around dance studios, being a dance instructor and a choreographer, as well as dancing most of my life I can tell you that no it is not too late. One advantage you have on your side is that your feet are no longer growing at the rate that some of your younger dancemates are. Continue to practice, continued to work on your flexibility, but also know your limitations so you don't over extend yourself. If you plan to go pro, finish school. Know that college may be a better break in on the theatrical arts and professional dancing than coming in off the streets. More importantly, don't let anyone tell you that you can't dream. Good luck!

Answer 4

I am also seventeen and started ballet last year. I don't want to become professional in ballet but modern would be nice. I take ballet for the technique and grace. If you want to become a pro in ballet then you need to learn pointe and you are too old for that. If you love dancing that much then go to a college and major in dance. Don't throw away your studies. You can still became a dancer but it might not be in ballet. If you do join a company then you are a professional dancer but if its not ballet don't fret. If you love dance as much as you say you do then doing anything dance related should make you happy. Good luck in whatever you do.

Answer 5

To be professional ballet dancer....yes it's too late. But that doesn't mean you can't be a "company" dancer with the company you take lessons from....you may even be able to teach actual classes for your company when you reach the advanced level. Ballet takes years to learn....and unfortunately you've started VERY late in the game! Good luck and just enjoy dancing!

Answer 6

that's great that you love it so much, but don't let it interfere with your school work. most dancers start when they're much younger, and the chances of becoming a professional dancer with a successful career are slim to none even if you've been dancing since before you could talk. keep up with your classes, but keep focused in other things too, so that you can have something else to lean on after ballet.

Answer 7

It's never too late to follow your dream!
I have a friend in her mid-30's and she is still dancing!
She takes classes every chance she can get.

Importantly-- she finished school, put herself through college,
take dance in college, and earned her degree, and joined a soriety!

She joined a dance troop and danced her way accross Russia with them. She fell in love with travel along with dance, and now she is an airline attendent, and wherever she travels, she will take a ballet class from some master teacher!!!

So, stretch, take your classes, go to school.
YOU are young, vibrant, and have your entire life ahead of you!
Study Ballet, take classes, dance, and learn about the history of ballet, and who famous dancer are. Go to the ballet.

Talk to your ballet instructor!
Go out of your own town and take Ballet classes out of your comfort zone.

Dance is an important part of who you are, but there are many facets to you. YOU are just now embracing one of them

I say DANCE & DO GO TO SCHOOL-- study what you are in love with and learn as much as you can.

My friend is so talented, she can open her own studio.....if she believed in herself enough! (lot's of competition out there!)

You can always be involved in Ballet one way or another, dancing, designing, or teaching. Think of the wide open world of choices in the arena!

Answer 8

The reason for getting you young is that you can work on the flexibility issue and keep yourelf supple to do some of those
jumps and moves, but it is not SUPER late

Answer 9

It's NEVER too late. I became a classical musician at 15 and still went to college for it - everyone else started when they were 5!

Answer 10

Depends on your anatomy, heredity, and of course nutrition. It's a demanding physical strain. But, anything with a proper approach, dedication, and care, can be done. Most dancers stop pretty early on. By their twenties or so they've pretty much run their course.