What is the difference between Classical and Modern Ballet?

Question

I wish to learn Ballet professionally but what is the difference between learning professionally and learning Ballet? I am 13 and interested in Ballet,but school is too busy and my parents reject me for Ballet lessons as it is expensive and they think I am too old and cannot dance as good, but surely someone, not a child invented Ballet, right? And she/he is an adult who invented Ballet and must have start Ballet rather old. But I do not understand why adult cannot take Ballet professionally?
] So, I wish to take Ballet when working, about 25+. Is it an good idea. I wish to perform but too late? And why dance? But that just passion. And how can I urged my parents to let me learn Ballet.
Well, actually I am sort of greedy... I want to learn Latin Dance and so many... But I like Ballet Best! And now what is the difference in Classical and Modern Ballet.

Pls help me...from another Ballet-lover in the world!

Answer 1

All right this is long but as you don't accept email here it is.
No, you are not too young. I knew a girl who started when she was 16, albeit she oozed natural ability, but she went on to perform professionally. However, though I don't want to say anything is imposable, the longer you wait the harder it will be unless you are very active in other sports. After about 18, when your body has pretty much stopped growing it will become much harder, as you are training your muscles in a way that is not natural.
Also, how long have you been asking your parents? If you really want it, and if you truly want to be a ballerina learn this lesson now, you have to be PERSISTANT. Continue to bring it up to them once or twice a week. Also, do some research; call around to studios to find out how much it costs, ask if they offer assistance many do, see if your city has a parks and rec program, they often offer low cost dance classes. Don't just ask, SHOW your parents how important this is to you, that it is not just a passing thought.
Did your parents really say they thought you were too old and couldn't dance well? or do you think that is what they think? If your parents are truly that dismissive and unsupportive, start learning how to make things happen for yourself. But if they are supportive but they simply don't understand ballet and your love for it SHOW them how important it is to you and my guess is they will be more receptive and more willing to part with the money.
Also, from one ballet-lover to another, I encourage you to follow your heart and find a way to take class, all kinds of dance classes. Dancing is wonderful for the body, the mind, and the spirit, but just remember, you can love to dance and strive to become great, and be great at it and not pursue a professional career. It is a hard life and you have to not just love to dance but be willing to sacrifice for it, and lord knows you will never be rich. But my mentor once told me, words I live by, "if you want to dance then there is a place for you in the dance world".

Lastly, the difference between classical and modern ballet. There isn't really a "modern ballet" there is Modern dance, such as Martha Gram, Cunningham, and Dunham techniques. In ballet, there are Romantic, Classical, Neo-Classical, and Contemporary Ballet styles, but these are all based on the same basic technique and are more based on the time period, but not a requirement. The easiest way to see the difference is Romantic: long tutus, past the knees, and a story; Ballets include Giselle and Les Sylphides (If you haven’t seen Giselle I highly recommend it, it is the oldest ballet still performed). Classical: short flat tutus (peasant characters excluded) and a story; Most of the story ballets are Classical, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Don Quixote (see it!). If it is a story, it is one of these two. Neo-Classical: leotards and long straight skirts, no definite story but it probably has a theme. Balanchine, this was his baby. Contemporary: anything goes, and Pointe shoes are not a requirement, Lines Ballet Company and Netherlands.
Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Well, I think the difference in classical and modern is this: classical has other combinations in it that someone else thought of and consists of mostly positions, and modern ballet has your own combinations (or your teachers) and has more turns and jumps than positions. I know this from taking both classes, but learn what you want to. i like modern better. good luck with your dilemma and i hope u get to learn ballet cuz it's worth it. i had been doing it for 11 years and i am only 13.

Answer 3

SuperMer gave the perfect answer; I couldn't say it any better myself. If you don't pick her as Best Answer, then she has my vote!

[If folks can't see the names besides the answers, hers is the long and beautiful response; 2nd down.]

P.S. I agree that 13 is not too old to start learning ballet and hope to dance professionally. But if you wait until 25+ or 30+, then you'd be too old to become a professional ballet dancer.

Answer 4

go to the library or rent a video they have beginers classess on video/dvd now.