I think I'm ready... But I don't know.?

Question

I started ballet about 4 months ago but I am more passionate about it than anything else in the world. I take three classes a week, and wish I could be good enough to be a pro. I can always try. I'm going to college and stuff, so if it doesn't work out, I have a real career to fall back on. But the thing is, I'm 17, which is pretty old. I want to start pointe, but for some reason no one seems to want to try and teach someone my age pointe. My teacher doesn't take me seriously when I say I want to try it, and blows it off with, yeah I dunno... We can probably get you a pair soon. I think I'm ready for pointe though! I can hold pretty much all the balances (arabesque passé coupé) I have good turnout, my feet legs and ankles have gotten much stronger and more flexible. I know the steps that I need to know, and am in an intermediate class already. How do I know if I'm ready, and how do I make my teacher see how much I want to try it? Everyone says I look like I've been doing it over a year

They also say I have talent or something. I just REALLY want to do pointe... that's all I'm asking about. I already am going for my dreams of dancing, regardless of what other people may say. I'm gonna be an environmentalist if I don't. I have a plan.

what I really mean is, how do I know if I'm ready for pointe? I feel ready, but other than that.

Answer 1

Ask your teacher:"when?" when he/she says "soon." Ask her what else needs to be done before you start poine, what else you need to achieve or demonstrate. When people blow you off, show them that *you* take yourself seriously. I don't think anyone here can tell you if you are ready or not. Get straight answers from your teacher. 4 months sounds like a short time though. I know you are 17 and it feels like super old, but I'm sure you'd rather invest 2 more months into training rather than hurting yourself. Don't be afraid to go to a different studio and ask their opinion and perhaps see if they are more open to the idea of an adult pointe student. It is really good that you are goal-oriented and you are creating plans on how to achieve your dreams.

Answer 2

If you feel you are ready, and you seem like you have thought everything through, then why not look for another dance studio that will start you on pointe? I didn't start pointe until I was 28! So you can still do it. The catch is to find the right teacher who will support you. When I first started pointe, I was lucky enough to find an adult beginning pointe class. It was only 30 minutes which was great to start. Then I moved and found a studio that offered an adult ballet class, and if you wanted to you could spend the last 30 minutes or so working on pointe. I'm sure many people would have said I wasn't really ready, I hadn't taken much ballet and I started REALLY late compared to most people. But I found out I'm actually good at it and I love the challenge.

So my advice to you is, go for it, don't be afraid to look for other options and opinions. When you go to college they may have a beginning pointe class, too. Good luck!

Answer 3

it's never too late if you really want something though it's easier if you start young and normal age to start ballet is 8-10 years, you also cannot be too young, but the older you are, the harder you have to work. you know, in schools you don't go on points that soon, at least after one year, cause legs can't be prepared for points that soon, you have to have strong ankles. but work hard and you can do whatever you want. Good luck!

Answer 4

I think you should defintaly pursue pointe BUT only if you're really physically ready

most dancers don't go up onto pointe until they are in advanced classes and have been dancing for at least 2-5 years, or more.

the problem is if you're not prepared, you can seriously injure your back, ankles, and knees

talk seriously with your teacher...it is hard to make a judgement for yourself if you are really ready because you have little to compare it to

good luck!

Answer 5

if your up for the hurts and the pains and the ugly feet, go for it girl!
but take in mind it will be painful, and read as much on it as you can, ive dreamt of being in pointe since a was 4, so i hope it works out for you
shoot for your dreams and don't let anyone bring you back down!

Answer 6

Go for it girl! I don't know much about ballet, but I do know you should follow your dreams.I would find someone and make them teach me. They can't stop you if you are really committed to this and want to do it. Best Wishes.

Answer 7

pointe is really fun. i dont know why ur teacher says u cant. if u know ur srtrong than buy some! practice easy stuff at home like elavaes and stuff, then show ur teacher how srtong u are! good luck!

Answer 8

You will know if you are ready because you will feel it in you. Dont stop trying, keep goin , until you make it. Find other people to help you and support you, dont just kep tryin with only one person. Keep up your hope, dont let it go down when someone does not believe in you as you believe in yourself.
-good luck!

Answer 9

ONE YEAR?!?!? WHOA!!! (that's meant to be sarcastic!) i have been dancing for 11 years, 5 years of ballet, and i have to wait until next year to be on pointe! ur gonna have to wait hon. u might want to switch studios. ur dance teacher sounds mean.

Answer 10

k, heres the breakdown....u cant do proffessional ballet unless u start young (latest age around 7) u just cant, its that simple. ppls WILL tell u "go follow your dreams!" "you can do whatever you set ur mind to!!" and blah blah blah, but chances r they dont know anything about ballet. i suppose u can just do it for fun, but theres no way ur going to get anywhere far in it if ur 17.