I want to be a prima ballerina?

Question

i am a nine year old girl who dreams of being a prima ballerina. do you have any advice for me. i need it SO badly

Answer 1

It really depends on the company -- smaller companies will cut you more slack. Bigger companies will be strict on body type, talent, look, ability to learn choreography quickly.

I started dancing at age 9 and danced profesionally so you're already a step ahead :-)

However, it is very hard work. Study a lot -- I watched countless of videos of Swan Lake, Nutcraker, Don Quixote, etc., and then practiced them in my room. I'd dance 2-3 hrs a day sometimes, plus my class. But it helped me to learn choreography quickly.

If you are serious, keep in mind that Dance will become your life. Between rehersals, classes, auditions, performances, you will NOT be able to cheer, play sports., etc -- no time, and the risk of injury is great. Some companies will make you sign a contract saying you won't do those things.

Also...IMAGE IS EVERYTHING, but know your limit. I was at a small company and was at 115 lbs (under for my height) a size 2-4 and told to lose about 15-20 lbs. I told the director I would not become anorexic, and that she had no one else to learn an entire ballet in one day. So to pick. HOWEVER, keep in mind you will be pressured heavily about your image. As you get older and with the help of a sports nutritionist, you'll have to really watch your weight.

Most bigger companies have nutritionists on staff to help you.

This is a big committment, a lot of work, but it's all worth it the moment you step on the stage for the first time in full costume and you hear that applause. Good luck to you!!

Answer 2

You have to take a really serious ballet class. One that meets 2-3 times a week is good for someone your age. It is HARD to be good. You have to practice everyday. Professional ballerinas have classes around 6 hours a day everyday. You have to have natural talent and flexibility, too. It's sad, but not everyone is cut out to be a prima ballerina, sometimes it just doesn't work out. I am fourteen and I have been dancing since I was four, but even though I'm pretty good I know I'll probably never be a professional ballerina. You should work on your balance and flexibility, and strength especially. You can't be just flexible, you have to be strong too. Taking martial arts is a good way to build up your strength and balance. Never give up on your dreams, but always know that you should have some other career plan that you would really love to do because very few people can be professional ballerinas.

Answer 3

find the best teacher out there and pracitse, practise, practise, also don't get caught up with being skinny. you need to eat healthy. dont' listen to anything negative from anyone!!! if you want to be a professional ballerina then you go for it. natural ability is great but hard work and determination will get you to your goal. find a mentor, someone who loves ballet that you can talk to whenever you have problems or concerns. i hope this helps.

Answer 4

from what i hear, you have to be a natural

i mean, its great that you have a goal, but from what the person above me is saying, you're gonna have to work exponentially hard to get to a level that isnt even close to prima