Is it too late to learn?

Question

When I was a child, there were two reasons that I did not get to take ballet. First was that my mother never pushed me in a motivational direction, she always let the decision fall on my shoulders, even at a young age (I was in all Honors classes from 1st grade to 8th grade. A councellor thought I was an "exceptional" student in Kindergarten and offered to put me in Honors. My mom asked me if I wanted to do it at age 6 and I said yes because it sounded like fun at the time!) The second is that my controling and abusive stepfather wouldn't have allowed me any extra activity, especially since the classes cost money. So a desire to be a ballerina then was a supressed fantasy that I mostly kept hidden.

My stepfather was taken out of my life when I was 13, and after a conversation about ballet (I love to watch the Nutcracker), my mother offered to put me into classes. I didn't accept for two reasons again. My age would have kept me with the younger girls, and I would have felt out of place. The second is because social groups were forming and to be a dancer, you were a Prep. I was a complete Goth/Punk Outcast. But the desire to dance remained a hidden fantasy.

Now that I am older, I am seriously thinking of learning. But I have two questions.
Where can I learn where other students won't be ballerinas since they were tots?
And can I even try to dance pointe? As a result of abuse, I have mild arthritis in my ankles, and I'm only 17.

I don't want to be a prima donna or anything like that. I just want to dance to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony...

Answer 1

it's never to late to learn.

Answer 2

Dear Dancer-in-hiding,

In short: No, it's not too late!

In length:
It is, in my less than humble opinion never, ever too late to start learning to dance. Although many narrow-minded dance teachers will say "Oh, you must start studying when you're a foetus in order to be a great dancer!" I can think of many examples where this is completely untrue. Witness Martha Graham: She started studying dance at age 18, and went on to help create a whole new form of dance!

A less famous example is one of my friends, who, like you, was 17 when she started dancing. She entered university as a dance major after only a year! She studied very intensely during that time, but she still made the dream happen for herself.

Actually, I went through something like what you're dealing with right now. One difference is that I danced when I was young, and then quit for eight years. However, when I came back it was like starting all over again. In some ways, it was harder, because my mind remembered some of the movements, but my body was not able to follow quickly, being used to other movements.
When I told teachers that I was interested in dancing professionally, no one told me that was a good idea. But I've persevered, and now I'm to the point where I could join a small company if I had time.

There are lots of examples like this, and lots of dance forms as well! So ignore the naysayers, and pursue your dreams. If dance has been in your soul for that long, and even abuse couldn't beat it from you, it's probably what you were meant to do. So GO for it!

Start by looking into dance schools in your area. Find one that has a beginning adult ballet class. That will generally be a class that's geared towards those who have either never danced, or those who have been away a long time. Start there, and just practice, practice, practice. You may not be able to do pointe, but then again, dance may help ease the pain in your foot. Talk to the teachers at your school to get more data about it.

One of the ways to get stronger more quickly is to also take Pilate's classes, so depending on what you want to do with your dance, you should consider taking some of those.

You might also want to investigate modern dance. It's a beautiful art form that's based on ballet, but that also incorporates lots of flowing movements. It also tends to focus on rythms, shapes, etc. more than ballet. Best of all, it has less of a bias against "older dancers". So although I wouldn't say you're "old", if your age makes you uncomfortable, you might find a modern class a more nurturing environment.

Oh--and one last thing: Welcome to the world of dance! ^_^

~a fellow dancer

Answer 3

Ballet is a very demanding form of dance. By starting at 17, you 're right, you will never be professional, and probably not much more than a hobbyist..the postures that are taught in ballet are best taught when your body is still forming, so that it grows being accustomed to some very unnatural positions. That's why they start girls especially so young.

I don't know your level of determination, but I personally would say that pointe is not an option for you..it takes several years of intense training to build up your ankles and feet to be able to support the rest of you in that position, and you're already a step behind because you aren't 6 any more, and you mentioned arthritis in your ankles. I'm not saying that you absolutely can't, I'd just say it's not likely.

All that being said, ballet is great exercise, and if you can content yourself just with learning steps and positions, it's a great thing to do. If you're in a major metropolitan area, you may be able to find classes for adults, but they are seldom offered elsewhere just because it's not so cost effective in less populous areas. You can order videos, though, and learn from them.

Good luck, have fun, and I hope you prove me wrong!

:^)

Answer 4

In many studios, there are adult dance classes. I'd look into local or nearby studios to see if they have an adult ballet class, so you won't feel silly dancing with 4 year olds. If you want to get on pointe, you have to stick with ballet for at least a few years, if not more because of your arthritis. You will definitely not be able to go on pointe right away, and any teacher that would let you should be fired or sued, as it would cause severe damage to your feet and ankles. It's a possible to get on, but you have to be dedicated to ballet. Have fun, and I hope you get en pointe.

Answer 5

omg!! i totally relate to you. Dance has always been a great passion of mine and i hav done almost 12 years of it. i hav health problems 2 & thats whats holdin me back. i also hav an abusive father and not really any motivation from my parents either.My advice? go 4 it, gurl!! my whole life has always been controlled by everything and dance is my therapy. dance ur butt off, sista!! i am 15, still not on pointe, take loads of classes, and school is a pain n my butt, so yeah i know how u feel. right now, i clean and teach 4-6 year olds @ my dance studio to pay for my dance classes. perhaps you should 2!! get ur parents to agree w/ u, cuz finances r hard 4 my parents. u rock the stage, dancn!! dont let anything or anyone stop u. OKAY?! i hope that helps. good luck.

Answer 6

You defiantly can still become a ballerina!!!!
Here's my proof!
http://www.charinsdream.com/
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/amazing_feats/golden_oldies/oldest_performing_ballerina.aspx
She didn't start ballerina lessons until she was in her 40's. Now she performs internationally I believe. She's very successful. I may not want to become a ballerina, but she is someone I compare myself to when I think I cannot do or become something.

Answer 7

It is never too late to learn. You could try contacting local dance studio's in your area and see if they offer ballet lessons.

Answer 8

Try calling a local institution so that they can point you in the correct place. Try taking private lessons. Good luck!

Answer 9

wow, i'm sorry to hear that =[
well i'm a dancer, i'm sad that you never got a chance to do it.
it is definately not too late to start.
however,
you can not start on pointe.
you have to have AT LEAST
6 years.
more like 9 years.
but you should definately dancing now.
=]

Answer 10

dont worry it is never too late to learn trust me!!!!!!!! becaus edancing is somthing no one can stopyou from doing its not just swirling and spinning it is about the wisdom and love! (well if u love it) never think that it is too late because im sure if u try u will be very good at it

Answer 11

It is better to be late than never . good luck in learning