Teaching ballet?

Question

-Is it possible to beginning training in ballet for the first time at age 15 and go on to teaching it ?

-How long would i have to train for if so?

-I am not looking to become a star or anything [i know i cant cos i would have started to late].
i just would like to know eand be good at ballet enough to teach it when im older.

-What age do ballet teachers normally have to retire?
-How would i go about doing all of this..?

thanks so much, sorry for lots of questions!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Yes, it is completely possible to begin training in Ballet at 15 and go on to teach it.

You need to find an individual career pathway that will allow you to progress and give you the skills and experiences you will value. And how long it takes will depend on how much commitment and time you offer - so think really hard about what you want to be doing as a ballet teacher, and create your own programme of bespoke 'pre-professional development'.

1. Finding a knowledgeable and effective teacher to learn from is a great way to develop your ballet technique. It is a good idea to find a teacher who offers graded exams, as this will help you monitor your progress, and you can take 'teachers' exams to give you a professional qualifications. If you want to make quick progress it might be worth investing in a few private lessons alongside regular classes- but talk to your teacher about it as honestly as you can muster the courage for.

In the UK there too main bodies RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) - they are now affiliated, so if you become a qualified teacher with one you can teach and enter your pupils for exams in the other. So try to find a teacher that can offer RAD/IDTA grades.

2. Go to dance classes in other styles - training your body to develop the technique and stamina required to teach ballet full time requires dedication and discipline, and trying different styles of dance will help keep you motivated (because its fun!), contemporary dance would be a good complementary style - it will improve your core muscle stability, nourish you creatively, and inform your understanding of expressive movement. You could also look to other holistic movement techniques to complement your training (yoga or pilates for example- for these too you will need a good teacher.)

2.Observe lots of dance teachers (ballet and other styles) by both taking part in their classes and asking to observe classes. By observing more difficult classes you will increase your knowledge of advanced techniques, quickly build knowledge of steps (movement vocabulary), and it will give you an understanding of what you are aiming for when you go back to your classes.

3. Be inspired - go and see live dance - live ballet in incredible, it just takes your breath away. I've been priveleged to see alot, and it always gets me choked up. Get yourself on the the mailing list of any theatres and arts centers that put on productions anywhere you can get to. Ask your family for tickets for your birthday,christmas etc.

4. Build up your support network. Talk to anyone and every one who might be able to help - school teachers, trainee dance teachers you might know, careers advisers at your local connextions or other youth support organisation, etc. etc.

Tell them specifically how they can help - e.g. "I'm interested in a career in ballet teaching, and I would really value your advice. I'm right at the beginning of learning about ballet, are there any opportunites where I can learn about Ballet and dance teaching and develop my skills? Do you know of any good resources (books,websites, classes)? Do you know anyone else who can help me?

- For example contact the education department of your nearest ballet company (if you are lucky enough to have one nearby) and ask to go on their mailing list - tell them you are interested in observing rehearsals or attending any workshops that might be suitable.

Do the same with everyone you can think of (write a list)
Then follow up every lead you get!

Don't worry if anyone is negative or unhelpful - you are not asking for permission to be a dance teacher so you don't have anything to worry about. Do not dwell on any 'thats not possible' statements or let them discourage you - if they are not helpful to you, thank them and disregard them (politely, dance is a small world) and move on to the next potential source of help and support.

5. Look at post 16 dance qualification training options. This does not mean going off to boarding school! More and more UK colleges and schools are now offering full-time training in dance or performing arts. Check out your local colleges online. (tap courses+post 16+dance+ your area into a search engine). Also look at Higher Education (university level) courses and there requirements, this may help to guide you if you think this is something you would like to pursue.

6. Join a youth dance company - it is amazing what you can learn from your peers and how fun and satisfying you can be.(try youth dance england for local listings and advice), take part in one-off workshops and weekends too - anything that broadens your experiences.

7. Before you start doing any active teaching, please make sure you are suitably insured, the foundation for community dance website (below) can give you information on this, and lots of other really useful information on professional development, and 'best practice' and current issues in dance to make sure you have good safe dance teaching practices www.communitydance.org.uk


To answer your other question - some ballet teachers seem to go on forever! I think this two reasons - one because it is their lifes passion, but often without another income source (e.g. a private pension) there is little alternative.
I know this is a little early on to be thinking about, but for anyone else who's reading this check out this Arts Council England initiative for advice and support: www.pensionsforartists.org.uk

The arts council is the national arts development agency for the uk, and acts as the main governmental funder for most uk arts organisations.
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk

More and more in the arts people are pursuing 'portfolio' careers (where they do more than one job in the sector), this might mean teaching different styles or doing arts administration or running a dancewear company or writing dance books, or dance photography - there is no reason why you cannot combine your interests a carve out your own portfolio career.


Other schemes and information that might be of help:

June Gamble
An amazing lifecoach with a specialism in dance, she has some free resources to help you get where you want to be (and to figure out where that is!): www.junegamble.co.uk/contact.htm
Arts Award www.artsaward.org.uk
A 'duke of edinborough' type of scheme for your people interested in the arts - its designed to help develop arts leadership skills - and you set your own creative goals and challenges with the help of a mentor.


The Council for Dance Education and Training www.cdet.org.uk/info_12.php
- A really useful site with lots of information and contact, including:

National Dance Agencies
Dance development organisations covering specific geographical areas - You will have one that covers you are (if UK), so call them up and speak to the education person, get on their database, ask about teachers and classes and workshops in your area.

Youth Dance England: A national organisation for connecting young people with dance, definitely check this out.www.yde.org.uk

RAD: www.rad.org.uk
IDTA: www.idta.co.uk
If youa re in London there are number of places to go for excellent classes, If youare intersted in contemporary I would recommend http://www.theplace.org.uk/

Professional dance in the UK is often London centric, so check out:
http://www.londondance.com/ to keep up with latest dance world news.

Also BBC Blast might help you figure out the career paths and jobs that exist within the Ballet and Dance world, as well as sign post you on further.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/dance/showcase/

Best wishes and happy dancing!

Answer 2

Here is the answers to your questions...
-yes it is possible, but you will need to work really hard
-you will probably train for about 5-8 years before you become a teacher, you will need to take classes and corses, so start reading up on your ballet
-because you are a late starter you probably will not be a start, but you have a chance of becoming a teacher
-when dance teachers become older and not as flexible, they probaly will quit and will work some place elce (at like 35-45)
-Well, here is some steps to get you started
1. You will need to work really hard for the next 2 years (so you can get on pointe). Buy or borrow (form a library) tons of ballet books and study ballet vocabulary.
2. Choice a college (that has a ballet program), and research what digrees you need to be a ballet teacher.
3. Follow your heart and you will be a teacher in no time.
4. When you retire, chose a carer that is easier. If you still love ballet you can be a choragrapher, start a dance store, or start a dance school.
I hope this helps!!!!!! Tell me how it goes, email me ([e-mail])!!!!!!

Answer 3

It is deffinitely possible for you to become a teacher when you start ballet at 15. I'm 15 too and I just started ballet a few years ago, but I've just this year became more serious about getting better (I used to just do it for recreation, not to necessarily improve). So basically this is my first year of SERIOUS ballet lol. I'm taking 2 classes a week(of ballet, but others like jazz besides that)--both a little more challenging then the level I'm currently on so I can improve a lot. And I've even noticed that I've gotten a little better in just the last few months! My technique is more precise and I am more aware of my body.

You should go for it, and even if you don't end up becoming a ballet teacher, dancing is so worth it anyway =)

Answer 4

It's definitely possible. But what really needs to be emphasized, here, is that you need to find the BEST teachers possible. And, unfortunately, once you hit 18, most of your local dance studios are not going to be able to provide you with the best training because your typical adult ballet classes are not at the advanced level.

Therefore, you may wish to consider continuing your training at a college dance program where you can find excellent ballet teachers and a program geared for young adults. Students can only go as far in their training as their teachers have gone, so if you limit your training to local studios, then you'll only be able to teach students who take ballet just for fun. But if you learn from master teachers, then you can aim to become a master teacher yourself.

As others have said, ballet teachers don't have to retire and can continue teaching even if they walk with a cane.

P.S. Ballet Talk is the board for those who watch ballet, while Ballet Talk for Dancers is the board for those who do ballet (or are the parents of those who do).
http://dancers.invisionzone.com/index.php?
Definitely check it out.

Answer 5

It's never too late and I don't think you have to retire...
First I think you need to find a good school, learn all the basic techniques. There are forums and blogs online, and all ballet school with professional teaching programs have websites, write them an email, and start asking questions!
Try BALLET TALK http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/
(very resourceful forum where your questions are answered by professional students, dancers and teachers)
Good Luck!

Answer 6

Did you watch "So You Think You Can Dance"? Sabra, the girl who won, has only been dancing for 4 years. If you have some natural talent and really work hard, you might be able to teach.

My dancing teacher was a gypsy in the 1930, and a Rockette. She was still teaching in the 1970s when she was in her 70s. A friend of mine is still teaching at 66, and my sister still teaches and choreographs for high schools at 53.

Answer 7

Yes, it's absolutely possible. Just pay attention in class & make sure you learn the correct terminology and how to do the steps correctly. I once had a ballet teacher that was in her 60's and still a WONDERFUL teacher. Many times when the teacher is older they have an assistant teacher in the class to demonstrate the steps. ENJOY!

Answer 8

Train in both ballet and gymnastics. Many dance styles are incorporated into gymnastics which works your entire body. It will prepare your body better to adapt to ballet. I cannot add anything about the rules of teaching

Answer 9

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