Am I too old/not thin enough to dance? [Archive]

Azalea

06-03-2005, 10:55 AM

I desperately want to rejoin ballet lessons again! I started when I was about four and then left when I was ten. I still can't believe I left, I can't even remember the reason, but now I really want to go back to it. I know that if I don't, I'll regret it.

The problem is that, firstly, I think I'm too old to go back to it. I'll be 15 in a month or so, and whenever I hear stories about ballet dancers, I always hear they began dancing when they were like three. So that is one thing, knowing I'll never be able to be professional. I'd be put in a class appropriate to my ability. In other words? I'd be with a group of 10 year-olds who would be by far better dancers than me. How humiliating would that be? To be shown up by kids half your age... :?

Secondly, I think I'm not thin enough to be a dancer. I weigh 154 pounds and I am 5ft 7. I don't know if that means I'm overweight or not, but I certainly don't have the figure of a ballet dancer. I look on the internet and in magazines, and the dancers are always petite with tiny waists. I think I would look ridiculous in a tight-fitting leotard, especially in front of all the incredible dancers who have been at it since they were three. :oops:

Anyway, if anyone has any advice, please post. I am planning on going on a strict diet to get down to a much lower weight, but I'll see what you have to say first. =)
Aza.

cl5814

06-03-2005, 10:58 AM

Welcome to DF, Azalea.

I think most DFers would agree with me that it is never to late to start dancing, even ballet. I can't advise you on the professional career side of things, but i am sure you will enjoy it. Go for it and see what you can achieve. You never know.

Azalea

06-03-2005, 11:03 AM

Hi! Thanks for replying so quickly.

If I were to go along to a lesson, would I be put with lots of younger children, or be with people my own age?

newbie

06-03-2005, 11:04 AM

What are the perspectives of ballet if you can never become sort of a pro? If you can't become a pro, it means you'll leave ballet sooner or later.
There are so many other dances, less demanding than ballet.

Azalea

06-03-2005, 11:07 AM

You're right, and I have considered other forms of dance, but I just love the grace of ballet. Plus, I thought I would be at a slight advantage since I did ballet when I was younger. To be fair I haven't really taken the time to investigate the other types of dance.

wyllo

06-03-2005, 11:24 AM

I think its all a matter of deciding what you want. If you want a career in dance then you need to sit down and talk with people in the field about what it takes and if it is right for you. Look for someone who is not going to romanticize dancing and who will give you a realitstic look at the odds of you having a career based on age/body type/ability. That being said, if this is what you really want to do, I don't think you will ever regret trying. Find a school that understands your goals and can help you reach them.

If, on the other hand, you want to do ballet for pleasure, exercise or to improve your posture then go for it! But remember that ballet is something that you will only be able to do in a class. If what you really want is to fulfill a love of dance, you might want to try out some of the partner dances. They are something you can enjoy socially for your entire life.

TemptressToo

06-03-2005, 11:52 AM

BTW Azalea...I too danced ballet very young and quit. I'll have you know that I start classes again this coming Monday. For the record, I'm 27 years old and am very sturdy in my build. Also for the record, I crawled into my leo and pink tights last night and I think I look ridiculous...

But, I'm more than willing to suck it up to go back to something I've grown to love. Who cares, just have fun.

Sagitta

06-03-2005, 12:33 PM

Cool. 2 dfers possibly starting ballet at the same time. Now you 2 can share your experiences with earch other. Welcome to df Az, and I'll echo TT by saying the important thing is to enjoy yourself. Why does it matter who else is dancing in your class? When I started AT and went to a dance soon after staring I saw a couple 10 yera old or younger kids who were many times better then me. That didn't bother me in the least as I was having fun and enjoying myself. I actually was the worst dancer there in the whole milonga and I knew it, but I think I had a better time than many others who were there.

Azalea

06-03-2005, 01:01 PM

Wow, thank you for your replies! I've thought about what you've all been saying, and now I really want to go for booking lessons. Although, it may be a good idea to investigate other forms of dance. Wyllo, I'm thinking maybe I want to start ballet again for the exercise and fun, since I don't think I could make a career out of it. But does that mean I should try to go for a dance which involves a partner? I'm trying to imagine how it would benefit me, taking up a dance which is generally a one-person activity.

TemptressToo

06-03-2005, 01:07 PM

Actually, ballet would be very helpful to you translating to ballroom any way. You'll use the carriage and styling greatly especially in smooth. I've ballroom danced for a year and a half now and my past ballet experience makes me quite graceful in waltz and foxtrot...actually many of the dances.

Azalea

06-03-2005, 01:12 PM

It's really impressive that you know so many styles of dancing! When did you first start? And how long have you been dancing? I really want to take up a dance which is going to be benificial to me socially. I want to be able to dance well with others when I'm older, so shouldn't I start off with ballroom dancing, or salsa? (even though I know nothing about either) :?

dancersdreamland

06-03-2005, 01:20 PM

Welcome!

I did a quick scan through the other posts and I just thought I'd add a few comments. My apologies is some of this is repeat...again it was a quick scan. :)

First - You are never to old to begin dance for the first time or simply pick it up from long ago. While a professional career in certain styles of dance may not be an option, dancing for pleasure and enjoyment is an option for anyone...any age, any size, any anything. Additionally, depending on the style of dance and through whom you take lessons, you may even have the opportunity to perform.

Second - Don't worry about being in class with others who may or may not be more experienced from you. We all have various strengths and weakness, and in dance you learn from everyone. On a quick note, most ballet classes I've looked into have had beginner and/or intermediate level classes for teenage/adult students. It's possible you may be placed in a class with older students (beginning at eighteen) rather than younger. In this instance, you will likely be at the same skill level as everyone else...and they'll all be just as nervous as you.

Third - Don't limit yourself to just ballet. There are hundreds of styles of dance and they each have their own unique flava. If you enjoy the grace of ballet, you may also like lyrical and modern dancing. Check out the "Styles and Steps" section of my website (see signature line) which includes information on various partner and non-partner dances.

Fourth - Remember the first step is the hardest. Signing up for the class and then actully making it to the first class will be the most difficult part. Once you've made it through your first class, you'll be itching for more. And know you can always come to this forum or the sister site for non-partner dancing (see signature line) for support and encouragement.

I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing how things are going.

TemptressToo

06-03-2005, 01:21 PM

When I was a very little girl, I did ballet briefly...we moved and I stopped. In high school, I did show choir (which brought in jazz training) and color guard (which brought additional jazz and ballet and hip hop). My senior year, I was the captain and choreographer. Graduated and went away to college. In college I figure skated (had an ice rink on campus so I skated daily) and was able to use that dance training on ice.

After graduation, I worked for a while before deciding to get back into some different activities...I did horseback riding, modeling, dog showing and finally I came back to dancing...swing dancing. I did that for a few months and wanted to learn more partner dancing so I found a local studio and started attending just their practice parties. I picked up a few group lessons but for the most part learned by practice and experience. My dance background (and you will probably find yours too) made if VERY easy to pick up ballroom. Your brain functions in patterns and technique from the experience you had as a child. It didn't take long for me to bore with swing dancing and I switched entirely to ballroom (swing is part of ballroom anyway...just not all night long). I LOVE my smooth dancing which lets me use ballet most.

Recently, I've been bettering my rhythm dances with salsa nights. Hours of salsa, merengue and bachata have built my speed and responsiveness to a lead.

I'm excited about getting back into ballet though... I pretty much appreciate all dance. Considering your misgivings about doning a leo and tights, have you considered modern?

Anyway, that's the story.

Twilight_Elena

06-03-2005, 01:32 PM

It's never too late to start something you like, but I suppose your chances of becoming a pro are limited. You could talk to your teacher about that, however.
Personally, I think you're in the ideal age to begin ballroom, salsa, or modern/jazz/hiphop/tap dancing. They're not as strict as ballet, and are pretty nice for a girl n her teens, as they give you a feminine body movement, especially salsa and latin in general. However, if you're looking for a style that has teens your age as well, ballroom and salsa will probably have fewer teens, just so you know.
I don't think that this shoudl be your only crieria for a good choice, though. You could always take a friend along and do classes together. I'm 17 and I do both ballroom and salsa with a friend of mine with no problems at all. :D I suggest you look around, find classes that are closer to home with good quality instruction and you'll be able to find the style you're looking for on the way. Be sure to take a sample lesson or two so as to get a taste of everything. :D
Good luck,

Twilight Elena

Azalea

06-03-2005, 01:32 PM

dancersdreamland, thankyou for you reply, it has definately helped. I feel much more confident about asking for lessons. I think I will try and have ballet lessons first, and then once I've improved, look at other types of dance. Although I'm sure I will love ballet too much to give it up =)) I really hope you're right about the lessons, and that I won't be the oldest. I think it would be perfect if I was in a group, where we were all with the same ability, and I wasn't the oldest person. Although having said that, it will be wierd not knowing anyone.

Now all I have to do is get the courage to ask my parents x_o they have absolutely no idea that I want to do ballet again.. My brothers will almost certainly make fun of me lol, but hey, it's something I deperately want to do. :D

Azalea

06-03-2005, 01:36 PM

Sagitta

06-03-2005, 02:32 PM

DancingMommy

06-03-2005, 02:41 PM

Wow, TemptressToo, you really have done a lot in the way of dance. I assume dancing is your career? How much dance practise do you do?

Thanks for replying Elenor. What exactly is ballroom dancing btw? I'm looking on the internet for descriptions without much luck.

Check out this site ---> www.istd.org. It's the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Chances are if you are in London, you are either going to have a RAD-certified teacher for ballet or an ISTD-certified teacher.

Also, ballroom dancing is often called DanceSport in Europe. Try :google:-ing it. 8) Hope that helps!

Edit: http://www.young-dancers.org/main.html <--- This is a website geared to teenage dancers.

TemptressToo

06-03-2005, 02:54 PM

No, dancing is just something I enjoy....my favorite form of exercise. I think it is a matter of my every living cell and breath is connected to my desire to dance. I don't care what kind it is, I have to move.

I'm actually a paralegal. :)

dancersdreamland

06-03-2005, 03:02 PM

I think it is a matter of my every living cell and breath is connected to my desire to dance. I don't care what kind it is, I have to move.

I can completely relate! :D

dancersdreamland

06-03-2005, 03:07 PM

Now all I have to do is get the courage to ask my parents x_o they have absolutely no idea that I want to do ballet again.. My brothers will almost certainly make fun of me lol, but hey, it's something I deperately want to do. :D

I'm sure your parents will be supportive if they understand dance is something you truly enjoying doing. If you need some reasons on why you're parents should let you dance try

~ It's good for exercise which will keep me physically fit for many years to come.

~ It provides an outlet for my creative energy and helps develop my personality, leadership skills, grace, and poise.

~ Think of all the trouble it will keep me out of.

As far as the brothers go...what do they know, anyway? :wink: Just wait till they see you dance...there will be no laughing then! :D

06-03-2005, 03:56 PM

I desperately want to rejoin ballet lessons again!
Go for it!!!
...and welcome to Dance-Forums!!! :D

leftfeetnyc

06-03-2005, 04:01 PM

Partner dancing is your best bet and hands down salsa is the most popular social dance. :wink: :)

:shock: BIAS!!

Swing is better. So many varieties! :lol: :wink:

Sagitta

06-04-2005, 08:56 AM

Partner dancing is your best bet and hands down salsa is the most popular social dance. :wink: :)

:shock: BIAS!!

Swing is better. So many varieties! :lol: :wink: :P :lol:

SurfSalsa

06-04-2005, 11:32 AM

Hi Azalea (nice name!) - as people have said, you're never to old to learn to dance. Hey, I started ballroom when I was old enough to be your dad, and salsa even later, but sure ballet and modern are a different story!

I agree with the other posts - it's also a good time to explore other dances - and I would advocate ballroom & salsa (for sure!!!). Ballroom may be easier logistically, as much salsa activities happen in clubs which may have age restrictions (I Love Salsa in London has a kids program, but they may be too young for where you are). Ballroom also gives you such a good base for other dances.

Your sentence about dance as a solo activity - wait till you do partner dancing - it is fabulous! And no, you don't need a dedicated partner, unless you perform professionally.

Which brings me to the actual point - you are fortunate enough to be in one of those amazing cities in the world where you can make a living out of dancing!! London, NY, hey, IMO few other places offer so many opportunities to dance professionally and make a good living out of it (but I guess it's a hard-work cut-throat business too). Wow! A life of dancing!! Persue that dream girl!! I bet you your first paycheck for your first performance it's way better than pressing computer keyboard buttons for a living!

Whatever you do, keep dancing & keep having fun!!

tsb

06-04-2005, 02:10 PM

Sagitta

06-04-2005, 02:11 PM

tsb

06-04-2005, 02:16 PM

Sagitta

06-04-2005, 09:36 PM

Partner dancing is your best bet and hands down salsa is the most popular social dance. :wink: :)

:shock: BIAS!!

Swing is better. So many varieties! :lol: :wink:

not to mention generally friendlier & more wholesome environment.

Well you must be hanging out with the wrong salsa crowd. :P :)

no, just the typical ones. just last night i went to listen to a latin band & during a cha-cha my partner & i kept getting pounded by a dance rhino who thought himself so good that he was entitled to take as much space as he wanted.

Well I went to a swing band and did cha cha and salsa. I had people coming up to me and complimenting me and asking about salsa etc. I had people there who were all over the place but had no problems as I practiced my dance navigation skills. :P :)

Rosa

06-06-2005, 02:52 AM

[quote="Azalea"]I'd be put in a class appropriate to my ability. In other words? I'd be with a group of 10 year-olds who would be by far better dancers than me. How humiliating would that be? To be shown up by kids half your age... :?

Azalea, this is what's known as a self-fulfilling prophecy. In other words, if you've decided in advance that's how it's gonna be, then that's how it's gonna be. So first thing to do is change your thinking. If you go back into ballet under those circumstances, look on it as an opportunity and make the most of it. Work, practice and most of all, enjoy yourself!

I've never done ballet, but I know that it builds up strength and grace which must surely be an asset if you then decide to move on to other forms of dance. All dances have certain needs which are required from those who do them, but there are some requirements which are common to all and I'm sure you have them.

I dance salsa (the street variety) and I've heard people who come from a ballet background say that they find things like styling, shines and the fluid hip movements difficult, coming as they do from such a disciplined background. But against that, there will be other things you have which will be great assets, such as the wonderful grace and posture which ballet brings. So that's OK, you just adapt! And as most ballet dancers come from a background of disciplined practice, I'm sure you won't find that too difficult.

Whatever dance you decide to do, I wish you luck. Don't be put off by issues of age or size - I may be wrong, but it seems to me, as an outsider looking in, that the ballet world is one of the most sizeist there is - but just get out there and do it. Smile, and most of all, have fun!

And welcome to DF! :D

Rosa :)

BritishBlackDancer

06-06-2005, 10:01 AM

Hello Azalea
After reading your post, You sound just like me. I’m also 15 years old (going on 16 in a few months) and I also decided a while back that I wanted to go back into Pointe. I also took ballet when I was young , to the age of 11 then quit( I made it up to Pointe ), then I broke my knee , so I had to quit. Then a few months ago the urge for dance came back to me and I decided to take up Pointe once again. I was put into a class with 13 and 14 year old girls , who I thought were magnificent compared to me . But I got thru it! So don’t think that you will be humiliated that your in class with kids half your age. Trust me , it was hard for me at first but many of the girls made me feel like one of them and help me alot. Also I am 5’8 and I weight about 135 . I say don’t worry about your weight , with hard work and exercise you will surly lose it and look beautiful at the end of your transformation. I hope this helps you. Just know there's always someone out there with the same story as you. :cheers: Cheers Love

TemptressToo

06-07-2005, 10:30 AM

What fun, I get to fill you all in on my lesson in humility and pain. Last night was my first night of adult ballet. Again, I looked hideous in pink tights and a leo. I need to get one of those cute chiffon skirts. I arrived early and went in to meet my classmates. All much more advanced. There was two men and a woman (who danced on pointe). All three were more trim, muscular and lean than I. One of the men and the woman were much older...40+ in age. The second man was my age more or less.

Anyway, as the least advanced, I got a lot of personal attention. My childhood ballet was so long ago that I might as well have started from scratch as I couldn't remember most of the French terms. The turn out and practice on demi-pointe came in handy though and I remembered all my foot positions (1st-5th). Also, I had a heck of a time keeping up with what to do with my arms. The feet wasn't as big an issue especially with an experienced dancer on either side of me. Once I get used to the routine, I'll be fine.

Like I said, I got a lot of personal attention from the teacher as far as more complex sequences went and she "dumbed" down some of the exercises (usually just taking out a turn). At the end of the class she said that I did well and that I was going to be "just fine" in the class. Mostly, I felt a bit overwhelmed (on the other hand, the more advanced dancers were inspiring and encouraging).

At the end of the two-hour class...most of my muscles were quivering and I was sweating like a pig. I'll definitely go back...I do enjoy the challenge. I'll of course not be able to get to the other's level overnight, but I'm hoping with some practice I can at least get to where I feel more comfortable.

leftfeetnyc

06-07-2005, 11:16 AM

TT, sounds like a great experience for an adult ballet class.

Mine was so brutal that I never went back. This was over a year ago of course, it was at Steps in NYC..which should have been my first indicator that it wasn't the class for me. So many dancers who've been en pointe from the womb go there.

They had a baby beginner class and I made sure to ask over and over if it was an ok class for someone who had a year of ballet at age 5. They assured me it was no problem. At first it seemed cool, everyone in casual workout clothes...huge group of women.

Turns out it was all people who had taken a year or two off from dancing and were getting back into it or were no longer dancing but liked the workout. Bar work was fine, I enjoyed it...then the teacher turned evil and kept yelling at me...my first day. Oh, she made me so mad...each time I did something wrong, and she wouldn't rephrase what she was saying. She treated the class like we were hours away from a performance. Of course I never went back...thank goodness for drop-in fees!

So let that be a reminder to anyone looking to get back into dance. Make sure it's the right class! I don't mean to be the harbinger of doom, but I was just looking at the class in a casual way as a supliment to my swing dancing and for better posture. Despite being a beginner class, it was at a top dance studio...something that would have been appropriate had my goals been different. Always do your research!