FAQ

Q. I'm 12/14/17/55 years old. Am I too old to start ballet?
A. No! That's the whole point of this blog! You can start ballet at any age and enjoy the beauty, grace, and health benefits that comes along with it.

Q. When can I start pointe?
A. I don't know, sorry! General requirements for pointe are a strong ballet technique and "good" foot structure. It takes at least 3 years of several ballet classes a week to build a good ballet base, and only a doctor or dance instructor can tell you if you're physically able to do pointework safely.

Q. Is it expensive?
A. Well, yes. Most hobbies are a little pricey, and ballet is no exception. Classes can range from $45 a month to several hundred dollars, depending on the location, number of classes per week, time length of each class, and the qualifications of the instructor. Pointe shoes cost $60-$100 a pair, and must be replaced every 2 weeks to 6+months, depending on how often you wear them. Leotards, tights, ballet slippers, and costumes are not cheap either. There are ways to make it work though. You can get a job, or do things like babysitting or mowing lawns for money. You can order supplies on a discount site, like discountdance.com.

Q. Where do I find a class? Do you know a class in Florida/California/London I can take?
A. Sorry, I have no idea! I probably don't live near you, so I don't know where you should take class! Google it! Start by looking for major companies in your area, by googling "(City Name) Ballet" or "(state name) Ballet". See if the major companies offer adult or teen beginner classes! They often do, and they're often cheap, meet more than once a week, have flexible programs, and have incredible teachers. You can also look at competition studios or other smaller dance studios in your area, and see what classes they offer.

Q. Are you a professional, or going to be a professional dancer?
A. No. I dance purely for fun, I am nowhere near good enough to be a professional dancer. I dance at a ballet conservatory similar in quality to Anaheim Ballet, if you're familiar with their youtube videos. It is a medium sized ballet-focused studio, with a company of about 15 girls ages 13-18. They offer classes in ballet, variations, modern, and conditioning 6 days a week. I was accepted into the company, but can not join due to financial reasons.

Q. Can I become a professional ballet dancer?
A. If you have to ask, probably not. Professional ballet dancers start training very young at top ballet schools. By the time they are 15-16, they are dancing over 20 hours a week and are almost prepared to join professional companies. Yes, there are exceptions, like Misty Copeland (who began at 13), but they are few and far between.