Too old to dance ballet professionally?

I'm 13 years old and I would really like to pursue a dancing career. I started ballet when I was five years old but unfortunately Mum made me stop dancing when I was six because it caused me pain in my abdomen.

Then when I was eleven I convinced my mum to let me take up ballet again. My previous teacher taught the NZAMD syllabus (New Zealand Academy of Modern Dance) had been impressed with my dancing, she told me that I had one of the best ballet techniques in her school. My current teacher (she teaches RAD), whom I have recently enrolled to, says I will have to work very hard if I want to join a company when I am older. Although I do not have the physique (I'm little bit on the chubby side), I have a strong, flexible back, I can do the splits left and right but I have bad turn-out. Should I pursue a career in ballet? Or shall I just stick with my father's wishes and take up Law once I have graduated high school?

Too old to dance ballet professionally?regal theater

Sounds to me like your quite the talented dancer :)

There is absolutely no reason why you should not pursue a dance career. From what I read it seems that you really are quite dedicated to what you do and you will do anything to achieve your dreams.

Make sure that you don't only do just Ballet. Take some more classes in different styles of dance. This will make you more of a well rounded dancer. It's also good that you do RAD, it's a world known syllabus.

And about your weight-you may do what I did. I was a little chubby too but when I had my major growth spurt, my body all filled out and my extra baggage was all gone.

Is doing Law what you really want to do? Your Dad just wants you to be happy. Will Law make you happy?

Your only 13, you have your whole life to discover what you want to do. Perhaps when your older you will change your mind, so at the moment just focus on these dreams that you have now and prepare yourself to achieve them :)

I hope I helped

Too old to dance ballet professionally?performing art center opera theaterThanks so much! :D Report It


I say study law as your major, while also focusing on ballet and dance. If you are unable to get a career in dance, at least you will have something to fall back on. I would definately consult more with your dance teachers as to how much progress you have made. Are you pointe?
I also quit ballet at a young age..and just recently started again.....belive me....u pick up the work....and its ur life not your dads...you should do what u going to be happy with not him.I think you should go for ballet.
work really hard 4 ballet. weight can be lost. and as long as u wrok super hard turn out will come in no time. if u love ballet more tan anything , then you will KNOW that u want to do it for the rest of your life. drink a lot of milk now tho, while ur still growing, because professional dancers tend to break their bones early from not drinking milk and not getting enuf calcium. and keep working hard in skool. you want to have a backup education to fall back on so after your ballet career is over, you can go to college if u wish.
I think you should continue your career, even if you don't get the professional level, if you like it, you must continue!

kisses!
please keep going. even if your dance career doesn't lead you to a ballet company, there are so many other professional companies you might fit. never mind your weight either !
I say Show them what you are made of!! Do what you want to do, which is obviously dance. Just work on your turn out. You can do that anywhere. (in your car, in school, anywhere!) You are only 13 your dad shouldn't pick out your career for you. Especially at 13 years old. Just work on your turn out and keep dancing. You sound so talented!! Keep up the good work!! And good luck.