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amethyst
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| Posted: Oct 31 2008 at 6:37pm | IP Logged
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My 14yodd has always wanted to do ballet, but she had very weak ankles from babyhood and has had at least 50-60 sprained ankles in her life, so we never pursued ballet.
The last year she has been a lot better on her feet and is asking again about ballet. For those who know the rigours of ballet could you advise whether she is too old now to start?
If there's a chance for her I'd love to make a way.
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KC in TX
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I think it would be okay for her to do ballet. Our ballet school offers classes for adults as beginners.
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Elena
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Keep in mind that the winner of "So You Think You Can Dance" two seasons ago didn't start dancing until she was 16!
That said, if her goal is to be rigorously trained and in the corp de ballet by 18 - she will have to work very, very hard to catch up. If it is just to learn ballet and get the benefits of ballet training, then I don't see any reason why she can't start in an adult beginner type of class! 
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amethyst
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She's not desiring to set the world on fire, I think it's more of fulfilling a dream.
I love the idea of adult beginner classes! I will look in to that next week, and pray our little town has something like that available.
Thanks for the thumbs up ladies, and also to those who responded privately.
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guitarnan
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Ballet is excellent exercise at any age. I hope you find a class for her soon. I've met football players (adult) who've signed up for ballet to increase their flexibility and resilience.
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stefoodie
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Forgive me, Nancy. Yes, I've heard of football players doing this, but still the image that's stuck in my head is
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nissag
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Oh Steph, that photo is priceless!
Jenny, I danced ballet, including enpointe, as a youngster. The summer I was supposed to go to New York for Master Classes, I quit. I suddenly had a terror of never meeting a nice young man to settle down with. I was 16. Ballet (with soft slippers) can be very strengthening to the body, especially the ankles. It depends upon the instructor. Let her instructor know - and perhaps you can arrange for private or semi-private classes for a time to help focus on strengthening.
My impression is that teachers/ballet mistresses/masters are MUCH more aware of injury prevention then 20-30 years ago. Modern dance is also excellent for all sorts of folks because it builds on natural movement. I danced modern my last couple of years, and I LOVED it. I was never a slender willow of a girl, so was built more for modern. I also danced tap and jazz. I did more damage in those two disciplines than ballet. The knee I trashed in jazz is the one where my arthritis settled later...
On the whole, I'd say let her take the classes. But make sure you interview the teacher, explain your situation, and ask after private or semi-private classes for a few months first. I would also recommend finding a very reputable studio - I'm always leary of the strip mall studios. It doesn't mean that they aren't any good, it just means you need to be a little more probing IMO. I would also beware of studios that focus on dance competitions. There is a lot of pressure there and I have found that technique suffers in favour of "tricks".
Just one former dancer's opinion...
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Molly Smith
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My dd12 is taking ballet this year in a beginning class for 12-18 year olds. She took ballet as a little girl, but it has been many years since she gave it up. She is taking it now for the exercise, physical grace and poise--her goal is not to dance competitively. It has been a good experience so far.
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helene
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I agree. Ballet is for everyone, anytime.
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amethyst
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nissag wrote:
On the whole, I'd say let her take the classes. But make sure you interview the teacher, |
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Great advice - thank you! We live in a tiny remote town (8 hours drive from the big city) so we won't have much of a choice but I'm investigating what's available, and I'll do as you say and interview the teacher first.
Thank you!
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amethyst
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Stef, I LOVE that photo!!!
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Lori
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Here's an opposite question...what about starting them too young? Anyone have any opinions on this?
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nissag
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Controversial question... I really think that little ones from about age 3-6 should be in a dance program that helps the little ones become more familiar with their little bodies and taking instruction. Creative movement, if you like.
After they've gotten a little bit bigger 6 or 7 and up, I think it's OK to begin adding ballet technique, without a huge emphasis on turnout or pushing flexibility. From 8 or 9, I like to see technique increase, with a little bit of emphasis on the turnout and flexibility - and lots of strengthening exercises in preparation for point at about 12...
But that's me, and coming from my own experience. I've seen really young gals pushed too hard too young. Granted, professional dancing is a limited time occupation, but I can't see subjecting small ones to injury. There will be enough of that when they're older.
I had friends en pointe at age 9. They were dancing real combinations by the time they were 6. Our instructor was the kind of woman that sent us home in tears. UGH. I loved the dance, and loved my later ballet mistress. But I saw very clearly that young kids didn't benefit much from strict technique early on. Discipline, yes - absolutely - but physically forcing the body before it's ready... Not so much.
My .02...
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Susana
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Just out of curiosity, is ballet damaging on the toes?
I had always wanted to do ballet growing up, but my mom wouldn't sign me up for classes because my older sister had tried it and hated it. My heart still longs to learn every time I hear the music from the Nutcracker!
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nissag
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Ballet has the potential to damage any joint. Most common injuries are to the ankles and knees. The toes are somewhat protected by the toe box, but still take a beating. Keep in mind that the amount of time spent en pointe is not nearly the entire dance. The lifting of the body to pointe is done mostly by the ankle, stretching through the upper body. There is weight on the toes, certainly.
Dancers are known the world over for ugly feet. Now you know why. Be sure to keep the nails pedicured, dress any blisters really well, and stuff that toe box well for comfort.
Good instructors will teach the girls to do that. Boys of course, don't need to worry about that since they always dance in soft slippers.
I think that most of the damage occurs from eager ballerinas practicing for hours and hours. make sure you talk to your daughter about protecting her joints by resting when she tires or feels pain. And teach her to nurse and injury.
Most problems show up later in life. Even slightly damaged joints can become vulnerable as we age - and that's where arthritis likes to settle.
Blessings,
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RenB
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I read this with interest as my older daughter was a ballerina right up to obtaining her elementary level for teaching it. My answer mimics others here. It's never too late to begin. A great teacher will make all the difference in the world for her readiness, skill training, and basic love of dance. As far as enpointe goes, again it depends on the teacher. If I had to pick one area of deeper concern, it is the knees. Your daughter is older so that area is a bonus to her with mature ligaments in place. Find a studio with a proper flooring and a teacher who doesn't have poor technique with turnout expectations that hinder and border injury probabilities. Either way, no matter what, there is no hurry for getting up and enpointe or having injuries fresh out of the starting gate, just get your daughter into the basic training and let her fly and soar.' ' My older daughter danced at age 17 with a woman who only began at age 18 to dance. She was loving it all and the girls were cheering her on. ''
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4Real Forums : The Arts in the Everyday
Topic: Too old for ballet?
