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Whether you want to learn ballet as an adult or you're hoping to embark on a career, you've got to have passion! Ballet can be a lifelong dream and career or a fantastic hobby that you pick up. Most ballerinas love to dance at an early age while others pick it up later in life. There are no rules about being a ballerina, but you might have questions about ballet dancing so read on to get started.
Steps
Do I have to learn ballet as a child?
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No, although you'll have an advantage if you want to become a professional. Most ballerinas take lessons as young children and begin training with a company between 7 and 10 years old. This usually means they'll have 1 or 2 technique classes a week. As a teenager, they'll take 10 to 15 classes a week if they're interested in ballet as a career. [2] X Research source
- Starting ballet as a child gives you years of practice so you're ready to perform in a company during your young adult years. [3]
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Expert Source
Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- Starting ballet as a child gives you years of practice so you're ready to perform in a company during your young adult years. [3]
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Expert Source
Geraldine Grace Johns
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You can learn ballet as an adult—just look for an absolute beginner class. If you weren't interested in ballet as a child or you missed your chance early on, it's never too late! In fact, you'll probably have better focus and attention when you learn ballet as an adult. Ballet is also a great way to stay in shape and express yourself. [4] X Research source
- Most ballet or dance studios offer absolute beginner classes. These are for people who have never danced ballet or haven't done it in years. They'll teach you the very basics so you can confidently grow as a ballerina.
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What skills or qualifications do ballerinas need?
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You'll need dedication and passion for dancing. Ballet can be hard. It's physically demanding and you need to train like an athlete. This just means that you need the determination to stick with it. Above all, you must love ballet dancing! [5] X Research source
- Ballerinas usually need to have a good ear for music since the dances are choreographed to musical pieces. You should also be able to express yourself by dancing to the music.
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Ballerinas need physical strength. Many ballerinas practice a vigorous workout schedule that includes strength training, pilates, cycling, or running. Do a variety of exercises so you work different muscles and build strength across your entire body. This can also give you stamina for dancing. [6] X Expert Source Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.- Do exercises you enjoy doing so you're more likely to stick with a workout routine. [7] X Research source
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You'll need training at a ballet school if you want to be a professional. If you feel passionate about ballet as a career, you'll need to complete a ballet program. These can cost between $1,000 to $6,000 a year in addition to supplies like leotards, tights, and shoes. Keep in mind that training usually lasts around 10 years. [8] X Research source
- Want to take ballet classes at a local studio for fun? A 1-hour weekly class averages between $40 and $70. You'll also need a leotard, tights, and shoes.
- Check out summer ballet workshops. Although these may be pricy depending on the organization, they can be a great way to get some training in between school years.
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Audition to land a job as a ballerina. Usually, you'll train until you're hired by a dance company. They'll ask you to audition and you'll perform in front of several professional ballerinas or teachers. They'll be watching your technique and performance skills. In particular, they want to see your passion and how you express yourself as you dance. [9] X Research source
- Find ways to show your personality. Being yourself can help set you apart from other dancers. If you're allowed to select your own routine, pick moves that capture your unique personality.
- Try your best not to panic on stage. If you make a minor mistake or misstep, how you recover from that in audition speaks volumes to your skills as a dancer. Try to stay calm and keep going even if you screw up during a routine.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of ballet shoes should a beginner buy?Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.I prefer students to wear a full sole ballet shoe in pink or the same color as their ballet tights. It's important that your first pair of ballet shoes are fitted at a ballet shop with a professional. This will ensure that you have the right length and width shoe.
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QuestionWhat should I wear to my first ballet class?Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.I recommend wearing flat ballet shoes, ballet tights or leggings, a leotard with a waist band or a fitted dance t-shirt, and a crossover cardigan if you are cold. Form hugging clothing is best.
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QuestionIs 12 too old to start ballet?Cecilia FloresTop AnswererNo! You are never too old to start ballet! Just find a studio you might want to join, go check it out, and if you like it, then go for it.
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Tips
- You may have heard that ballet is painful and it can be! Being "on pointe" means standing on the very tips of your toes. It takes a lot of practice and it can be physically demanding. [14] X Expert Source Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://kcballet.org/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-dancer/
- ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/late-bloomers-adult-ballet-classes-bring-the-joy-of-dance-at-any-age/
- ↑ https://www.balletdancersguide.com/ballet-dancers.html
- ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
- ↑ https://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/2013/06/24/ballerina-workout-boston-ballet/
- ↑ https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/high-price-of-ballet-diversity-misty-copeland/
- ↑ http://www.balletdancersguide.com/audition-tips.html
- ↑ https://kcballet.org/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-dancer/
- ↑ https://dancemagazine.com.au/2011/07/the-ideal-ballet-body/
- ↑ https://kcballet.org/faqs/?category=about-the-artform
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1fkwdll6ZscvQtHMz4HCYYr/why-do-dancers-die-twice
- ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
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