Ballet Pointe Shoes - Too Tall?

by Victoria
(USA)

Ballet Pointe Shoes - Too Tall?

Hi,
I love ballet more than anything! I danced it for two years when I was 3-5. Now I want to start it again. I'm turning 15 this month, and starting a teens/adults beginner ballet class also this month. My dream since I was little was to dance on pointe one day. But, people keep telling me that I'm too tall for ballet or pointe (I'm 5'11''.) Is it true that since I'm starting late, and tall that I can never be a good ballet dancer?
Thanks,
Victoria

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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - Becoming a Professional Ballerina


Hello Victoria,

Thank you for your query, it is great to hear from you.

You shouldn't let your height inhibit your confidence or dream to dance on pointe. Of course you can still be a good ballet dancer. In terms of becoming a professional ballet dancer may prove harder, as many ballet companies have a specific height range so that the dancers can fit into the corps de ballet.

However, you don't always have to be a professional dancer to experience the joy that dancing and pointe work can bring. You can still dance on pointe one day and fulfill your dream, even if it's just for your own satisfaction.

There are many tall professional ballet dancers today who are very successful. Here are some of the names of tall dancers which can inspire you:

Yuan Yuan Tan, San francisco Ballet

Zenaida Yanowski, Royal Ballet

Darcey Bussell, Royal Ballet

Sylvie Guillem, Paris Opera Ballet and Royal Ballet

Christina Arestis, Royal Ballet

Cynthia Gregory, American Ballet Theatre

Keep your dreams alive!

All the best,

Odette