Career Development Plan - What is the oldest to start dancing?

by Fifi
(Australia, NSW)

Career Development Plan - What is the oldest to start dancing?

Hi, I am Fifi.

I did a bit of irish dancing when I was two or three, but was not good at it and I stopped quickly.

I wish I could take up dancing now, but I am eleven and I my parents are in no mood to let me start with no dance school near by and not much money to spend having a huge family. SO I was wondering if I am too old to start and what is the oldest I can start? I want to be a ballrina, but there is no way I can be it for a while and so I was wondering if when I am a little older if I can start? That is when my family says yes!

Thanks!

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Reply by Odette
To:- Career Development Plan - What is the oldest to start dancing?

Hi Fifi,
Thanks for contacting me, it’s great to hear from you. Perhaps it is because I am much older than you, but you are oh so young! I only started dancing when I was 8 years old, having previously done gymnastics, then took ballet more seriously to train at aged 11. There is a lot that could happen for you, but of course it doesn’t just depend on your age. There are many factors to consider if you want to be a ballerina.

It is a very serious choice to decide you want to become a professional and pursue a career. The choice is very different to whether you want to just dance for fun as a hobby, to as a career. It isn’t something you have all the control to decide on either. As you realise, it depends a lot on what you family want as well as whether you have the potential to become a dancer.

First things first, you need to get regular ballet classes. I know you realise this too, but there is not much more you can think about until you start dancing, because apart from your love for ballet, you don’t know what facility you have or how you could progress.

You aren’t too old to start now and you are never really too old to start dancing as a hobby. Yet as a career, it can be harder because you not only need to start training young but also at the right school. It is different to each and every dancer, but I would say to get classes as soon as you can and then see where it leads you.

Best wishes,
Odette