I probably won't be able to have a dance career when I'm older-is there

Question:I have the talent, drive, passion etc. But the wronngggg body! My muscles are and have always been bulky-my legs are as hard as rocks. Definitely not ballerina material.

I dance 6 days a week, cost my parents a fortune-if theres not that much of a chance of me having a dance career should I stop some classes?

I've auditioned for all of the dancing schools, the shows, the ballet schools etc. Again, I just don't have the ballet body.

I know I can dance, I've gotten over 90% in my latest tap, jazz and ballet exams-so I'm not some teenager trying to dance who hasn't had the training.

Your thoughts please?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have the talent, drive, passion etc. But the wronngggg body! My muscles are and have always been bulky-my legs are as hard as rocks. Definitely not ballerina material.

I dance 6 days a week, cost my parents a fortune-if theres not that much of a chance of me having a dance career should I stop some classes?

I've auditioned for all of the dancing schools, the shows, the ballet schools etc. Again, I just don't have the ballet body.

I know I can dance, I've gotten over 90% in my latest tap, jazz and ballet exams-so I'm not some teenager trying to dance who hasn't had the training.

Your thoughts please?

Rach, while it does sound as though you're not ballerina material, you should definitely not rule out a dance career. Frankly, there's more money in jazz anyway (at least here in the U.S.). My daughter just called me (while I was reading your question) to vent that she just found out that she was selected to be in a hip hop gig for a fashion show benefit, but the date for the gig is when she has to be in NYC for a ballet company audition - which she stands very little chance of succeeding. She also made it through all the cuts auditioning for a cruise line, but she only made it through the first cuts for other ballet company auditions. Clearly jazz is winning out so far.

I know it's hard to give up the ballet dreams, but 95% of the top ballet students must go through that at some point. And that includes those with more typical ballet bodies. It's just a brutal, brutal field to break into. But you should know that none of your ballet training is going to waste. Meanwhile, that split leap of yours is going to help you out a lot on the commercial side of the dance biz. So do what makes you happy when it comes to the amount of classes that you take.

This is obvious a very strong passion of yours - Keep it up! I would die if I had to cut out on some of my dance classes. And you'll never know until you've exhausted every last possibility. Don't give up hope. And just remember - The examiner knows you have alot of potential if you are receiving 90% for your exams.

if you've got the passion then dont worry about it :]

the examiners obviously see something special in you if you've got over 90%.

most proffesional dancers dont have the "body" for dance . . .

hope that helps :]

x

Hi,

What matters is your passion and your rigiour... you dont need to have a Dancers body to become a dancer..and what is this dancers body??? I didnt have a dancer's body .. but i was quite successful in all competitond i went.. just keep Going.. till you achieve your goal..dont loose confidence and hope....you will definitley achieve it..

Cheers

Dear Rach, you are going through a tough time in your short life. You are worried about your body structure and you`re not finished growing yet. I`m sure you`ve heard the story of the ``Ugly Duckling``, so you still have time to become the ``Beautiful Swan`` that I`m sure you will be. Please give yourself more credit, with your talent you are destined to have your dream, just wait and see. LUV

I am the mom of an advanced ballet dancer, age 16, who also dances 6 days a week and does not want a career in ballet. I spend a fortune but I see how happy it makes my daughter. She has the rest of her life to work hard at a career, so I feel as though I'm giving her this experience that she will keep with her forever, even if she doesn't make a career out of it. Keep dancing, you don't have to be the perfect body type to be a great dancer and feel good about yourself!

Stick to what you are good at. There is no need to do ballet if it doesn't suit you, just enjoy what you can do.

If you enjoy dancing even though you won't (can't) make a career out of it you should continue to to do it, it will help keep your body toned and is very good exercise, good for every part of your body. If you really don't like it then you shouldn't do it.

Check the people in this vid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdGa8LRvA...
Look how graceful the women are, despite their very muscular body.

Never quit something you love just because you dont correspond to their standards. there' s always a niche to be filled.

Good luck and have fun.

Keep it up. I am a Dance Education Major at the University of Southern Mississippi, and we have an amazing program here. And NONE of the girls in the program have "the perfect ballerina body" because, honestly, that hardly exists. One of the best dancers in our program is short too, and has blulky muscles, almost like you describe yourself.

The perfect body for dancers is absolutely changing. Modern dance has almost thrown out this idea that dancers must be tall and skinny.

If you have the passion for it, don't stop. You'll find where you fit in the dance world. I don't have the ballet body, but I've found a profession I love.I have a place in dance, even though I'm not perfect.