How come you cant start taking ballet classes when you're 16 and still becom

Question:This is mostly because ballet is an extremely challenging sport in which the training takes years to perfect, and in the professional world of ballet, that sometimes isn't even good enough. The technique is extremely intricate, and you have to perfect each move. There is training which starts young that prepares a dancer's body for ballet. Another point is that most ballet teachers, if not all, won't place a student on pointe until they've had a couple years, if not more, of ballet off pointe.

Now, if you start at age 16, you could become a good ballet dancer, but it's not realistic to believe you'll be at professional level, especially on the ballet clock. Ballet companies want to pluck dancers at their prime so they often take dancers who are young (20s).

Now, none of this is to say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult because of the technique and the ballet world. If you dedicated yourself to ballet, it would be possible, but it would be extremely difficult. Most people don't have the dedication that would be necessary.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: This is mostly because ballet is an extremely challenging sport in which the training takes years to perfect, and in the professional world of ballet, that sometimes isn't even good enough. The technique is extremely intricate, and you have to perfect each move. There is training which starts young that prepares a dancer's body for ballet. Another point is that most ballet teachers, if not all, won't place a student on pointe until they've had a couple years, if not more, of ballet off pointe.

Now, if you start at age 16, you could become a good ballet dancer, but it's not realistic to believe you'll be at professional level, especially on the ballet clock. Ballet companies want to pluck dancers at their prime so they often take dancers who are young (20s).

Now, none of this is to say it's impossible, but it would be extremely difficult because of the technique and the ballet world. If you dedicated yourself to ballet, it would be possible, but it would be extremely difficult. Most people don't have the dedication that would be necessary.

Most would say it's because of the training your body goes through when young helps shape it to be the best. When you're older it's harder to train. But if this is a love of yours and you want to give it a go - do it! You may not be a top professional but you can certainly try! Then you won't regret not trying later in life.

It isnt impossible, just very challanging to go pro starting later than a traditionally trained dancer. A lot of prep has to go into developing your skills, but it doesnt rule you out! You very well may have some experience in other activities that will help. I did rhythmic before I did actual ballet, and some other forms of dance, so I had a lot of technique and strength first. I will never dance with ABT but I have had the opportunity to do some work with pro modern companies, and teaching, which can be just as rewarding!
If you love it, stick with it!

because, when you are sixteen, thats when you usually start becoming a professional and you have been taking ballet since you were little and take so many classes a week. B ballerina's career stars at 16 or 17 and usually lasts till about mid/late twenties.

For female ballet dancers, the answer breaks down into three parts: MEGA supply, teeny-tiny demand, and the availability of pre-professional ballet training.

Let's start with the training, since that's where it all begins and where you theoretically are right now. The fact of the matter is that all ballet classes are not equal in being able to prepare you for a professional ballet career. The best places to train are at ballet schools that are run by professional ballet companies. Consider how many schools there are like that (not many, considering) and you'll see that your options are limited. Most people do not live within a convenient commute to a ballet company-run school. The second best place to train is at a school directed by former professional ballet dancers who offer at least 20 hours a week of classes for pre-professional students.

That kind of ballet training is expensive and only well-to-do parents can afford it. Even if you had access to that kind of training after you turned 18, it's unlikely that parents are going to be overly thrilled with continuing to pay for those classes. And as a college student or a working person, it's very hard to fit in 20 hours a week of classes and rehearsals.

MEANWHILE, there are thousands and thousands of pre-professional ballet students who have already received this training for 10+ years and are ready to audition for companies by the time they're 18. But as with all professions, experience is preferred, so it's very hard to break in. IF you could manage to get pre-professional training and progress to the most advanced levels, you would only be ready to audition at the very earliest when you're about 22-23 years old. At which point, you'd be competing with thousands of other dancers who have more experience than you.

Finally, there aren't many professional ballet companies, and they're getting fewer all the time or laying off dancers. Just last week, the Boston Ballet company announced that it's laying off 20% of it's dancers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/arts/d...

How often do you go to see a professional ballet company perform? Maybe once a year - if that? So realize that you're contributing to the low demand for ballet dancers. Compare how often you pay to see ballet with the money being poured into professional football and yet note how hard it is for guys to become professional football players. Do you think they can start at 16 and make it to the pros?

Both professions are geared towards young talent, so you have to start young. That's all there is to it.

P.S. For male ballet dancers it's a different story due to the differences in supply vs. demand.

well no not really unless u have a amazing gift in ballet! i am 13 and have been dancing since 6 but started at new york dance theater like abt incase u havent heard at age 8....
good luck though