How old is the average ballet dancer when they start and when they retire?

Question:

How old is the average ballet dancer when they start and when they retire?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I believe most dancers begin training as young children. As for retiring, professional dancers are often subject to injury which can certainly shorten careers. Also, dance is a younger person's pursuit. Think about how young most professional athletes are when they retire - late twenties, early thirties is pretty common. I'd be surprised if most dancers (aside from instructors) work beyond the age of 30.