Starting ballet at fifteen in Vancouver?

Question:Im fifteen and i would really like to start ballet. I don't have much dance experience but I did cheerleading last year and I'm pretty flexible. (I can do side splits on both legs and middle splits; i can also do a bow and arrow (google images "bow and arrow" cheerleading if you dont know what that is).
is there any chance that i can go en pointe? and where could i learn?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Im fifteen and i would really like to start ballet. I don't have much dance experience but I did cheerleading last year and I'm pretty flexible. (I can do side splits on both legs and middle splits; i can also do a bow and arrow (google images "bow and arrow" cheerleading if you dont know what that is).
is there any chance that i can go en pointe? and where could i learn?

You DO NOT need 4 years of ballet B4 going on pointe!! - the posters who told you that is full of it IMHO. At age 15 you MAY need a year, but probably less particularly if you are strong in the lower legs (like most cheer people). Much depends on your body type (5'5" and 110 lbs is good) - if not, don't worry about it. The rate at which you progress is directly dependent on your talent and work ethic. Go for it and Good Luck. Check your local ballet school or dance school. Also, have a good talk with the dance school owner/principal before you start. Just to make sure you and he/she are on the same page

Even though you are flexible, which is a very good thing in dance, you cannot just go en pointe. You need to take a pre-pointe class to even think about trying on a pair on pointe shoes! But before your pre-pointe class i suggest at least 4 years of ballet. Also, if you want to get on pointe in 4 years instead of..say 7, then do a lot of ankle strenthening exercises. Good luck!