Im getting really discouraged at dance class because i feel like im not good eno

Question:i am 16 years old and ive been dancing ballet for almost 11 years. im not en pointe yet and i really want to be. girls who are 10 and 11 are already en pointe and theyve just started dance. and i feel less important too because my dance instructor puts me down about my posture and weight and no one else. im really angry and have tried everything. what should i do? also, how can i go en pointe soon? my dance teacher said that she wants "to talk about pointe this year" but im not sure if she means it.

im so confused=[ please give me advice. i would appreciate it.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i am 16 years old and ive been dancing ballet for almost 11 years. im not en pointe yet and i really want to be. girls who are 10 and 11 are already en pointe and theyve just started dance. and i feel less important too because my dance instructor puts me down about my posture and weight and no one else. im really angry and have tried everything. what should i do? also, how can i go en pointe soon? my dance teacher said that she wants "to talk about pointe this year" but im not sure if she means it.

im so confused=[ please give me advice. i would appreciate it.

I understand.....and I am sorry for your predicament. No dance teacher should put down one of their students - ever - very unprofessional. I wish I could have a word or two with her. Unfortunately there are still crapheads that teach dance and get away with their prejudiced outlooks and plans. I seriously think that it is time for you to change studios - if possible. A mid-year break might present an opportunity to switch. As for your going on pointe....if you are 16 and not grossly overweight, you should be able to go on pointe with no problems- your teacher should at least let you try. I am horribly afraid that she may be trying to run you out of the studio because she doesn't like your build or physique. Again - extremely unprofessionaI!
I remember a young woman in one of the amateur companies I danced with did a beautiful version of the "Arabian" dance from the Nutcracker and she was ~5'6" and at least 175 lbs...she looked good too. Her main instructor had her work hard and treated her with utmost respect despite her build. Good Luck to you! Don't let anyone put you down.....but seriously, think about switching studios....

find another hobby.

I have to admit, i'm not a ballet expert. (I don't know what en pointe means.) But tell your teacher to leave you alone about your weight. Its not her problem. I have a bit of the same problem. But be who you already are and try your best. It's not fair that other people hurt your feelings over problems that you have. I'm sorry that I am an idiot and aren't that smart, that I prefer to sleep on the floor, and tend to be very slow, but I use that to my point of advantage.I know this won't be much help, but I try my best. If your teacher doesn't get a clue, tell her to take her leotard and slippers and shove them up her butt. My best wishes, A.S.

You need to switch studios. Find somewhere professional that is willing to work with you. About your weight- don't sweat. Your teacher probably knows the dance industry, which is extremely critical when it comes to and extra pound here, or those hips, or whatever. Go to a studio that will work with you and encourage you. And about pointe- first off, it hurts extremely badly. I have been en pointe for 4 1/2 years (I'm 15), and learning new things or staying up for over 2 hours at a time still hurts my feet. It is difficult, excruciating work, and the only thing that could possibly help is if you are strong enough to do it. If you aren't, then it will only be more difficult. You will do pointe work when you are ready.
Best of Luck!