Am I too old to learn ballet?

Question:is it true that when you are twelve years old, your tendons or something harden, so that your bones are too stiff to do all the pointe and stuff? I have been thinking of what dancing to do, I'm not really girly or anything, and ballet popped up and I am dying to do it now! what should I do?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: is it true that when you are twelve years old, your tendons or something harden, so that your bones are too stiff to do all the pointe and stuff? I have been thinking of what dancing to do, I'm not really girly or anything, and ballet popped up and I am dying to do it now! what should I do?

YOU SHOULD GO FOR IT GIRL! I mean it seriously! I just started ballet this year (I'm 14 years old) and I LOVE IT! I got en pointe 2 months ago, and it was fantastic!
The only thing you have to watch out for is that you start in a class for your age. That's the only thing!
Good luck with your dancing!
-Laura

no, you can learn. Your not too old. Go for it. Ballet is beautiful.

This is what I found on the internet:

The best age to begin a serious study of ballet is eight to ten for girls; boys may begin somewhat later. Younger children may be harmed by the strenuous physical demands of a ballet class, and older children gradually lose the flexibility required to attain good turnout. Girls usually begin pointe work after three years of training. If training is begun after the late teens, it is probably unrealistic to hope for a professional career.

All dancers, no matter how experienced or proficient, take daily class to keep their bodies supple and strong.

On the other hand, I also saw dance schools offering TEEN ballet lessons so I think it should be fine! (:

Hope it was of help!

Don't worry about what you've heard in this regard. If you put enough energy and most important 'heart' in your efforts to dance ballet you'll 'be' a ballet dancer.
I dated a ballet dancer back years ago in Washington, D.C.and saw her perform at Constitution Hall; I saw Barishnikov and Neuryev dance. I watched the men and women do things I've never been able to do in ballet and I've enjoyed just watching. The energy and strengh and coordination and beauty of Ballet is simply wonderful to behold.
By the way, I'm an old ex-paratrooper
Thanks

The only thing true is that at age 13-14 young women generally will stop growing. Before growing ends sometimes the ends of growing bones can be injured by strenuous exercise. Age 12 is not too late to start ballet and still go on point within a reasonable time. Much depends on your talent, physical type, drive, and teachers. Try it and work hard...you get out what you put in. Find a good studio near you and try to take adult beginners classes so you won't have to dance with the little kids. Ask the dance school director all the questions you have (be sure to write them down) and make an appointment. Good Luck

you're never too old, but i'd suggest finding a good dance teacher, or you might find yourself quitting.

I started ballet late, after your age, and became a professional dancer. I was a gymnast before that, and very flexible and strong. However, bones are supposed to be stiff, and the danger is going on pointe too young. It is harder to gain flexibility as you get older, but you are just a child. Tendons never harden. Go for it. Work hard. You can be good!

the opposite is true - it's dangerous to start ballet too young, when the bones are still soft.

You are not too old at twelve to start ballet - at your age, you could still look forward to a professional career, IF that's what you want and if you're good enough.

If you just want to do it as a hobby, you can never be too old.

Dude im 12 and i do pointe and ballet. Start ballet first to understand the combinations and when ur stregth builds up join pointe hurts ur feet but oh my so beautiful