Am I too old to start Ballet? 14?

Question

I just signed up for a ballet class at a new dance studio. I'm 14 and have never done it before, but I've pretty flexible, to a degree and have been cheerleading for 2 years. The dance instructor put me in ballet level 3 so I could be with other girls my age. Now though, I'm getting cold feet. I've always been picked on that I'm not graceful (although I disagree). I'm terrified that I'll look like a complete fool. Should I just ask my parents to take me out of the class? Am I too old to start now, especially at that level? What can I do to prepare?

Answer 1

no your not you just need to practice a lot and that is it! your never too old for anything!

Answer 2

Never to old!

Answer 3

deffinately not. your never too old. when i was 14, i was in a class with new dancers in their 30's!

Answer 4

No, you're not too old!  The instructor wouldn't have placed you in a class that she didn't feel you were appropriate for, so it will be fine.  I took my first dance class at age 15 (I never turned out to be a great dancer...but I didn't feel out of place with the other dancers, even though some had been dancing for quite some time).

Answer 5

No you should stay in it ballet is very fun and it keeps you in shape don't quit just work extra hard believe me its worth it

Answer 6

NO don't quit, if you want to dance ballet then dance ballet, you'll learn quickly, and it will be fun!  HARD but fun!

Answer 7

you are never too old to do something you want to do. if you've been in cheerleading then you should know some pretty good moves. i say go for it, and hold your head high, nothing like cold feet should slow you down, because it may just turn out to be something you really love..dont give that up.  good luck!!

Answer 8

u r never to old u would make a great ballet dance im sure

Answer 9

I'm sure if the teacher put you in that class based on your age level she has probably done it for other beginners who have signed up! No worries! I've been thinking about taking a ballet class and I'm 26.  You won't look like a fool.  If people know you are a beginner they will understand.  

Answer 10

If this is your dream and you really want to dance then dont give up. You are never too old to try something new. Think of that woman who was in her 90's and went back to college to get a degree. You can do, put your mind into it and all you have and I know you will do fine. You have a cheerleader background that will help you and just make sure you practice every chance you get. I worked at a dance studio and saw some of the best dancers that were your age that never took a lesson till they started later. You can do it and please let me know how everything goes.  

Answer 11

you're never to old

Answer 12

I've been dancing since I was three and I'm thirteen now.  But I think that it's never too late to start.  Plus, ballet dancers aren't always particularly graceful out of dance.  We do fall a lot because we find it hard to walk normally, but it gets better as time goes along.  

Answer 13

Oh please do study ballet. Stop thinking about being embarrassed especially in class and pay strict attention to what your teacher is demonstrating or look  at one person maybe who is in front of you so you can see how things are done.

When you are corrected go on.  Don't stop to say things like "I did like this or that" or any of the other comments that come into your mind - just do over again.  Be very concentrated and little by little you will find that you too can do those nice steps.

All the best.

Answer 14

Don't worry, I'm 13 and I'm starting my FIRST ballet class on September 9th.  I used to be kinda nervous, but now that I've got all my ballet clothes and I've signed up I feel better.  When I went to a dance store called Inspirations, I saw a whole bunch of pictures of people who got their first pointe shoes.  A woman that was no younger than 30, got her first ones!!  Your only 14, your so young and flexible!  Don't be scared to do ballet with people who probably have more experience then you.  Just work hard, stretch, and look confident.  Cheerleading will definitely help you out with ballet because your in shape now and your flexible.  To prepare, do your splits every day, eat pretty healthy, and do at least 50 ankle raises every day.  Since your in level 3, you'll probably get en pointe in about 2 years (maybe less if your really gifted)  Good luck, and have fun!!