Can i still become a professional dancer??

Question

i'm 14 (almost 15) and have been dancing since i've been 2. I didn't start really training in ballet until a few years ago. I have just finished my first year of pointe work. My dream is to become a professional contemporary dancer. One of my main problems is that i am not built exactly like a dancer. I'm definitely not fat (5'3" and 115 lbs.) but i'm not thin. Im just REALLY bottom curvy. Another one of my concerns ist that i havent narrowed down my classes to just contemporary (jazz modern and lyrical)...i still take everything because i love it. Can i still become a professional ???

Answer 1

of course you can! and you don't need to stop taking ANY classes because you wanna focus on one style. take 'em all! just make sure your do a lot of contemporary and keep doin ballet, it will help.

Answer 2

Yes, absolutely! some of the world's greatest dancers didn't have the 'ideal' bodies. as long as you love to dance and it shows when you dance and perform, then you can do anything!!!!!

Answer 3

Check out this current audition notice for the American Repertory Ballet company ("New Jersey's Premiere Contemporary Ballet Company") that says that women MUST BE UNDER 5'5" (yes, they write it in all caps):

http://www.arballet.org/pdf/co-audition-...

Your biggest hurdle will be your training. Rather than narrow your focus, you actually need to keep your training diverse because contemporary dance is a blend of various styles. But you need A LOT of ballet if you hope to dance with a company. Lyrical is more for west coast/commercial dancing and, in my opinion, is far less important to learn than ballet, modern and jazz.

You're at an age when you should be taking dance classes at least 15 hours a week and much more in the summer. If you train at that level and with teachers who were, themselves, professional dancers, then you have a shot of becoming a professional. If you train at a local studio with former graduates of your own studio as your teachers, then you don't have a prayer of going pro.

[Slightly edited my response a day after first posting.]

Answer 4

WELL, it's great that you love dance so much, and you definitely have a broad range of different types of dance. But to be a professional, you're right, you do need to narrow it down to two types. (if not one) In the long run, if you do become a professional, being versatile will help, because you'll be asked to dance many pieces with different choreography.  Your height is fine, and your weight doesn't matter so much as long as you're TONED. If you're fit, weighing what you weigh is just about perfect, & if you're not.. 1 word that will help you: crunches. The core strengh you'll get will also help improve turning. Some selecters will be picky about body type, but if it's your dream, GO 4 IT!!! Don't let anyone discourage you. There are many schools where you can dance professionally. The main thing is to tone your body. Your "bottom curvyness" probably won't be a problem, as in a MAJOR PROBLEM after you tone up. But don't give up, ever. Good Luck!!!!!! I hope this helps!

Answer 5

Yes Defiantly, my dream is to be a professional ballerina i'm 14 too =^..^=

Answer 6

i have the same body type.  what i've heard is that ballet is the most strict type of dance when it comes to weight, height and overall body type.  jazz and modern can be more relaxed.  Of course you can come a professional! just try working really hard at your ballet and you'll shine through.  if you're more interested in modern or jazz you shouldn't worry! if you try hard enough it will work out in your benefit

Answer 7

The wonderful thing about contemporary dance is that it is all encompassing. All shapes/sizes/talents. From super flexible to super passionate. As long as you're a hard worker, have good work ethic and dedication, and enough ability, you definitely sound capable of going professional. Versatility is highly desired, and that's my only downfall, that I only took ballet, so now I'm having to take different things to prepare myself for a contemporary ballet company. But go for it. Look at http://www.urbanbushwomen.org/home.html (they are not skinny or tall, one dancer there is 5'2" and dances fiercely), http://www.monicabillbarnes.com/company/... http://www.kanopydance.org/

You can look up contemporary dance companies and see for yourself...Don't be discouraged, go for it!

Answer 8

you're 15 years old!

you have time!!

Now if you're 19 then that's a bit difficult....(like me lol)

I started dance a year ago...I'm not trying to become professional lol...but I landing some gigs would be a plus!

Answer 9

You and I have a similar body type. You still have time to grow but chances are you won't be tall enough to be a professional.  Professional dance companies tend to prefer very tall, excessively slender women.  At 5'3"  and 115 you are not fat, you are very normal and even a bit thin for your height.  So don't try to lose weight.  Your height is going to be your downfall anyway.  Not fair, but true.  (I found I was built better for soccer or gymnastics).

Keep taking dance because you love it and enjoy it.  You may find a niche such as theater where your dance talents will come in handy but you don't need to be 5'10" to make the cut.