Is 13 to old to start ballet? ?

Question

Is 13 to old to start ballet? ?

Answer 1

HI there.

Just a short thought.   There are prima ballerinas and professional ballet teachers in their 70's who are still dancing.   Now...at the age of 70 and dancing for 50+ years,  would it matter if they started at 6 or 16?    I don't really think so.

Age is in your mind, my dear.   Dedication and a desire to learn (anything) is in your Heart!!!

If you feel you can do it....  then Do It.

Best Wishes.

Answer 2

no..13 is fine..it may have been better to start a little earlier though..but at least now you will better understand all of the complicated technique ballet has..i started ballet when i was 7 and i didnt really understand what was happening

Answer 3

ehh,started when i was 3 and STILL not at the point i'd like to be

so i would say yes its too old.

if you are going to start, make sure, however, you start at a VERY GOOD school

because age 3-11 i went to a bad school, not knowing.

i transferred at age 12 and was in for a rude awakening-

i have alot of flexibility, its just i need to learn how to use it.

because if i started at the school i was at all along,

i would be sooooooooo much better.

Answer 4

no, but you might be slightly behind but if you work hard you should catch up... the only thing is you might not be as flexible as the other people there. hope that helps :)

Answer 5

13 is not too old.  Your extension may be a little less than it would have been.   Unfortunately, at around age 11, the bones knit and the hamstrings shorten, which makes the split harder, but not impossible.  The right stretching techniques can fix many things.

I started dance at 15 and have taken ever since, then taught ballet for a while.    I recommend taking several kinds of dance to get more well rounded.  Another thing that will help you is taking gymnastics, which will improve balance and flexibility.

The point to ballet is to develop long lines of the body, hip turnout and extension.  Every exercise at the barre is specifically targeted to that purpose.  You might want to visit several different studios to see which technique they use.  some techniques are more agressive and the dancers are more prone to injury.  I recommend the Vaganova technique if you can find an instructor.  otherwise, just check out the classes and ask if you can speak with some of the students and teachers.  Choose wisely and you will avoid long term injury to your ankles and knees.  

By the way...do NOT dance on point too quickly.  You have plenty of time, take for a couple of years first.

best of luck!