Professional ballet?

Question

i would love to be a professional ballerina. i know i have asked this about 2 months ago but i just want other people's opinion.

what should i be doing now if i want to become a professional ballerina? i take dance 5 days a week, i am on pointe, i am good, and i am determined. thanks!

Answer 1

Well, first (I know you already know this and have heard it a million times and are probably sick of it, but) practice, practice, practice!  Also, if you haven't done so already apply to some professional ballet summer camps.  (Auditions for the year are usually in January so keep that in mind for next year.)  Also, start applying to professional ballet schools (School of American Ballet is one - I got into that one)  Stretch a lot because professional ballet companies look for strong, flexible dancers with highly-arched feet.  If you need foot exercises to improve your arch, post another question or email me ([e-mail]) b/c they're way too long to add to this already too long post, lol.  When you audition or perform, dance confidently because this attracts people and gives you stage presence.  People love that!  Most important of all: dance from your heart!!!!  Good luck!

Answer 2

Make sure that you are taking lessons from a teacher who can get you to that level.  

Does you teacher have former students who have gone onto professional jobs?    If not, you need to switch studios immediately.  

Tell you teacher about your goal, and ask for their help and  guidence.     You teacher will know what you need to work on, and should be able to get you on the right track.

Also,  educate yourself about ballet in general and your options in particular.   Read biographies of dancers and choreographers, see professioal ballet productions, watch videos of performances from around the world, etc.  

Think about what kinds of companies would be a good match for you based on your style and body type.  Be honest with yourself about your options.

Answer 3

IDK if I answered you a couple of months ago - if I did sorry to repeat.  IDK how old you are or how long you've been in ballet.  You should be taking at least 2-3 technique classes     (1 1/2 hrs each), plus 2 pointe classes at 1 hour each, plus rehearsals for any planned productions that your studio is doing like the Nutcracker etc.  You should be taking a summer intensive hopefully offered at your studio.  You should also be taking a summer intensive offered by ABT, Joffrey, Atlanta Ballet etc.  I know you claim to be "good", but that determination has to be made by your studio's instructors and preferably by outside judges like the teachers you audition for summer intensives.  If they like what they see and think you've got what it take I guarentee you that they will tell you....if they don't, you've got work to do.

I'm trying not to sound mean, but remember that there are hundreds even thousands of young women just like you who have a ton of talent, a burning passion for ballet, great line, great technique and a perfect ballet body that are barely given a second look by professional ballet companies because there is so much competition.  Careers for most ballerinas is short, poorly paid, with constant dieting, worries about injuries and hassles with artistic directors and the ballet master.

Life is journey, so remember also that there is life outside ballet - you have to have friends (even non-dance ones), there is school, and everyone needs a social life to stay well balanced. Good Luck

Answer 4

its a good idea to look into summer intensives of a ballet company that is interesting to you. (many are 4-5 weeks long for the serious student. others may be 2 weeks or offer  a 3 day course if you are a local. it depends on the company.) Although it may be expensive, it can help you get an idea of a day in the life of a professional and even show the company you spend the summer with how good you are.

Answer 5

It's a hard thing to get into.  You'd have to be exceptionally talented and have to be very dedicated.

I'd say make sure you've got other skills to back you up in case it dosen't take off as a career.

Answer 6

if you are old enough you should start applying for colllege