What kind of body do you need to be a ballet dancer?

Question

I am 15 years old, 5' 6", and 150 lbs. yes i am "heavy" I haven't started any classes yet, so should I get into shape like a ballerina would be in before I attempt classes? What kind of workouts and exercise routines would help me the most?

Answer 1

i personally dont think thats heavy at all..at least your not one of those freaking twigs that dont eat anything thank GOD! i would just start with classes for teen beginners or something. and to get in shape for dance you just need to work on your endurance. i personally like to dance around my room and sing really loud (trust me it helps a ton!!) then i would just run, jumprope, bikeride...nothing too hard or fast..just do easy stuff for long amounts of time so that you can be able to work up to dancing for long amounts of time. hope i helped!  

Answer 2

It really depends on the school, but at a serious ballet school most girls are quite slender. (At least in my experiences)

Just go and take class, that will get you in shape soon enough! Or try doing a more upbeat type of dance like jazz in order to get your cardiovascular workout and pilates will help tone.

Answer 3

You are not heavy. I'm 5' 7" and 169 lbs. and i'm a ballet dancer.  Never the less i'm not going to be a professional ballet dance. so you are not too heavy for ballet. i have seen bigger girls in ballet class.

Trust me if you go to a good dance school the ballet will get you in shape fast enough, trust me, it's a crazy fun workout.

Answer 4

i'm exaclty like, you, and i'm a dancer 2, dancing naturally gets you in shape so thats all i would suggest do

Answer 5

Take class as you are; you don't need to be a certain body type to take ballet.  The ballet itself will help strengthen and tone your body.  To build on that strength, add some cardio to your day (30 minutes of fast walking, jogging, bicycling, etc.) and a Pilates class or Yoga once per week would be good (for strengh and flexibility).  

I hope you enjoy ballet!