How to Be a Ballerina

Whether you want to learn ballet as an adult or you're hoping to embark on a career, you've got to have passion! Ballet can be a lifelong dream and career or a fantastic hobby that you pick up. Most ballerinas love to dance at an early age while others pick it up later in life. There are no rules about being a ballerina, but you might have questions about ballet dancing so read on to get started.

Can anyone be a ballerina?

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Yes—anyone can take lessons or decide to train in a program! While women ballet dancers are called ballerinas, men can also become ballet dancers. They're called ballerinos. If you're interested in ballet, start with beginner lessons at a ballet or dance studio.^{[1]XExpert SourceGeraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet InstructorExpert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
- If you want to make ballet dancing a professional career, you can apply to ballet programs. From there, you'll train in order to get a place with a ballet company.

Do I have to learn ballet as a child?

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No, although you'll have an advantage if you want to become a professional. Most ballerinas take lessons as young children and begin training with a company between 7 and 10 years old. This usually means they'll have 1 or 2 technique classes a week. As a teenager, they'll take 10 to 15 classes a week if they're interested in ballet as a career.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Starting ballet as a child gives you years of practice so you're ready to perform in a company during your young adult years.^{[3]XExpert SourceGeraldine Grace Johns
  Professional Ballerina & Ballet InstructorExpert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
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You can learn ballet as an adult—just look for an absolute beginner class. If you weren't interested in ballet as a child or you missed your chance early on, it's never too late! In fact, you'll probably have better focus and attention when you learn ballet as an adult. Ballet is also a great way to stay in shape and express yourself.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Most ballet or dance studios offer absolute beginner classes. These are for people who have never danced ballet or haven't done it in years. They'll teach you the very basics so you can confidently grow as a ballerina.

What skills or qualifications do ballerinas need?

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You'll need dedication and passion for dancing. Ballet can be hard. It's physically demanding and you need to train like an athlete. This just means that you need the determination to stick with it. Above all, you must love ballet dancing!^{[5]XResearch source}
- Ballerinas usually need to have a good ear for music since the dances are choreographed to musical pieces. You should also be able to express yourself by dancing to the music.
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Ballerinas need physical strength. Many ballerinas practice a vigorous workout schedule that includes strength training, pilates, cycling, or running. Do a variety of exercises so you work different muscles and build strength across your entire body. This can also give you stamina for dancing.^{[6]XExpert SourceGeraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet InstructorExpert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
- Do exercises you enjoy doing so you're more likely to stick with a workout routine.^{[7]XResearch source}
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You'll need training at a ballet school if you want to be a professional. If you feel passionate about ballet as a career, you'll need to complete a ballet program. These can cost between $1,000 to $6,000 a year in addition to supplies like leotards, tights, and shoes. Keep in mind that training usually lasts around 10 years.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Want to take ballet classes at a local studio for fun? A 1-hour weekly class averages between $40 and $70. You'll also need a leotard, tights, and shoes.
- Check out summer ballet workshops. Although these may be pricy depending on the organization, they can be a great way to get some training in between school years.
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Audition to land a job as a ballerina. Usually, you'll train until you're hired by a dance company. They'll ask you to audition and you'll perform in front of several professional ballerinas or teachers. They'll be watching your technique and performance skills. In particular, they want to see your passion and how you express yourself as you dance.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Find ways to show your personality. Being yourself can help set you apart from other dancers. If you're allowed to select your own routine, pick moves that capture your unique personality.
- Try your best not to panic on stage. If you make a minor mistake or misstep, how you recover from that in audition speaks volumes to your skills as a dancer. Try to stay calm and keep going even if you screw up during a routine.

How many years does it take to become a ballerina?

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It takes around 8 to 10 years of training to be a professional ballerina. You'll take technique classes once a week for the first 5 to 8 years. Then, you'll take 10 to 15 classes a week until you complete your training or you're hired by a ballet company.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you're treating ballet as a hobby or workout, you can take classes or workshops whenever you feel like it.

How much should a ballerina weigh?

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There's no perfect weight or height for a ballerina. In the past, ballerinas tended to be short and thin although body perceptions are changing. If you're hoping for specific height or weight guidelines, check with the ballet company you'd like to join. They usually set their own requirements.^{[11]XResearch source}
- The most important thing about your ballet body is that you can cope with the physical demands of dancing.
- Don't let the pressure of a "perfect" ballerina body wear you down. More ballet companies are hiring increasingly diverse dancers.

What's a ballerina's typical day like?

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Ballerinas have very full, physical routines. Usually, a ballerina starts the day with an hour-long technique class, does 4 to 6 hours of rehearsal, and finishes with a 2-hour performance. Ballerinas can do up to 10 hours of intense physical exercise every day.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Keep in mind that a professional ballerina might be rehearsing for several shows at a time. This can make for a very full day!
- There's not much time for socializing, but ballerinas are often a tight-knit bunch.

How long does a ballerina's career last?

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A professional ballerina usually dances into their early 30s. Although there's no set age at which you have to stop dancing, most ballerinas find that ballet is very hard on their bodies. They may develop arthritis, muscle strain, or need several surgeries for back, knee, or foot problems. Many choose to stop dancing in order to recover or focus on other areas of their lives.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Some ballerinas may become teachers or choreographers, for instance.
- If you're doing ballet as a hobby, there's really no age limit and you can dance as long as you enjoy doing it.

Expert Q&A

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What kind of ballet shoes should a beginner buy?
Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Expert Answer
I prefer students to wear a full sole ballet shoe in pink or the same color as their ballet tights. It's important that your first pair of ballet shoes are fitted at a ballet shop with a professional. This will ensure that you have the right length and width shoe.
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What should I wear to my first ballet class?
Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
Geraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
Expert Answer
I recommend wearing flat ballet shoes, ballet tights or leggings, a leotard with a waist band or a fitted dance t-shirt, and a crossover cardigan if you are cold. Form hugging clothing is best.
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Is 12 too old to start ballet?
Cecilia Flores
Top Answerer
No! You are never too old to start ballet! Just find a studio you might want to join, go check it out, and if you like it, then go for it.
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You may have heard that ballet is painful and it can be! Being "on pointe" means standing on the very tips of your toes. It takes a lot of practice and it can be physically demanding.^{[14]XExpert SourceGeraldine Grace Johns
Professional Ballerina & Ballet InstructorExpert Interview. 11 November 2020.}
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