Q: I am 12 years old and I am from a small town in Alberta, Canada named Trochu, where there are not very many ballet options. I take ballet classes once a week and jazz classes once a week, and I am not sure if that is enough. I am very passionate about ballet and I'm very anxious to go en pointe. In my area my ballet teacher doesn't teach many students with pointe shoes, but a few girls in our school have pointe shoes. I want very much to become a dancer in a professional ballet someday, like the New York City Ballet. Do you think I have what it takes to become a ballerina? Am I taking enough classes? Do you know any big ballet schools in Alberta that I could go to also or instead? Thank-you very much for your time, I appreciate it a lot.
Dear Dancer,
Without seeing you, it is impossible to assess your standard or training or your ability. I can tell you that on one lesson a week it is not desirable to start pointe work. Serious dancers of 12 years old are taking a minimum of 3 classes per week. If Trochu is near Calgary, you could audition for the Alberta Ballet School, which has professional training. The principals or directors of the school are Murray and Nancy Kilgour, who have returned to Canada, after teaching in London for many many years.
I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Mignon Furman |
