Can I Still Become a Ballerina if I Started Ballet at 4 and Took a Break Between the Ages of 11 and 15 But Restarted Ballet at 15?

Starting ballet at a young age and making a full commitment to its rigorous training regimen is a prerequisite for many aspiring ballerinas. The journey is demanding and often lifelong. However, if you have taken a break in your ballet training, does that mean you can no longer pursue your dreams?

The Risks and Challenges

According to my extensive experience within the professional ballet world, it is incredibly challenging for anyone to achieve a professional ballet career. I have seen countless dancers who started their training at the recommended age of 7/8, an age when both the mind and body are mature enough to engage and hold turnout for true ballet training. Unfortunately, very few reach the professional ranks.

Here are the factors that significantly influence your chances:

Physical Attributes: You must be born in the 2% of the population with the right body type. This is more than just being thin; it encompasses a very specific bone and muscle structure. No matter how much training you receive, you can't alter this natural attribute. Natural Ability: You need to be born with a natural aptitude for ballet and an innate musicality, which can't be trained through external methods. World-class Training: You must be nurtured in a school that has the potential to provide a shot at a ballet career. These schools are almost exclusively affiliated with professional ballet companies. They screen for age and whether you fall within that 2%.

The Training Regimen

The training required for a ballet career is extensive, involving:

Dedication: Trainees need to commit to approximately 20-30 hours of technique classes every week, year-round. Accommodation: Many dancers live at their training schools if they are far from home, allowing them to focus on their practice and academics. Academic Flexibility: Most trainees either attend their school's integrated educational program or are homeschooled to facilitate early graduation and full-time dance training. Prioritization: Training is expected to be complete by age 16/17, and students who are lucky enough to be chosen are then apprenticed to professional ballet companies and typically promoted to the corps de ballet after about six months.

Returning to Ballet After a Break

You mentioned that you started ballet at 4, took a break between the ages of 11 and 15, and then resumed training at 15. This scenario highlights a significant challenge:

Physical Changes: Your body has changed significantly since then. Even if you still have the natural aptitude, the years of missing training have affected your muscle memory and technique. Re-entry: Professional ballet dancers who take a year off due to injury often start back in advanced beginner classes at an affiliate school to get re-acquainted with the training. Age Cutoffs: Serious ballet schools rarely consider beginners over the age of 15. Most have a strict cutoff at 10/11, and taking a beginner at an older age is a rare occurrence.

Given this context, it is less likely that a school would consider you for advanced training now. The odds are against you reaching the professional level due to the time you have missed.

Alternatives and Joy of Dance

While it's possible to get back into ballet and enjoy the art form, it is crucial to understand that a professional ballet career is not the only path. Even if you were born with the rare physical and natural attributes that support a ballet career, the intense and prolonged training required is not always sustainable.

Recreational Dance: Ballet can be enjoyed at any age, regardless of your level of ability or physical form. Enjoyment: Ballet should be a joyful experience. Find a teen beginner class and start your journey again, prioritizing your enjoyment and well-being.

Remember, the ballet world is dynamic, and many dancers find a way to integrate ballet into a fulfilling lifestyle even if they are not on the professional path. It's all about your passion and commitment to your artistry.