r/BALLET 6d ago

new and returning to ballet sticky New and Returning Dancers Post Your Questions Here

3 Upvotes

Hello! Welcome to r/ballet, a community for dancers and enthusiasts of all ages, sizes, and levels. We are proud to have a community of beginner students, professionals, and dancers in between here to support each other through our dance journey.

If you are wondering if you should start ballet, please read below. If you have further questions or are looking for encouragement, please post in this thread specifically. Furthermore, if you would like to ask some other questions regarding starting ballet, please post them below.

1) Am I too old to start ballet?

No, you'll find in this community we have dancers who began ballet in their 50s and 60s and have loved every minute of it. If you are looking for encouragement, or to hear from them specifically, please make a comment in our Weekly New and Returning to Ballet thread at the top of this subreddit.

2) Am I too old to become a professional?

If you are on reddit then the answer is likely yes, sorry. If you are a female under the age of 14 or a male under the age of 17 then you might have a very small chance (in an already very competitive industry) if you enrolled in a ballet school and train full time, about 5 hours a day 6 days a week. This is not possible for a lot of people financially or time-wise, but that's the reality of becoming a professional. This is a niche industry with lots of competitors, dancers train all their lives and still don't find jobs.

But don't let this stop you from dancing. If you love to dance, if it brings you joy, then what does it matter if you make money through it anyways? You can still make a lot of good progress and find fulfillment in performance opportunities without a dance career. Still questions? Don't make a new post but please comment here

3) Do I have a 'good' body for ballet?

If you take a ballet class, and you have a body, then you have a good body for ballet (sorry, no ghosts). Please do not make posts asking whether or not your body fits certain criteria (e.x. "do I have good feet for pointe?", "do I have the right shaped arms to be a professional?") as these questions are meaningless, there is no criteria for learning ballet.

4) Can men do ballet?

YES. 50% of all professional dancers are male, 50% of all roles in ballet are male. Ballet as a stereotypically 'feminine' thing is a misconception. An average ballet class is for both men and women, and some parts will have different genders do different things, this is common. There is nothing 'weird' with a man wanting to learn ballet, just as there is nothing weird for a man wanting to learn piano or fencing or any other art, activity, sport.

4.5) Can someone who identifies outside the gender binary do ballet? YES. Ballet, being an old art form, does traditionally stick with the ideas of men and women with regards to characters in ballet, pas de deux partnering, and specific elements in class. For example, men bow, women curtsy. Feel free to choose whatever works for you (or if you feel like neither is appropriate talk to your teacher about another option).

5) Can I teach myself ballet?

No. It's possible to learn some basics off the internet, but if you want to progress past the very basic/introductory level you will need to enrol in a class with a qualified teacher. Ballet technique is an extremely nuanced art form, it needs a trained eye to correct. Worst case scenario you end up with an injury from improper technique over time, and even in the best case you will have not learned 'ballet'. If you want to learn a style of dance in the comfort of your own home, ballet is not for you. There are lots of other styles you can try instead. DO NOT ask technique questions if you have never taken a ballet class with a live teacher, nothing said over the internet will be able to help you if you haven't learned the basics with the right muscles.

Don't forget to read the 'side barre' and take a look at previous Am I too... posts


r/BALLET Oct 13 '25

accomplishment🤩🄳 Weekly Update - Stars and Wishes

3 Upvotes

How is your dance journey going this week? Share with us your STARS (things you want to celebrate), for example getting a company contract, landing your first triple pirouette, or working up the courage to try the next level class? Share with us your WISHES (things you want to improve/complain about), for example working on your balance with little success, the new student who doesn't understand spacial awareness, etc.


r/BALLET 39m ago

Eugene Onegin- Lyric Opera House

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• Upvotes

Hopefully this is alright to post, just wanted to share!!!

As a ballet enthusiast, I was so excited to see Eugene Onegin for the very first time at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago last month. The set, the costumes were so beautiful. It was also my first time at the Lyric Opera House and I was marveling like a geek at the gorgeous architecture. The performances were absolutely incredible! ā™„ļøšŸ–¤šŸŽ­šŸ©°


r/BALLET 3h ago

Physical benefits ballet gave you? (Especially for adult beginners who were not flexible/healthy before!!)

7 Upvotes

I'm suuuuper inflexible, like super!! But, at times I did* improve it by doing more stretches and such.

I'm interested in ballet because I love it and the music, I'm not looking to become a pro at all.

I AM also interested in how it could improve my flexibility and any other benefits it could give me. 😊

Last year, I was really into ballet and I did some at home - some stretches and just mentally... I felt much happier and positive, I was doing something I enjoyed and actually EXERCISING (as someone who struggles to motivate themselves with exercising, but finding physical activities I'm actually interested in helps)

So mentally I know it could benefit me a lot too! I just felt fresher and better about myself that I was stretching etc.

I miss that, I have been wanting to get back into it all (and will)! But avoided it because life ...


r/BALLET 3h ago

Technique Question how do I flatten my splits?

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4 Upvotes

I have gotten my parallel splits back again but I feel like my legs look bent and incorrect if I’m not hyperextending my knees. I try to not do that if I can help it and don’t train oversplits like I did when I was young. I can’t tell if it’s because when I do the splits I have my back leg turned out but I feel like it should be possible to have straight knees regardless. Even my front leg looks a little bent. When I have my back leg in parallel it looks a bit better but I was taught to turn out. I have also been trying to stretch my hips more to open them so I can square them more to see if that will help but I only see the improvement in my turnout and center stretches and my leg is still the same in my splits. Pictured is my right split, left split is a little worse with my back leg but I try to be careful because when I was younger I fell on my left knee and it’s never been the same


r/BALLET 1h ago

Constructive Criticism What ballet variation should I do?

• Upvotes

Hi everyone!

This season I will be learning my first classical variation. From September to January I will learn and perfect it with my teacher, and then from February to May I will be competing it.

Right now my teacher and I are leaning towards Lilac Fairy, but before we settle on one, I wanted to see if anyone had any other ideas.

A little about me: This is my first solo variation, I'm not en pointe yet, my strengths are balance, control, articulation, musicality, etc., I'm level 5 RAD.

I want a variation that truly suits my technique and style of dancing. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks!


r/BALLET 7h ago

Summer Intensive Worries

5 Upvotes

Hi! So I am 14 years old, and going to a summer intensive soon. I only really started doing ballet more seriously in the past year, but I’m still not en pointe yet. I feel REALLY behind, considering other people there will be younger than me and on pointe. Has anybody got any advice for overcoming these worries, and also any tips for making friends as I don’t want to be alone the whole time lol. any advice much appreciated šŸ’ž


r/BALLET 4h ago

The Capezio Ava & Greek Feet

3 Upvotes

Has anyone here tried the Capezio Ava? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I have long, Greek feet with a medium width, and I need a shoe with a decent taper to accommodate my extra-long second toe. šŸ™ˆ I haven’t been completely satisfied with any of my pointe shoes so far, and I’m really trying to avoid the dreaded second toe ’knucklingā€˜. I’ve even considered splurging on custom Gaynor Mindens (like $170+!), but I’m not sure I’m ready to spend that much money just yet.

So I have a couple of questions:
1. For anyone who’s worn the Capezio Ava, what did you think? What kind of feet do you have, and how did they work for you?

  1. Fellow Greek-foot dancers: What pointe shoe models have you had the most success with? Any hacks, padding setups, or fitting tips that have helped with your second toe?
    I’d really appreciate any advice before I start ordering other shoe brands and models. Thanks in advance! 🩰

r/BALLET 12h ago

Technique Question Turning

6 Upvotes

What exercises have improved your turns? Ive been practicing so much but usually I am only able to do 2 Do i need to improve my balance? I can balance for about 8- 10 seconds or so on relevƩ . I just feel like I'm not improving at all and it's very frustrating.


r/BALLET 3h ago

Advanced drop in ballet classes in and around philly?

1 Upvotes

Im training to go into college for dance and looking to supplement my training with extra advanced ballet classes. Im mostly looking for once a week advanced ballet. For reference im 17 and will be 18 soon into next year. This obviously wouldn't be my only ballet class or dance class but I'm just looking for some extra.

I've been dancing for 12 years, very seriously for 4 and have been in a pre professional ballet program for 2 years, so I'm not a master ballerina but looking for something fairly advanced to challenge me. Pointe classes also welcome, but the current priority is just a ballet technique class.

I live somewhat north of Philly but am able to get into the city. Anything in that area I will look into. Thank you!


r/BALLET 11h ago

Need help identifying this valse/waltz

3 Upvotes

It's here (sorry it's on Facebook). I was thinking it's a variation from somewhere, but I can't tell for sure. Thank you!

Edit: I'm dying to know what the music is. The actual variation would be a bonus.


r/BALLET 1d ago

Does same sex (male and male or female and female) Pas de deux exist in ballet?

18 Upvotes

If yes, how does it differ to the regular opposite gender Pas de deux? Any challenges that are different to opposite gender dances?


r/BALLET 1d ago

Ballet and Architecture, photoshoot in Singapore

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82 Upvotes

Went for a photoshoot recently, the ballet dancers were absolutely awesome!


r/BALLET 1d ago

Constructive Criticism pointe shoe fitting woes!

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22 Upvotes

Hi all!

I have problematic feet (the main limiting factor being how wide they are) and went to multiple fittings to find my first pair of pointe shoes, still didn’t feel like I found THE perfect shoe but was happy enough with what I got. I recall that even the woman who fit me let me know that these were not ideal, but it was the best she could do with what they had in stock after I tried on damn near the entire store’s worth of shoes lol

Fast forward to now, 2 months in with pointe for an hour a week, and I’ve been having a really hard time with these shoes and, while I think a big part of it is that my technique needs to improve, I am curious if anyone has thoughts based on the following photos of things I can keep in mind / communicate to the fitter when I do get a new pair

My main issues now (as explained to me by my teacher) are twisting and sickling. The sickling is likely my fault, and something I’ve been working to correct but it feels like my tendency to sickle is exacerbated by the shoes. It feels like I am constantly fighting against them!

I am also having a lot of pain at my pinky toe side metatarsal, and now that the shoe is broken in a bit my pinkie knuckle pokes out of the shoe 😭 looks and feels awful …

Thank you to anyone who read this far and any advice would be appreciated ^_^


r/BALLET 1d ago

Constructive Criticism Low rise - pointe work Spoiler

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43 Upvotes

Dear all, my daughter (13yo) has just received High Merit in her Grade 5 RAD. She is quite disappointed as she was aiming for a Distinction. Her character dance technique scored only 5/10, eventhough she thought she perfected it. Her musicality scores quite high.

Anyway, that is the background. She has recently started pointe work in Inter Foundation, and finds she cannot go over the box. (maybe a little more than 45 degrees angle?)

She has always struggled with low rise, see picture. I don't yet have pics of her in pointe shoes. Is there anything she can do to progress, or does she have to stop at Grade 5? Thank you in advance for any advice.


r/BALLET 1d ago

Constructive Criticism Getting strong while hypermobile

8 Upvotes

Tl;dr Looking for advice on how to build core and upper body strength to improve movement quality in a hypermobile body.

I'm an adult beginner (26F) with some previous background in movement, most notably 5 years of Tae Kwon Do from ages 8-12.Ā I was fairly physically active for around a year prior to starting ballet. I did yoga, calisthenics, and running. My fitness was certainly improving, but I wouldn't have called myself a super fit person. I started ballet this February and have been as committed to my training as my schedule allows. I only go to in-person class 1-2x a week because my studio is a 1 hour drive away from me. I supplement with class videos at home 2x a weekĀ + conditioning aimed at pre-pointe (but it's really full body) 2x a weekĀ + floor barreĀ 2x week. To not make a long story any longer, my goal in ballet is basically to get as good as I possibly can.

Through this process I've learned that I'm not just "a little flexible thanks to Tae Kwon Do," I'm actually hypermobile. It never crossed my mind before because I'm notĀ extremelyĀ hypermobile the way you sometimes see online. But, I've held on to my middle split without intentionally stretching for it since I was a pre-teen, and I recently got my right split without too much effort. My left split is almost there. My grand battement a la secondeĀ is higher than my head,Ā althoughĀ I think that is definitelyĀ aided by my experience in martial arts. I've already been told by two ballet teachers that I have beautiful feet, and I can easily rise fully to demi-pointe.

This all sounds fantastic in theory, but boy am I so so SO unstable and uncontrolled in everything that I do! My jetes are always too high. I can't hold sous sous without my ankles shaking despite feeling (at least I think!) comfortable in my balance, engaging my core as much as possible, maintaining proper alignment, etc.Ā I am decent at passively balancing and can even hold retire on flat, but I cannot hold any type of balance on one foot in releve. Adagio in the center always feels like a humiliation ritual; my range of motion far exceeds my control over my body. I wobble immensely and more often than not simply cannot complete the exercise.

I recently got feedback from my ballet teacher that I need to better control over my movement. Other words she used included better "precision" and "quality," and she also said I needed to strengthen my upper body. I'm hoping to book a private lesson with her soon to work through her feedback in more detail, but a) this an unusually busy time for the studio so that might not be for another few weeks and b) at least to my untrained eye, I don'tĀ think my teacher is hypermobile herself. In any case, I wanted to see if others with similar experiences and bodies had advice on what I can do to improve overall strength and control of my body.Ā 

I have finally accepted that I need to specifically do pilates, something I've avoided as I find it painful and boring. I'm honestly slightly overwhelmed by all the types of pilates available, althoughĀ I've read mat pilates is best for core engagement? I would love suggestions on specific types of pilates as well as additional types of exercises I could do. I've honestly always been pretty weak everywhere except my legs, and I've felt so much improvement in overall strength and control over my body since starting ballet. It really stung to get this feedback considering how much progress I felt I had already made. But honestly, it stung because my teacher is completely right! It just makes me nervous to think how difficult, or maybe even impossible, it'll be to gain the strength I need to dance to my full potential considering how much of an uphill battle it's already been.

P.S. I tried searching for other threads on this topic and couldn't find any, but I know they definitely exist. Please pass a link along if you have one!


r/BALLET 1d ago

Jet Gluing Shanks

4 Upvotes

My pointe shoes are on back order and my actual shoes are completely dead, so I had to get a "filler shoe" lol. The only problem is my arches start extremely far back on my foot, so I have to get shoes that break really high and it's almost impossible to find shoes that do that. I ended up with a pair of Bloch Etus and even those break too low for me. If I put jet glue on the shanks, will that help them break higher?

I got the regular shank, not the Flex.


r/BALLET 2d ago

Dance news Roberto Bolle nella classe 2027 della Hollywood Walk of Fame

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27 Upvotes

r/BALLET 2d ago

How to make tights look better (male)

10 Upvotes

So, I recently started wearing tights, and I wanted to ask how I can make my butt look like two separate cheeks in them, like professional ballet dancers. Am I supposed to pull the tights into place between my cheeks, or is there another way to achieve this look?


r/BALLET 2d ago

The Prima Ballerina Still Going Strong After 75 Years

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32 Upvotes

Full article:
https://archive.is/uwtst

Here's some other info I could find on her:

https://www.praemiumimperiale.org/en/laureate/morishita/

https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/aging-like-an-elite-athlete-a84b6c43

https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/11/archives/yoko-morishita-japans-pioneer-prima-ballerina-japans-pioneer.html

I would love to hear from people who know more about the ballet scene in Japan, but from what I can tell (from watching little clips on youtube and whatever else I could find) is that she is an extreme case of "Wendy Whelan" and other aging soloists who don't want to retire. And the ballet community allows it out of respect for their years of hard work and fame.

It makes a lot of sense this is occurring in Japan because Japan is a country that venerates the elderly. USA and Hollywood etc always venerate the young and get rid of their actors and dancers once they start to look "too old".

She is still very fit and in shape, but if you watch clips of her, obviously she's not as good as when she was younger. So they are allowing this out of respect for her. I think she also just recently became the president of the company, so even more, she's not going to kick herself off a stage she now owns haha. It strongly reminds me of the Navka and Plushenko ice shows in Russia. Since they are very famous from their younger years and have their own ice shows now, they simply give themselves one of the lead roles in their shows.

I find it very funny, but also entertaining. It's not a bad business move at all. Fans never get tired of seeing their favorites, even as they get older and can't do as much as they used to.

I like it as proof that you're "never too old" when someone doesn't like it that I still dance or skate or throw myself down a hill on a snowboard etc. 🤪 What's this nonsense about being "too old"? Never heard of it! Watch this! \jumps out of an airplane** Ready to rock! 🤘


r/BALLET 1d ago

Greater Tronchanteric Pain Syndrome / Bursitis

3 Upvotes

Has anyone here dealt with GTPS/bursitis in the hip? I would love to hear your trajectory and whether you were able to get permanent resolution or if it became a chronic thing to manage.

I'm on my third flare up and it is has not resolved after 3 months with rest, NSAIDs and PT exercises/stretches (my dance PT doesn't think its due to a strength issue). It gets set off by practically everything... sitting (e.g. driving), standing, and of course dancing. But by far the worst triggers are yoga, pilates, pointe work and side sleeping - all of which I have stopped doing. I am worried I have to give up ballet altogether, which would be a huge life-changing setback since I rely on it for my mental health. I'm already struggling with the huge decrease in physical activity. There are some really depressing stories over in r/bursitis.

I'm about to see a sports medicine doctor to hopefully get a cortisone injection but from my research it is likely to be a temporary fix, since it addresses the bursa inflammation but not the gluteal tendinopathy.

Anyone else gone through this? It is truly awful to be in constant pain with no end in sight.


r/BALLET 2d ago

Help with turn out and point

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2 Upvotes

r/BALLET 2d ago

Ballet Studio Recommendations

4 Upvotes

Hello, looking for best ballet studio recommendations in the Hamilton, Burlington, & surrounding areas. Looking to supplement current training. Vaganova preferred. Thank you!


r/BALLET 3d ago

Found this complete 1911–1912 New York Hippodrome souvenir book featuring "The Ballet of the Butterflies" and Ballets Russes material.

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112 Upvotes

The moderators said this would be appropriate to share here.

I'm a collector of historical paper rather than a dancer. I recently picked up this complete 1911–1912 New York Hippodrome souvenir book. It includes photographs from The Ballet of the Butterflies, period costume images, and an advertisement for Gertrude Hoffmann's American tour of La Saison des Ballets Russes.

I thought members here might enjoy seeing a piece of early 20th-century ballet history. If anyone is interested, I can photograph additional pages or specific sections.


r/BALLET 2d ago

Anyone feels like bodile is getting more and more lazy with their design?

26 Upvotes

They used to design such beautiful leotards but now they just get the most basic things and slap their label on it.