Dear Dianne,
Thanks for taking the time to help me out. I decided to start ballet class and had my first class yesterday evening. I felt like I did well for never taking ANY dance at all. I am 24 and although I don't have any professional goals, I want to be as good as can be reasonably expected. I have a sequence of questions. First, I'm training for my first marathon and want to make sure I don't overdo it with all my exercising and training. I know my body, and I can honestly say after one hour of ballet I could feel my shin splints acting up. I stayed after class and talked to my instructor about exercises I can do to strengthen my shins. What is your advice? Do you feel it is unwise to engage in running, ballet, along with my other sport boxing? I also do yoga weekly, which I feel will be helpful since I've never been flexible. What are your thoughts on all these sports combined with ballet? I only box and do ballet once per week right now. I run six days per week and do yoga once as well. I really enjoyed last nights class and would actually like to do it (ballet) more like twice a week!
My other question is regarding my ballet timeline. I would like to have an idea of how many years and how many hours per week I should be dedicating to ballet if Id like to go on point someday. Ive read about guidelines and requirements online, but not many of them relate to me since Im older, not looking to pursue a career, and have no experience at all... except for last night :) So, what can I expect? I realize it would help you to see my feet and body structure, so heres an idea to go from: Im 5'2, 120 pounds, Im in good physical shape and focus on a healthy diet. My feet are size 6 ½ (US) and my arches are normal, not high or low. I dont pronate or ... the other one.. Im sorry I cant think of the word! As mentioned earlier, Ive never been flexible. Yoga is helping and I have improved over the past couple of years. Attitude wise, I am a determined and ver dedicated person. Alright, thats my novel of a question. Thank you so much for your help and expertise! I really am excited about this!
Truly,
Jennifer
Tags: ballerina, beginner, Expectations