Ballet dancers are some of the most graceful and artistic athletes in the world. From the moment their first plié is perfected, a dancer begins a lifelong journey of learning, improving, and perfecting their craft. At the end of this journey, a dancer may become a professional ballerina or soloist in a company.
But what does it take to make it to this elite level? Physical attributes like body type and height are key components for success in ballet.
While beauty is subjective, certain body types are more preferred than others in the classical ballet world. This means that while ballet dancers come in all shapes and sizes, there is an ideal height that many companies look for. So what is the average height of a professional ballet dancer?
The average height for female professional ballet dancers is 5’3” to 5’8”. This range is ideal for many leading roles in classical ballets such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Male professional dancers are typically taller with an average height range of 5’7” to 6′. These taller heights allow male dancers to lift and partner female dancers with ease.
Of course, there are always exceptions to these averages. There are many successful professional ballerinas who exceed these heights as well as those who fall below them. However, it’s important to remember that each year more women than men audition for major companies and roles; therefore, shorter female dancers may have an easier time making it into a competition or company compared to their taller counterparts.
Height isn’t the only factor that determines success in ballet; technique, stage presence, artistry, passion and commitment also play important roles when auditioning for a role or company. Therefore even if you don’t fit into the “ideal” range of heights mentioned above you can still have success as long as you have the right attitude and approach towards your dancing career!
Conclusion:
The average height for female professional ballet dancers is 5’3” to 5’8” while male counterparts typically range from 5’7” to 6′. Although this range may be viewed as “ideal” there are many successful professional ballerinas who exceed these heights or fall below them – proving that technique, stage presence, artistry, passion and commitment also play important roles when auditioning for a role or company!