It is a common belief that it is too late to start ballet after the age of twelve. While this is true in some cases, there are many examples of people who have started ballet later in life and gone on to achieve great success. In fact, the American Ballet Theatre’s principal dancer Misty Copeland began her training at age 13.
Many dancers and teachers of ballet agree that the ideal time to begin ballet training is between the ages of 8 and 10. During this time, children can develop strength, flexibility, coordination and musicality at an early age with proper guidance from a teacher. This foundation will help them as they progress into more advanced levels.
However, if a child has not begun ballet training by age 12, it does not mean that they cannot learn or excel in the art form. It simply means they will have to work a little harder than their peers who have had years more experience. They may also need to adjust their expectations for themselves as well as their goals for what they hope to achieve with their dancing.
The key for any dancer starting out late is to accept where they are at and work hard to reach the level of skill that they want to achieve. They should embrace the challenge of learning new steps and techniques while also focusing on developing strength and control over their body movements. With diligent practice and perseverance, anyone can succeed in ballet regardless of when they start their training.
Moreover, those starting out later in life should look for teachers that specialize in teaching adult or late-starting students so that they can receive specialized attention when needed. Dancers starting later in life should also be patient with themselves and understand that it may take longer for them to master certain steps or movement phrases than those who started earlier on.
Overall, while it is true that beginning ballet earlier than 12 years old provides ideal conditions for learning the art form quickly and efficiently, starting later does not mean one cannot still achieve success with proper guidance from an experienced teacher and dedication from the student.
Conclusion: Is 12 too late for ballet? While it is generally accepted that beginning before 12 gives one an advantage when learning ballet, starting later does not mean one cannot still achieve success with proper guidance from an experienced teacher and dedication from the student.