FULL TIME | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

[@dpara22]

I agree! Bolshoi and Vaganova have full time with academics from age 10; however they do not train intense; maybe an hr a day; as the levels increase the pace is not changing very much the variety of classes increase but they never train a lot of hrs. It is all about quality not quantity! People don’t believe us that level 6-7-8 train Ballet only 1 1/2 hrs a day; they do pointe 45 min x2/ week; character x2 week; contemp x1-2/ week; repertoire x 1-2/ week conditioning x1/ week. PDD x1-2/ week. This insanity these days with more and earlier when mentally / emotionally and physically the kids are not even mature enough to understand the essence of Ballet technique and artistry let alone to know how to be in tune with their own body - is really heartbreaking! Where are we in a hurry? It is disheartening to see 10 yrs old on pointe doing variations?

[@Deinareia]

It is the same where I'm from. The so-called 'conservatories' accept people who are in the 5th class of primary school (11 years of age) and have an 8 year program (secondary + high school) where it is mostly general education but with dance classes thrown in. They do not train 8 hours a day as that would not leave time for school and go on pointe only after a year or two.

[@jafe7496]

I absolutly agree! I started full time-training when I was 13 (today I'm 17). It was my worst decision. Of course I used to love dancing, but it changed my whole life. I've always been focused in ballet. I lost many friends, because had not enough time for them. I never had a normal teenager lifestyle or much freetime. I had a lot of (especially psychic) pressure to be the best, which ended up in a depression. Dancing is my passion but it changed my life. Four years later, I got a bad knee injury (result of overtrainig my turnout) I undergo an operation. Therefore, it's impossible to become a professional ballet dancer. Perhaps I won't be able to dance again. Right now (I am 17) I can realise my mistake. In one hand I had beautiful experiences, at the other hand I missed to much. At the age of 13, you're to young for full time-training. Most dancer aren't prepared for all the expectations. I want to thank for your important message!

[@katrxnaa]

Thank you for sharing your story! It’s these stories that need to be heard to decrease and prevent these life threatening injuries that can happen from over training.

[@annelemons8036]

I’ve always said this to my students! I say every year you start full time prematurely is a year off your career. I feel the same way with point, kids are starting so young! I started at 14 years old and honestly I wouldn’t change that at all. My mom was a dancer and she wouldn’t let me start point until 14 when all my friends started at 10/11. 6 months after starting point I was at the same level as all my friends who started years prior. My friends really just burned out from early point and gained nothing from it.

[@majavuckovic1430]

Really? I started point at 11

[@Schuylerureiko]

I started when I was 9

[@madelineb5184]

I started at 13 and it's really starting to stress me out, other kids are ahead and I'm trying to reach where kids my age are technically, but it's not going so well because I started pointe two years after everyone else I know.

[@sophia3579]

I also started pointes at 14. I started with gymnastics at about 7, switched to ballet around 10, went on pointe at 14, and it was a very good decision. I was strong, had technique, and now in my 40s I don't have any serious injuries.. the body is forever, and that - overall - is what counts in the end.

[@catherineboyan591]

Thank you so much. My 12 year old has been offered a fulltime position at her ballet school for next year. She will be 13 in January. I was uneasy about it. I watched your video with my daughter. We have decided to hold off till she is 15 or 16. Everything you said made so much sense and a lot of it I have been thinking about. I just needed someone else to say it. My daughter is looking forward to seeing you in Melbourne in January 😊

[@sophieaustin2462]

I am so glad to hear a popular dance educator speaking this message! It is so upsetting how many young dancers are putting their academics as well as physical and mental health on the line for full time training. Nothing is every guaranteed and giving up academics so early is such a risk especially with the heightened amount of training taking a physical toll on the body. Can’t even express how happy I am you are spreading this message, I feel like now this opinion is so controversial when it really shouldn’t be. Love your videos Claudia!!

[@katrxnaa]

And you have to remember that these parents are the ones who are allowing this to happen and most probably didn’t research it because they trust the teachers. Yes, you should trust the teachers, but you should also make sure their information is accurate. People make mistakes, that’s a given, so we need to protect all these young dancers from doing harm to themselves at such a young age.

[@triskit82]

Yes!!! Preach. As a former dancer, now teacher, and most recently dance Mom. I am facing this battle with my daughter. It’s not her but the schools, they expect so much time and all I can think is why?! What’s the rush.

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

I also want to add, your channel has brought me back to my first love. While I would never been a professional, ballet training is the only reason I was able to walk again after an I complete spinal cord injury. Having a powerful core, the ability to isolate specific muscles and sheer determination took me from a wheelchair to the barre, which I use daily!

[@jophillips111]

mjgbabydragonlet that is great to hear and very inspiring. Best wishes for your future health

[@balanchinesmuse91]

I wish I had heard this as a 15 year old because I could of used a talking to, I felt so behind compared to girls I saw online and was so anxious and stressed all the time. Thanks for making this. I want to show this to parents of my students!

[@veronika.ballet]

Ok I HONESTLY think you took AWAY so much PRESSURE of so many young kids, teens and also parents!!!! I think they are affected, left alone, worried and concerend by social media and looking what others do and what ist right for them to be succesful in her ballett career. I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO AND I HOPE THAT IT WILL GET MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF VIEWERS!!!!

[@spiegl8749]

yeess you're absolutely right

[@alisonclarke8609]

Thank you, my daughter,13, does want a classical career and I have a really struggled, especially as I have no knowledge of dance, with when to go full time. So many of her contemporaries have gone at 11 and I was concerned for her physical and mental wellbeing so said to wait until 16. I struggle with wondering if we have done the right thing and not put her at a disadvantage so your video has really helped with that. If only I could glimpse into the future to know if we have done the right thing. I especially found your comments about blooming too early to be very helpful. Her teachers have mixed opinions as to when to go but that agree that a career is attainable. My daughter is a human first and dancer second, I want her to have a long, healthy and happy life, not just a dance career for a few years. Thank you for speaking about this. It has really helped.

[@operachel]

I wonder how shows like ‘Dance Moms’ and ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ and other child prodigy TV specials (not just dance, but for music, sports, etc. too) normalize this trend of over-training children before they’re ready.

[@bnicolette14]

Yes! And if you look at the dance moms girls, they seemed so amazing at 9/10 years old but they stopped growing as dancers and most of them don't even really dance anymore. When you train like that from such a young age, it can make you lose your passion.

[@madelineb5184]

they make it into a drama television series, and nobody thinks of any other part of it as anything other than entertainment. It's sad but true

[@lilylife1]

Let’s also add that a ballerina is an endurance sport. You work for 12 hours of physyactiviry per day!!! For a women’s body to train physically for longvours over years can put massive stress on hormone levels, bone density and further child bearing fertility. Not to mention stress levels! Totally agreed Claudia! I notice from 12! Less is more. Australia is always just about competition and more is better. I went full time15.. did three years full time got into a company at 18 finished at 37. That’s 17 years!!! I got Breast Cancer.

[@philipoogleboogle2448]

Also it’s interesting to see who schools like the ABS choose from a young age to win in their scholarship comps and choose in their training programs. Most often very very tiny pre pubescent girls who they won’t even know how they’ll develop body wise. Perhaps look at more. Strength, health, musicality, artistry and a little older. Claudia speaks about developing the womanly body, how about ballet schools concentrate on healthy bodies and a more inclusive body shape.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Don't forget joints. Their joints are still developing

[@rubybocerohanan2739]

I love the video! I'm 15 and I'm about to start my full-time training! ❤ this is perfect, thanks💕

[@TheAmylou36]

Claudia THANK YOU!! I fight this continually at my studio with my students and their parents. I'm continually trying to tell them exactly what you are saying. Thank you for posting this so that I can share it with them! It is so important!

[@casret2180]

Hi Claudia! Thank you so much for your honest opinion. I'm 9 years old and I'm doing ballet in Philippines. I will surely remember your words. I love you always.

[@emmachapman-banks9887]

Thank you so much for this video ❤️ I really want to pursue a career in ballet but scrolling through Instagram I always felt I didn’t have a chance because I started at 13 (when I decided I wanted to do ballet as a career) and everyone started at 8,9,10 etc. After watching this video my mindset has completely changed! I’m 15 in a month and starting a pre professional program this September.

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

Did you start ballet at 13? I started at 12, and am now 13. I’ve improved. Hopefully ill grow to be like you!

[@KC12344325]

I'm so glad someone like you (who I feel has a pretty big reach as far as dance related social media goes) made a video about this! I'm a gymnast (trampolinist, technically), and I feel so bad for the girls in WAG who are elite at age 12! Junior elite, age 12-16, has some restrictions on difficulty, but I know in the US kids at the optional levels 7-10 (as young as 7!) are already working 20+ hours a week. Some kids burn out before they even get to senior elite (16 years old). :(

[@genevieveboland1708]

Preach!!!! I have never agreed more on this subject. I'm not a classical dancer, however I am still very interested in a professional dance career but the age people are currently starting full time makes me feel behind. I am doing part time for my final 2 years of schooling but I think it is crazy what young kids are doing. Thank-you so much for making this Claudia

[@DanceEdConnect]

Omg... preach!! I love you and your values - I'm a high school dance teacher and this is a battle I face with students being sold fantasies about fulltime! All for it at an older age... when they a physically and mentally ready

[@mom27646]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. My daughter is 16 and just started full time training at a company school. We never would have sent her earlier; not only was she physically not ready, but mentally! Everything you said about too many hours at too young an age was spot on; at her previous school, the AD is adamant about not putting girls on pointe, and adding those classes, until they are ready. Lots of tears from dancers who don't get their pointe shoes at the same time as their friends, but the AD will not budge. The new school just started, but we already feel that they are looking out for the whole student: mentally, physically, socially.

[@littleoldlady6526]

My dance teacher went full time at the age of fourteen and she says she really regrets it, even though she ended up as a principle dancer. I decided I wanted to go into a company at the start of this year and I was really scared that I was too late because I was already fourteen. This video was a real encouragement so thank you so much!

[@elle3947]

I got into the Royal Ballet school when I was 14 but I turned it down and I’ve decided to go when I’m 16 , I’m really glad because I feel like I’ve got a much better education and I’ve had more time to think a lot more about my future , best decision of my life ! ❤️ thanks for the video its really reassuring that I made the right decision

[@edanalord3163]

Yes!! So agree. The injuries sustained by young dancers these days are quite terrifying - a result of the intense pressure put on young, developing bodies and too much gymnastics/tricks without proper technique or strength. It's sad really. I hope many young dancers, parents, and teachers see this video and take your advice Claudia!

[@hay_bail1]

Thank you so much for this video!!!! I could relate so much in feeling like I am to old for full time and I am only 14😝 I 100% agree with you on the social media aspect and your points on how well established schools have a ~3 year program aimed for older dancers. This video definitely calmed me down on brought up some great points to discuss with my parents and dance teacher.♥️😃👍

[@madelineb5184]

IK you're sixteen by now and I think you might have stopped worrying about this, but I know for a fact that many American "finishing-schools" for ballet (maybe you aren't American, but that doesn't really matter) only let students start full-time at the age of fourteen or older because that is the age where you are allowed to have housing on-campus, so if you did want to go to an American school the other kids would all be starting full-time at the same age as you. And I think you start with less hours at fourteen and progress to what is considered full-time in your later teens.

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

This was perfect timing. I am sharing with a friend who has an 11 year old who I have felt is training too hard for her age. I enjoy your channel, and the way you lift dancers up. Your positivity is infectious!

[@juul7904]

I started with ballet and tapdance when I was 4 and now I'm 13 and I still do it 2 hours per week. After the vacation I'm also going to start with streetdance!!! I live in the Netherlands!

[@alessiadevita1803]

This is a very helpful and informative video everyone thinking about going full time must watch (as well as the parents). In the last time, we feel like time is rushing and we have to always be on top. I know too many friends who bloomed early and now do nothing because they're exhausted. Thank you so much for sharing 💗

[@gymerin]

Great video! I think so many people forget as well is that what directors and audiences want to see is someone mature enough to carry a story. Life experiences are a huge part of this! Its great if you can do 97 turns in a row but if you cant communicate, emote, and bring the choreographers intentions to life you aren't going to go very far. Work hard, but live life!💚

[@rebekahnewman7085]

I started ballet at age 22 and was at a recreational level... Now two years later I dance at a local ballet school in leveled technique classes with the younger girls and I am LOVING it! Ballet is not something to be rushed and competed for, it's something to experience completely, lovingly, and for the rest of our lives... Thank you for sending this message to girls that they should not be destroying their bodies for something they love! It is so backwards and heartbreaking

[@award5174]

Yes, ma’am! Thank you so much for sharing your views on this. Your point on education is so important, I feel a lot of people forget that your academics are fundamental for your life as an adult long after you’re finished dancing. I also appreciate your concerns for health and protection from injury at such a young age. I love your videos!

[@kaliphillips6292]

Claudia, I can not express how much gratitude I have for this video! This has really helped clear up some choices I thinking about in my ballet journey, as well as my own self-esteem. Truly, thank you so so much! xoxoxo

[@JordanJSparks]

This is a great video Claudia! We have worked so hard to progress the Ballet world in parallel with health, and steer away from unhealthy practice! I'm curious about your opinion towards young Competitive circuit Dancers, ' Competition Kids' and their training at the Elite level. They frequently start even as young as 8 or 9 training almost full-time. It's not all ballet, but it's highly athletic and gymnastic. This wasn't common where I grew up, but I see it in the USA and some places in Canada for sure.

[@souldancestudiossa934]

This is a conversation I have with my dancers a lot!! Thank you for speaking honestly about this topic it is amazing to have a public figure speaking out instead of keeping it just in the studio Xx

[@piros100]

This is such an important topic, Claudia, and you speak about it so wisely it makes my heart melt. 😍 I recently read an article about how social media changes the dance world and what the audience expects to see in the theaters, and it's not exceptionally to the best. While companies usually look for versatility and stage presence in a dancer, the untrained eye is amazed by a picture of an oversplit on IG, even if that's the only thing that person is good at. dancers should be aware that they are not training to be circus monkeys, but artists. If they cannot convey a message or an emotion, I don't care how high they can raise their legs. I think it was in one of the New York City Ballet documentaries when one of the principal dancers said that she knows other people in the company who have better technique than her, who are still not promoted to principal. so the artistic directors clearely looked for the performance value and not solely technique. And I totally agree with the other aspect of the issue you mentioned, that having a vider range of education is so important to become a good artist, dance requires a certain level of intelligence and thought put into it by the dancer too, it's not about blindly following instructions. And also they have to keep in mind that being educated gives a possibility to replan their lives if anything goes wrong and they can't start or have to put an end to the professional career. Sorry about the long comment, amazing video, as always, Claudia, keep up the good work. 😍😍😍😘😘

[@piki_starz1287]

Thankyou Claudia. You have helped me so much. Lynny can't wait to see you next week for her session. I have been worried about this topic for many times now. Thankyou for clarifying the difference for me. Now I can relax and allow Lynny to be just at a normal school.

[@Lirin]

One of my best friends went full time when she was 12 and barely saw her after that. :( but it worked for her she’s still dancing professionally 15+ years later. But of almost girls I know who started dancing full time around that age quit around 15-18. And my mom was really restrictive about my sister dancing, she wouldn’t let her compete. :( I didn’t dance long enough to get good enough to get very far only from 10-13 but right when I was advancing and going to do more classes a week I got sick and missed months of school and dance, and never was able to go back. Too bad no adult dance studio around here.😔 Sorry for making such a long post on your video, but I think it’s a very informative video. Thank you for looking out for young dancers!

[@juliaoakland5542]

Thank you for this video! I’m thirteen and from the general social media and things I thought I needed to go full time soon, but now after watching this I am reassured that I don’t need to currently. Thank you!

[@anastasiapanteli4805]

This is such an important video, thank you! I honestly always worry that I'm too old compared to other dancers because I'm sixteen and still not training full-time. In my country both full-time training and academics aren't really a thing unfortunately, so having talked to my teacher and my parents, I will enter full-time training right after graduating, at 18! I know that 18 might be good too, but it's just way too stressful thinking that I will be applying for companies at the age of 20. That's considered as old for many but I guess passion and hard work can prove opposite. What are your honest thoughts? Thanks again for such a great video!

[@annakatarina7876]

Wow, you really opened my eyes at this point!

[@AcousticPaint]

Thank you so much for this video. I started dancing at 12 years old and I have since developed a very strong passion for it. I am considered doing ballet as a full time career later on after more training. This video has really helped me (and your other videos of course!) understand more about the ballet world. Thanks so much Claudia! :)

[@kdub10009]

Great video. I definitely agree with this philosophy in general, although one interesting exception is Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Decade after decade that school continues to turn out world class dancers who go on to have long and fruitful careers. The students at that school take fifteen classes a week from quite a young age and perform frequently. It’s proper and pure classical training, and the teaching imbues them with a love of dance and a certain fearlessness and toughness that seems to serve them well when they get into companies. I’ve heard many of the NYCB dancers who trained at CPYB say that the rigor of that training from a very early age, and all that performing experience, prepared them for the intensity of professional life. It’s interesting, as you so often see less favorable long term results coming from some other schools that push kids to extremes at young ages.

[@cdconverse1]

Thank you for your video on when is it time to go full time. Myself, I think 15 maybe too young for many. I thought you covered the time well about full-time going into a career and going full-time too early could hurt all the way around. We live in Alaska and don't really have high quality teachers. They do their best and we've had some kids get college scholarships from our dance studio and this spring we actually had one get an apprenticeship in Houston. Most of the ones that do that though are going to the lower 48 every summer for intensive starting at about 13 or maybe a little bit younger. For a young dancer from Alaska to go full-time really means leaving home and moving to a place they may have never been before and it may be the first time there's somewhat on their own. That's one of the reasons I say I think 15 is still a bit Young. There's still a lot of maturing to go on and most kids aren't really at a point to be somewhat on their own at 15. We've had some where their parents are able to move to where the school is but that isn't very common. I think you said that 10-year-olds, at most, should have about 10 hours per week. It would be great if, when you do your update on this topic, you give a progression of average or preferred number of hours to age. As you said, I have seen injuries and burnout of promising dancers who added too many hours too early. My 10-year-old will be starting her second year of ballet to and has just been invited to first year Conservatory for a total of four formal studio hours per week. At about another two or three hours at most per week of home stretching, strength building exercises, and bar work I give her I would love to hear something about different ages for when to expect new milestones to occur. For example, what age should they be able to do a complete fifth position, or what age should they be able to do both their front and side splits. I would love to see something about appropriate age and reasons why for beginning point. My 10-year-old so wants to do point and I keep telling her maybe 12 probably 13 depending on depending on what her body is doing and her growth.

[@ellenlouise5551]

I'm finding this very interesting, as someone going through the equivalent path with musical theatre. I've been in training since 11, in a highly reputable school that receives the same type of accreditation and funding as White Lodge. We balance dance and academics, and it's interesting to hear what you think of full time training. I wouldn't change my experience with full time training for the world, and am about to start the three year course. But what has been noticed is that those who have been through lower school tend to cope better with the physical demands of seniors, because the several hours of dance a day is a halfway transition between local dance schools and the 9-6 days of intense dance.

[@mspimentela]

Hi Claudia! This is one of the best videos I have seen about ballet advises for young dancers and parents, specially for parents like me who doesn’t fully understand the world of ballet. Thank you for taking your time to help us and the future dancers most importantly. 😊

[@kiraph]

Hi Claudia, Thank you so much for putting this out there. I agree 100% with everything that you have said. I have been teaching for 20 years and in that time I have seen a lot of things and a lot of changes in the industry as well. Those that burn too bright, too soon are seldom around past 15. They either burnout, or get pushed too hard and end up hating ballet. And that was before all this crazy early full time stuff. Some of the things I see happening make my toes curl; especially as I am so diligent with trying to impart safe dance practice while teaching. I really feel so sad for all these little kids and tweens that are pushed into full time. They are missing out on so much! And what for? Nurturing their talent and love of dance whilst giving them a solid technical grounding will see them easily transition to full time when they are old enough to decide for themselves. Great video. 👍🏻❤️

[@gemmacampbell2054]

Thank you so much Claudia! This was so nice to hear from you! I would love to watch more about your sites into the ballet world! I’m in recovery from a split tear of a tendon in my ankle... and I would LOVE and appreciate to hear what you have to say about recovery and ways of keeping yourself in shape and your mental health through it all.❤️

[@Julia-eu1uh]

by full time do you mean like giving up school for only 2 hours a day and having the rest of the day to dance at a studio? not quite sure if you mean like moving away or that but i do agree with you. some of my friends are going full time and im super concerned as they are young, giving up school and such for ballet, which is great but i think it is quite early. social media messes with your head and makes you want to do more. im scared for some people because they expect YAGPs, ADC, and other prestigious competitions like lots of people on social media these days. i know three 12-year-olds that are going into a professional training program at my studio, giving up school and other hobbies. thank you for sharing this video, claudia!

[@juliettepage]

Although I don't like having danced late sometimes, other times I'm quite greatful because I saw a lot of dancers around me who were amazing at dance because they started early but they have to be homeschooled because they were doing dance most of the time. Completely empathise with this video.

[@phoebecutter4800]

As a 13 year old it is so nice to hear such good advice from a professional dancer, your opinions are so educational!! I went to an interview for a school and one question was where do you want to be after your professional training and I was so on the spot and didn’t know what to say!! Xx💞💓💘 I just want to go with the flow and see where the path leads me , also , what do you mean by “blossom”?

[@jackystar5099]

As a late starter I have struggled with myself on whether I can and should try to go pro. When I tell people how much I've been dancing usually they are surprised and I've also been told it comes naturally to me. I do want to go pro but I also don't want to spend time reaching for something impossible. I can always continue my studies online, that's not the problem, the problem is really being strong mentally to go through with that. Since I started dance I have felt better emotionally, I had a really bad year before and it has really helped me. This is something I do have to sit down and talk to my parents about as well as my teacher.

[@clairelawrence2782]

This really gave me confidence about my dancing so thank you. With instagram now a day it’s so hard to feel that you are good enough for your age. You see six year olds doing a million fouettés on pointe when you haven’t even done one. Thank you so much for keeping me hopeful and keeping me inspired. Hopefully being a late bloomer pays off. ❤️❤️

[@gabyberron1916]

I’m 17 and I truly want to start full time training... but in Mexico that isn’t really a thing unless you study in some specific schools (which I can’t apply to cause you need to be maximum 14), I feel like it’s too late for me to do it... I wish I could train with you!!!

[@anacarmes]

Don't know what you decided but I'm from Mexico too. You can do College in dancing auditioning for UNAM. Friends of mine did and was better than going full time. I had some friends going full time at 10 and were so tired by 18 they decided to not dance professionally anymore.

[@aleyapalma4814]

This video was so helpful personally because I’m 15 (almost 15 and a half now!) and I feel so behind. I love what I do and always want to improve because I don’t want to fall behind but this helped me realize that I’m not too late to still continue improving. :) 💛

[@nickykerner5142]

I do about 3 and half hours a week at my dance school of ballet and then a little bit at home and I'm 16 and I love you Claudia.

[@raynelahey1594]

Could you do a video about how to avoid knee injuries in dance?

[@wooot24]

This is so wonderful. Thank you. I wish someone had said this to Maddy Ziegler’s mom. Now she has barely any life experience and she thinks winning is the only thing that matters. Dance Mom mentality is dangerous. Protect the children so they can enjoy dance long into their future.

[@danabernegger6307]

I got my pointe shoes yesterday!!!

[@Deinareia]

That varies from person to person. I've never experiences more than mild discomfort after few hours of class, but some of my classmates really struggled with severe pains. Just make sure you do a LOT of strengthening exercises for your metatarsals and arch and also that your shoes fit properly.

[@jennacampbell7759]

Thank you for posting this, Claudia! It was absolutely lovely of you to post this and talk about this topic that really needs to be talked about. :) I'd absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts on other dance topics as well. We all appreciate it very much. Thank you!!

[@larissaswayze]

I absolutely love your makeup like this! So elegant. Just had to pause the video to write that... okay now I’ll watch the rest 🤣 EDIT: Finished watching and wanted to add that I love this video. You’re so honest and emphatic about this topic. I appreciate how you kept saying slow and steady. Even though this video is geared more to kids I also found it very inspiring. Especially the idea that wherever you are right now is where you’re supposed to be. That’s an important lesson for people of all ages to learn!

[@cdconverse1]

I love your comments about when somebody should go full-time.

[@lahelabatres9054]

Thank you for this Claudia! I have been watching so many children going full time and thought omg my daughter is just starting out at 9 years old. Will she need to be doing this in just a few short years, it is scary. My daughter loves Ballet and has been dreaming of making this her life. We will definitely protect her and help her to bloom at the right time. 🥰🥰🥰

[@hay_bail1]

Gisele Bethea got a contract at 14 or 15 and she joined ABT at age 17 and I don’t see her career thriving.

[@LumiereSwan]

Haley A Actually, i think (i'm not sure) she left ABT. Another recent example is Miko Fogarty, who left Birmingham Royal Ballet.

[@inesdecastrocorreia]

I believe she's still with ABT, at least she is on the artists list, on their website.

[@inesdecastrocorreia]

I believe one of the biggest problems here is that she was trained to be a soloist, as most of these "star" kids are, and what they encounter in a professional company is a very different reality, they have to join the corps de ballet and proof themselves there. I think Miko suffered from the same "shock", having been a tiny soloist from the age of 9.

[@LumiereSwan]

Inês Correia Yeah I know, but if you get into her FB page, you'll see a post saying that she stopped working with ABT. The ABT's page made me doubt so that's why I said that I'm not sure.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Who knows what they want to do at that age. 15 maybe but younger no way

[@GlasgowGallerina]

So impressed with this video! It’s an important issue to highlight and you articulate your opinions brilliantly. Whatever the industry or career path, I think it’s vital for professionals to care about and safeguard the wellbeing of the next generation coming up. Big thumbs up from me! 💁🏻‍♀️💜

[@laurendavidson9967]

You look so pretty with not really any makeup on!!! Wow! I wish I could look that flawless with a bare face! 😄

[@lilylife1]

Having been in total agreement. Russian, Chinese st say Kirov or National ballet of China go at 10 as in they do three - 4 hours per day.. but Burnout happens often.. and body’s change after the kid hits 12-13

[@ndrea-h]

Thank you for talking about such an important topic. This is really helpful to know as a ballet teacher. I agree with you wholeheartedly. I wouldn't want to send any kid under 16 to any full-time school.

[@alexandraowens3342]

Thank you so much for this video. As a 15 year old aspiring ballet dancer, I have always felt like I was behind. I am just now looking into a pre-professional school for the 2019-20 school year. This video really gave me a sense of confidence that I am not far behind other girls my age! Thank you so much!!💖

[@ballerinazozo6490]

Hey Claudia, So I’m 15 years old and just finished the 9th grade in school. I live in Germany and here you have to go to school til you graduated grade 9. Now, that I’m not forced to go to school anymore I’m starting online school and I’m really excited for it. As you said in this video, my mom and I never thought about me going into full time training till a year ago, so when I started 9th grade we started looking for online schools so that I can concentrate more on ballet and getting into a professional school. I’m really sorry if that wasn’t proper english, I just hope you could understand what I was talking about.

[@AmityJoy]

YES I’VE NEVER BEEN THIS EARLY BEFORE, NOTIFICATION SQUAD 👍 Love you Claudia ❤️

[@kristiewiedle7022]

Thank you. This is very good information. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge, it’s so important to hear.

[@mick6y_]

LOVE! You’re such an amazing role model! 💗

[@gabbyr7777]

Wow. That was awesome thanks for sharing. I've been struggling with the whole not going full time regret for a few years now and you pointed out so many things that put me at ease. Tremendous thank you

[@Ella-xs9bj]

Thank you, SO much. This has really helped me a lot. I’m 13, so I’m glad that I know now that I don’t need to rush into my training. Love you❤️

[@alejandraelizabethsaldanam8676]

I am studying for ballet teacher, I am in the third of four years of career. In my school there are girls from 9 years old in full time, those girls take ballet training in the morning and regular classes (math, history, etc) in the afternoon. These girls have no childhood, and more than half are injured and leave the ballet at 15. I absolutely agree with you, let's save the nexts generations :)

[@genettaangolensis1755]

I'm 16 yo male ballet dancer and goin to turn 17 in 2019, i'm training around 30 hours a week including streching and strengthening exercises but sill 20 hours of those is strictly ballet. I often feel overworked but i can't say i don't like that feeling and i feel bad when i trein less. I'm also learning new things all the time and do notes for corrections. I'ts not like I'm on every class in my ballet school bc it'd be like 40 hours a week, I choose the ones that I think really work for my and miss those that doesn't, all fitness, cardio types for example. My muscles sometimes get so tense I can't move my leg or back even though i stretch but than I do like a 1 day break and everything comes back to normal and I never got seriously injured. I'm just checking my limits and I don't think it's a bad thing

[@lise7158]

Hi Claudia ! I'm 17 and I'm only going full time next year. I didn't feel mentally ready to do this earlier as it's such a big decision in my life (it means leaving my family and being really really sure that I want to get into the professional dance world and although being very exciting it's also kind of scary) so I've focused more on school until this. I know that I needed that much time but at the same time I feel like 17 is really late and as you said, all the videos going on on youtube and social medias make me feel like I'm behind technically because I couldn't get more training before... You said 15 was the perfect age but do you still think I can make it at 17 ? Anyway thank you so much for this VERY helpful video !

[@dzkf1243]

Lise C. I want to go into full time as well, and I’m 16 right now, I’ll be 17 by the time I’d get into a program, I also feel like I’m really really behind. Out of curiosity how much did you dance before?

[@bigmck429]

This made me feel so much better 💛💛

[@micaelaferreira8337]

I've just found out this video. My daughter is now 10 and is going to begging dancing 10 hours a week next September (not just classical, but also contemporary, modern and creative). She doesnt want to be a ballerina but she wants to dance anyway. Anyway, I've just realized the amount of hours that some 9/10/11 year olds are dancing. Thank you so much for having the courage to say all this. As a mom, I really couldn't allow that my daughter went full time so early

[@AllieHutchins]

I agree with your positions here but wanted to add; if a child is being injured while training, the method being used needs serious questioning. Accidents are one thing, stress fractures from putting too much pressure on the delicate bones in the lower leg should not be happening if they're truly working properly, proper placement takes the weight into the major muscles in the glutes, abs and back

[@kateh.1063]

I sincerely agree with what you said and I loved how you cared so much for the well-being for all the young dancers of the next generation💕! It seems that Russian dancers are quite different though, I follow a lot of Russian ballet students who study at Vaganova or Bolshoi and they train A LOT, and they're sooo good and successful and almost always end up in Mariinsky or Bolshoi or some well known company, or like Svetlana Zakhorova who is still dancing at 36 and have trained all her life at vaganova Academy… Anyway I just think overall Russian training is quite different…as I said I sincerely agree with your thoughts and opinions, but I would love to know if you have any thoughts on this?

[@anonanon452]

Svetlana spent only 1 year at Vaganova

[@AllieHutchins]

Kate H. The russian method of teaching is different. Fair warning since it's not exactly a fun channel to watch if you're used to regular KZbin content but it's full of valuable information. You can't just watch one video, you need to watch as much as you can. There are NO hacks, NO tips, NO quick fixes. Just technique. The channel is called Ballet Conrad

[@dpara22]

A misunderstanding on your part! They don’t train a lot! They just train correct! See my comment above re quality over quantity. Their ballet class 1 1/2 hr is done with involvement of the it entire body. They train sequential paying equal attention to technique and artistry within the movement as well as musicality. Ballet is not a sport in russia !

[@graciemientka432]

Hi Claudia I just watched you video about going professional. Thanks so much for all your videos I love them and you are so inspiring. I’m wondering what path I should take when it comes to my dance career. My dream is to be in a ballet company but I don’t know how I can get there. I’m a little late as I didn’t get serious about ballet until about age 13, I am 17 now and I’m feeling like I’m behind. I don’t know weather I should go to a dance college, join a pre professional type program or Stay with my preprofessional division of my studio. I live in a small state so there’s not many big company’s or big training programs. I’m just wondering if you have any advice to dancers wanting to transition into a professional career. What’s the best route in your opinion? Thanks so much for always inspiring dancers everywhere 💕💕💕

[@theonecounttheonecount8477]

Outstanding talk. Everything you said makes perfect sense. It's all very much true.

[@titanik6656]

gurl you look fine 24/7 btw your eyebrows are still #goals. Thank you for sharing your story! I hope young ones don't injure themselves or damage their health overworking too early after seeing your video!!!!

[@lindseybelsky4065]

This is amazing claudia! you are so helpful and inspiring!💜

[@esstown]

The sad thing is that very young kids in full time training may be pushed into it by their moms - I have seen dance moms so seriously wrapped up in what their child's dancing that they are imparting a sense of terrible pressure on the child to continue on. The hallmark is the lack of the joy of dance seen in the child onstage, though that child may be the most advanced in the school.

[@curtissitou]

I'm almost turning 17 years old, going on to this upcoming acdemcy year 13 (doing my A-levels). I wish I can go into full time afterwards, do you think it's too late? Because people that who does BA(Hos) Ballet alwasy end up teaching instead of going into a company which is what I want.

[@chubbieminami3274]

Same thing in classical music instrumentalists. Most geniuses disappear because it is usually the parent who pushes the kids so hard. The kid has not seen anything else and they will feel like they missed out on many things.

[@aliciaxoxo6720]

Claudias videos are never boring ! x

[@arirat]

I'm 13 years old now and I have a beginning to a stress fracture in my back and my legs hurt really bad because I was stretching too much while I was growing. I had to take a 3 months brake from dancing and I will be starting again in a week but I have to take it really slow so it won't start to hurt again. I only danced 4 h a week but still all this happened.

[@caracannon6138]

Thanks for this! This was very informative and helpful for me, as I was worrying about having fo leave for full time training soon, I am 13 and most of the girls in my area are leaving in the next 2 years, and I was really on the fence about it, so thanks! (Also, what would you call "part time"? As far as I know, full time training is when you go to an academy or spend most of your day dancing. So wouldn't part time just be a regular after school type schedule?)

[@isabelvital5254]

Such an important video... thanks Claudia💙💙💙💙

[@nikelinderoth1809]

Thank you for this! It's so important and so good it's coming from you. I wonder how you approach this with your own students? Do you try to stay out of their decisions or would you recommend a student to not take class if you feel they over train?

[@carinamegan3583]

Hello Claudia , So lately I have been injured ( my hip flexor is having a lot of problems with inflammation, locking, and nerve issues) it's at the point where I can still dance but not as much as I want to. I never feel like I'm working hard enough, and have been very discouraged. Do you have any advice? Or if anyone has advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you Xxx❤️

[@alessiadevita1803]

Carina Megan I have the same exact problem! And I also injured my ankle. I often feel frustrated and behind, but I'm doing my best to recover and get back to class as soon as I can. In the mean time, I'm doing a lot of research on ballet, anatomy and injury prevention to be a more knowledgeable dancer which is always a good thing. I'm also strengthening my body, mostly through Pilates. I am setting goals for my dancing and working towards them as much as I can. Being injured doesn't mean you will lose everything you used to do in class, there are so many ways to stay up beat😉

[@carinamegan3583]

Alessia De Vita thanks so much! I really appreciate it a lot!

[@dpara22]

It sounds as you are not working your placement correct; probably tensing or using the wrong muscles.! Please check Ballet Conrad placement 6 hrs video and all the podcasts for free offered on his KZbin channel

[@carinamegan3583]

Dariana Paraschiv ok, thank you so much! Will do!

[@franny7700]

I’m 13 and I’m only doing 3 hours and 45 minutes a week, I feel that that is not enough but the studio I am at doesn’t offer more ballet classes and I’m in a small town with very few studios. Any advice?

[@kiraph]

From a teacher’s perspective; the easiest way to pick up more classes is to hop into any other ballet classes that your studio has. You can get a lot of technical understanding from working at a lower level and stretch yourself a little bit more by working up a level. Yak to your teacher and see what classes he/she suggests.

[@franny7700]

Ok, thanks! Also, I don’t know if this changes anything but this is my third year of ballet.

[@jessicalennan2521]

You can always go in at different times and practice or you could get private less lessons to expand on what you have already learnt ❤️

[@nicolettakarypidou7841]

I wonder if Sergei Polunin was affected by that as well.. He states in his documentary that he used to take twice as much training as most kids would when he was young. Perhaps it was an additional reason to his burnout

[@cjj963]

Thank you so much for speaking up about this!

[@lily-rosewilliamson4649]

I’m nearly 12 and I dance ballet 1 hour a week, modern and tap 1 1/2 hour a week, 2 hours of Irish and 45 mins of musical theatre

[@kirstyrichards5698]

I personally agree with training later in order to bloom at the perfect time and also for emotional and mental health reasons as well as physical. But would be interested to hear your thoughts on White Lodge. You say children shouldn’t train full time till 15/16 so are you saying White Lodge shouldn’t exist? Also just a bought but you said full Time training doesn’t work and you couldn’t think of any dancers that it has worked for. - Cuthnertson and Hayward both went through White Lodge!

[@ClaudiaDeanWorld]

kirsty richards Hi, yes I of course do believe in white lodge. Their schedules are designed in a way where there classical ballet training is minimal and suitable for their age and balanced heavily with academics/boarding/other genres of dance. This then increases accordingly for when they are at the appropriate age for the upper school. ☺️

[@sarahhellewell7936]

+Claudia Dean Coaching Phew! I have been having palpitations watching this video as we are in the process of applying for White Lodge for my Son who is adamant he wants to pursue a career in classical ballet. As none dancing parents who knew nothing about ballet until our Son developed this passion, we read and watch everything we can to try to make sense of what's best for him and help him achieve his goals. It's hard to make sense of all the differing advice and opinions out there - thank you for your frank and honest observations in this and other videos of yours I have watched. I am also mighty relieved that I had misunderstood the term full time training you use (I think the Aussie system may be different to the uk) isn't what I think of as full time!! Thanks again for your insights - it's helping a set of bewildered UK parents understand a little more of the path our son is wanting to travel.☺️

[@KA-kt2nc]

Very helpful. My only question is that my daughter's dance school doesn't have a "happy medium". It's either full time, or about 6 hours a week... at 9, you mentioned about 10 hours is right, but she only does 2 one-hour classes.... (plus 45 mins contemporary)... should she be looking elsewhere for more classes?

[@angelinalu1600]

Hi Claudia, I really want to finish high school, Is it too late to go full time at 18 or 19?