Meet The Dancing Prodigy Who Turned Down Harvard

[@WeShareTheSameAffliction]

I love how she talks and how articulate she is.

[@UndercoverAgentLove]

yanarlee

[@orchidrenser4683]

I would love if you could subscribe to my channel, I am a level 8 gymnast. thanks to whoever does

[@garaciabayani7178]

Very random but when you said articulate I remember in Hercules Megara says "are you always this articulate?"

[@jessicamiao3760]

The title makes it seem like turning down Harvard was such a shocking decision. She followed her dream and went to one of the most elite ballet school in the world. To her, that’s worth wayyy more than Harvard.

[@icocodee0402]

Jessica Miao she didn’t even turn it down. She postponed her attendance

[@skeingamepodcast5993]

Yes. Like choosing ballet was the inferior decision.

[@tacocatt6808]

Skein Game Podcast it would be realistically if she was just good and not amazingly talented/hardworking and only got into a pretty ok ballet school. However Harvard vs something she loves passionately and it veryyyy good at and has a lot of future prospects in is very different from Harvard vs meh dancer and meh school lol

[@milkisspop]

Harvard likely accepted her bc of her ballet though - she's a very unique person (as in talented) who has ballet help define who she is but yeah

[@kreed1004]

right. Harvard! the horror!

[@sikechloe6334]

this girl is going places with that mindset

[@panxiihtah]

OMG a starlight

[@cockola2936]

TaeTaeLove WOW STARLIGHT ♡

[@hannahfox5422]

hyunsiktrash !!! She's in the corps of the Dresden Ballet now.

[@juniperheart6781]

Oh man kpop is everywhere

[@akudumb3021]

Cockola WAIT…WHO ARE STARLIGHTS?!?! I LOVE KPOP BUT…WHOSE GROUP ARE STARLIGHTS?!?!

[@vivianasanguine1169]

Can we talk about the reporter? She didn’t push any subjects. Asked questions in a respective manner and listened to the story and responded appropriately to each answer. Well done.🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@soaplost13]

one of the very rare reporters that exist, so much respect for them :)

[@blaymin802]

I was the 1k like

[@vianeyarreola1421]

Yes 👏

[@christinaeaton8733]

Is the reporter Lisa Ling?

[@souldancersbyjennifer]

This is so strange to read, especially if I haven't watched some of the so called 'interviews' in American tv shows. They were honestly horrible in the way they interject and sort of like pushing their own narrative... So much that proper ethical interviewing seemed so out of the ordinary. I feel bad for the people watching all those...

[@Ksienszyc]

She talks in a very elegant way, her voice is so calming!

[@arianas7866]

Ikr!! Kinda like a asmr...

[@taylorharvey6091]

Ariana S asmr*

[@arianas7866]

@@taylorharvey6091 thanks😊

[@christinecardimen544]

Beautiful & well educated & talented.

[@calisongbird]

She does that teenage style “uptalking” though. Where statements? Sound like questions?

[@AnimalGirl345]

She is so down to earth, ladies and gentelmen you can't get this on dance moms

[@lvega5606]

Cloe was and Nia is down to Earth.

[@AnimalGirl345]

well yeah but most of them arent

[@calvinklein4461]

+Lisa Vega the dance moms girls are nothing. There are so many kids their age that are so much better. That show is trash.

[@lvega5606]

Nemmy & Shmarby Trump The show, itself, is trash. But most of the girls (not the moms) seem pretty sweet, though. It seems like they don't like the show, but they are hoping that by doing it they might be able to get better opportunities and then can quit the show like Maddie. Problem is, like you say, some of them aren't the best dancers, so the opportunity may not come. A few are really good though. I don't know if you've seen any of it lately, but Brynn Rumfallow and Kalani Hilliker are on it.

[@pianoaddict7752]

Kalani and Brynn are actually pretty amazing...

[@GabriellaVanTassel]

She's not a prodigy, it's time to forget these phrases. She's a hardworking individual with the perfect mindset to achieve greatness.

[@mathildeespinosa6690]

Nisky this comment made me feel so much better about myself so thank you

[@adorablebelle]

So true - thanks

[@stonew1927]

I think it's ok to call her a prodigy cause prodigies also work hard at what they do. Meanwhile, not everyone who works hard can attain her level of success. It's a combination of factors where ability plays a role as much as effort and diligence.

[@jewelmarkess]

One doesn't exclude the other. She has a natural talent and she worked hard. You cannot achieve much without hard work even if you are born super-talented. Alternatively, no hard work would turn you into a ballet dancer (or an instrumental classical musician or an opera singer) if you have no natural talent.

[@Childoflight-ln7yu]

@@karinnepoirey8931 The video explains it. Listen to it carefully.

[@TechSav18]

she didn't reject the offer from Harvard she just postponed her attendance

[@mooveegurl]

agreed. the title of the video is misleading. making u think she said no to harvard and chose ballet instead...permanently.

[@YurimoHikashi]

facebook.com/rio.mezeyanderson

[@itsMUSICY]

but she didn't accept it in the end. so she dropped it.

[@Luna4CE]

Savannah Harvard don't wait for her to finish dancing though. They will take another student in her place

[@watcherwlc53]

Deferring an acceptance just means you agreed to start another year. And deferrals usually have an expiration date too

[@melaniem9231]

"Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you,"

[@1onelywalker1984]

Melanie Marquesini love this!! 😭🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@katherineklevenow1808]

So true

[@alyjiyu]

Extraordinary quote...& True.

[@soupmiso8897]

She’s been dancing for 3 years, and she is at that level. That is beyond amazing.

[@abrakadabrah3031]

Hmmmmm??????? Then why start at 3, 6 or ten????

[@bighitstannnnnn1203]

@@abrakadabrah3031 just for the hell of it?

[@yoyoslc]

@@abrakadabrah3031 3 years for 'professional/serious' ballet training.

[@brigittealexander1967]

I know so incredible what an inspiration.

[@zinc5304]

@@abrakadabrah3031 She worked a lot, and she also learned quickly on her own. I’m not saying that people who start at like 6 are worse, but that she just tried very hard.

[@TheNolwa]

I don't think she is a prodigy like the title says she just someone who work really hard to make her dream a reality and I applaud her for that. Not all of us have the courage to chase our dreams, this girl is a real source of inspiration

[@Name-uc7kt]

+Borntohrn I would say she is a prodigy because she started at 14 years of age. Most people who do that would have no chance to ever be a good dancer!

[@CarolynFajardo]

+Name 1001 yes, she is a prodigy for sure. Starting at 14 is crazy!

[@gracecarter3644]

+Carolina Fajardo have you ever danced professionally before?

[@gracecarter3644]

+Carolina Fajardo and I don't mean that in a condescending way I am just wondering

[@Jayjen35]

+Borntohrn Well, she started serious ballet training at 14 and has reached this advanced level this quickly, which almost never happens, I can think roughly of only three or four instances. And she has, an American, won a scholarship to study at one of the best ballet schools on the planet that feeds into one of the top three ballet companies on the planet. So yeah, I think prodigy definitely fits.

[@aki957]

so she's good physically and intelligently?!

[@titia6288]

Shah. F Yeah basically

[@aki957]

KZbin Lover thats cool

[@lilygarner8463]

She's just all around amazing

[@blueskyscraper5940]

I've heard that people that do ballet are smarter, and I believe it cuz my friends from ballet are practically geniuses, but unfortunately it's not true for me 😬

[@tweetydog9488]

LilyPop_314 Everyobe is smart listen to this quote "the one who plays the piano will not play the vilon as good as the one who plays the vilon"

[@gianna_3440]

This girl is an inspiration

[@miserylovecompany4457]

True

[@dawnhoffman4045]

Gianna T o

[@开心ツ]

Totally

[@Alex-fb1gs]

She didn't turn down Harvard. She deferred. Smart choice. She can always go later on!

[@hillerychan9483]

Alex exactly!

[@tiffanysabrina525]

Ohhhh

[@yenoriarcebrenes8328]

Exactly, she will back to study. She will more mature.

[@0x0-b6h]

Harvard: bro You want a scholarship? Her: nah.

[@arianas7866]

She's not turning it down She said she's postponing it!

[@Kittie4711]

@Tyler's Smol Beans: 😂😂

[@cielh8382]

East is up

[@lexihon8318]

Tyler’s Smol Beans twenty one pilots 👊🏻🤘🏻

[@monakatherine7295]

deferring and turning down are two very different things

[@madelinesix9917]

How are they different? Sorry I have never heard the work deferring ever😂

[@Sarahr98998]

+Madeline Six If you defer, you just put it off but can still attend at a later date.

[@Name-uc7kt]

+Sarahr98998 So what? Even if she put it off, you can still say she turned it down!

[@madelinesix9917]

+Sarahr98998 ooh ok thank you 😊

[@danL1011]

+Mona Katherine That was click-bait. ;-)

[@kenpatsel1210]

Some more facts about Rio. She was also accepted to Yale, M.I.T, and offered a full scholarship to Julliard as well as working at the restaurant and volunteering at the science lab at UCSF. She is o e of the most remarkable young people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

[@VV-jg2ln]

"I would leave the class almost every day and go cry in the bathroom before coming back in because the other girls were so talented" me me in every fucking class

[@chole4615]

V V God bless you, sorry you have to deal with that

[@aestheticchild6414]

lol I read this just as it was at that part, but I'm sorry u have to deal with that 😔

[@sofiebonaparte7831]

me too, but it will get better.

[@ballerinacentral1672]

I don’t know if anyone knows this but- I’m actually like really REALLY *REALLY* good at sleeping.

[@cowmoo9913]

Ballerina Central underrated comment

[@Ladotorrez]

Ballerina Central bet

[@oaktwig6413]

Ballerina Central I’m really good at not sleeping when I need to. It’s 12:20 pm on a school night with an important test in school. But then on the weekends I can sleep like my cat does on a sunny day

[@user-mv4de3vq9t]

you might be good. but when it comes to sleeping i'm the god😌

[@moonl1ght777]

Wanna go to the Royal Sleeping School with me?

[@lizxu322]

She has such a calming voice and a maturity and wisdom beyond her years...her parents must be so proud of her. I'm a stranger and I'm proud of her.

[@darcybhaiwala7057]

Holy smokes she is so articulate and well spoken! Very intelligent artist!

[@petsandbeyond1265]

Turned the like button to 300

[@joannar2451]

Why is it so surprising? Are ballerinas supposed to be dumb or something? They are fine artists, highly educated in many areas, not just dancing! I know it because I am one of them. Besides my ballet school diploma (nine years of schooling) I have four masters degrees, including one in dance pedagogy and a PhD. I also speak four languages, and play piano which we had to learn in ballet school.

[@deeschnutzz]

Darcy Bhaiwala I mean, she was even accepted to Harvard. So she’s definitely much more talented than the rest

[@zoeemiko8149]

The title of this video is misleading. She deferred her acceptance at Harvard. She didn't turn it down. The two are not the same.

[@LucySquarey]

Zoe Emiko what's the difference ?

[@leener7725]

+Looci Warei To turn something down is saying 'I'm never going to your school.' To defer something is to say 'maybe in a couple years.' Most of time you do insert the number of years until you might decide to go.

[@LucySquarey]

Leena Alkholy thank you

[@crystalevans2123]

Defer means that she will attend the next year. Malia Obama did the same thing and enrolled this fall at Harvard.

[@jewelmarkess]

Leena Alkholy, Crystal Evans - if she becomes a professional ballet dancer, it'll be a whole lot longer than a couple of years, more like 20 years. Ballet dancers finish training at 18-19 and start auditioning. If she gets accepted by a company, she'll work until she retires, which is usually when they are in their 40s. She cannot just leave ballet, go to Harvard and then hope to get a job as a professional ballet dancer.

[@diana-qf5dw]

I wish my parents could have put me in ballet as a kid...or cheerleading...or gymnastics....or some sport besides the common ones offered in schools (I'm not being snobby I just never really gained interest in the ones offered in school)

[@lexik4603]

Same. My parents put me in a load of different things that changed all the time, and I think that's really great intentions because it's letting me see what's out there, but I was never able to find something I was passionate about and obsess about. Ballerinas, gymnasts, etc. start this when they're like 5 years old and do it every single day. I never got to stick to something long term, so I was always just mediocre at every activity I was in.

[@diana-qf5dw]

Lexi K yeah seriously. Whenever I grew to be older I still wanted to get into them but more as something to do for fun because to do it professionally...phew

[@mollymiccee]

Agreed, I didn't do much as a child and when I was in high school, I participated in something that has dance elements in it and LOVED it. I'm 2 years out of high school now and I still wish my parents put me in dance, I feel like I would have thrived. Maybe one day, but I'm doubting it unless I take it as a class in college.

[@potatogymnast4306]

Diana Gonzalez Same. I did ballet at 6 and loved it, then I had to quit at 7 due to money and school. I started gymnastics at 11, and here where I live people with a late start can't do more than recreational classes once a week. Once I heard my parents talking about my gymnastics, about how they actually felt that I could be a gymnast but never signed me for gymnastics. I wish they did.

[@softglow9]

@@lexik4603 it's so true...

[@magicallyella7740]

The thing is I have been dancing for 11 years now and I haven’t even gotten to the point of being considered ‘good’. I have danced for that long and the eleven year olds are still better than me. This is my passion and i don’t want to take another road but it’s just difficult.

[@hi28528]

exactly, I've done 14 years of training wishing to even be near good enough, but eventually my parents and teachers convinced me to choose another path. She is just talented and hard-working so she achieved her passion, but sometimes no matter how hard you work, the results are not exactly direct proportional to the work you put in.

[@clemmiemayhew456]

keep going!!!!

[@Dannii.Mwah1]

I've been dancing since I was 3 I am now 13 and I ain't good at all

[@hi28528]

@@Dannii.Mwah1 that is around the time my teachers starting telling me I wouldn't make it in the dance world, 4 years later I decided to finally listen to them and pursue something different, but kept dancing as a hobby, then another 3 years later I stopped

[@Dannii.Mwah1]

@@hi28528 that's really sad :((

[@elissaharbuck2170]

As a dance teacher, she has exactly what I believe is most important to success in dancing... passion and commitment. Those two things are worth so much more than “natural talent.” I absolutely love seeing the level of success this student has attained, simply from those two elements. Congratulations to her 💖

[@kaveenasingsandcosplays3441]

Exactly. I am so tired of people saying that you're either good or you suck when it comes to the arts. If you have passion and dedication, you can get better, and you won't know how far you can go unless you try!

[@chazito054]

i love how when she talks about her winnings that she doesn't seem cocky about it

[@SamDiY]

Who else Loves this video!?

[@SeekerStories]

+SamDiY We do!

[@orlafinlay4851]

I do

[@pearlofpigs]

+SamDiY ME!!!!!!!!!

[@Randall_Kildare]

+SamDiY oh yeah!

[@lunabar-cohen8694]

+SamDiY ME!!!!

[@LancerDancerKatie]

This is so inspirational to me because I just joined dance this year and I am 13. The 10 year olds in my class are better than me. I get such bad anxiety and I feel like I am getting no where. But this really made me feel more motivated. I love dance and I think the ballerinas are so beautiful. I have wanted to start dance for two years now but I didn't because I thought it was too late.

[@irisflores4274]

I started dance last year. I was in Level 1 classes in tap, jazz, hip-hop, acro, and ballet. Now just over a year later, I'm in tap 3, jazz 3, advanced hip-hop, advanced acro, and ballet 4. I'm im classes with the girls who have been dancing since they were two. It makes me happy to see comments about others who have stayed perseverant.

[@arianalazo9646]

I started also when I was 13 and 8 year old girls were so much better than me. I stopped because of economic situations but I would give anything to continue ballet, I love it so so so much

[@chungyokekhee9641]

+Katie Ingram.I'm 13 now and I'm going to start ballet at level 3

[@gabbygosh3780]

I didn't realise until 5 minutes ago that other older students in younger classes get anxiety too :)

[@gabbygosh3780]

But I'm turning 17 in my second year of dance and I'm around 6-10 year olds UGH

[@sophiaw7347]

I know I'm extremely late but is anyone gonna talk about how she only started 3 years ago!

[@cherahsBroll]

What?!

[@santanubanerjee6765]

Hell what?!!! Heavens?!!!!

[@heather4607]

WUTTTTTTTT

[@I_dread]

@@santanubanerjee6765 check the description box

[@alexmun7391]

ik! has me thinking, maybe it’s not too late to start...

[@peytonmarie0218]

I feel so encouraged by her, I’m almost 13, and I just started dance class. I’m the oldest by two years. It’s kinda difficult but they are all really supportive!

[@arianas7866]

This video was kinda made for you then😂 Good luck and keep persevering

[@kami-ha]

It's the exact same with me.

[@moondreamer1677]

Me too! I just started recently and I'm with younger kids so I found her really inspiring.

[@StayStrong1776]

I started serious ballet training at the age of 17. Now at 19 1/2 I've been accepted to a professional trainee program directly under a professional company.

[@Satanslittlegoat]

really!!!😱😱 or are you kidding😑😑

[@KayciazWorld]

wow that's awesome, congrats!

[@sugarplum2503]

your an inspiration

[@skinnylegend1475]

Where did you train?? Did you already have the right line for it

[@StayStrong1776]

+OSnapItzSarah 03 thank you!!

[@clolspike]

I'm actually really good at eating potato chips.

[@Lizzy1da0bomb1]

Same here

[@JasonCtutorials]

+Cassie Howells does she get boys? it's the only things that matters.

[@marieknipp2323]

me too

[@underderry9243]

i relate to your comment, i love your last name, and i see twenty one pilots

[@clolspike]

Cyrene Howlter my last name is actually howells haha, also nice prof pic!

[@giavannabuonarroti]

I see some young women complaining that they feel they are too old to start dance/ballet. Some are only in their teens. I started ballet at 16 and danced until 18. I danced under a teacher who was a dancer with the Royal Ballet of England. I learned a lot from her; she told me she felt I had a great deal of talent and could go professional if I worked very hard. I got accepted at one of the best Medical Centers in the Country, and had to pick between ballet and my strong interest in neurology. This teacher had invested so much in me her stage name was Betsy Herskind, and I finally made the decision, after much pain and thought, to set ballet aside for a number of years and get my bachelors and advanced degrees/certifications from the University of Illinois at the Medical Center in Chicago. I finished 18 months early. While there, I met a wonderful man, fell in love, got married. I enjoyed an illustrious career in medicine right away, it was rather amazing actually. So I knew I had gone into the right field. BUT- I never lost my passion for ballet. I became a born-again Christian at this time, and both I and my husband felt God was also calling us to have a large family. Professionally, he was very sucessful also. After raising five children, losing two children to miscarriage, adopting two more children, and taking in troubled teens as foster children~ I was also writing books, curriculum, working as a consultant and as a department head medically, and developing my skills as an artist (life drawing). But ballet never stopped calling to me. At the age of about 50 I realized that at least half my life was over. My kids were getting older and more independant, several had left the home to pursue graduate school studies. I felt God calling me back to dance, finally, after all these years. I felt like a fool in classes with kids and young woman that I was three times their age. Yes I went home and cried. I was too old, too fat, not flexible enough, not strong enough, had no musical background, and had not danced in over three decades. Thankfully, I had a superbly talented teacher and choreographer who encouraged me every step of the way. I eventually went on to intermediate\advanced classes and appeared as a soloist in several productions. By this time I was about 55- and I felt better and danced better than ever. facebook.com/photo.php?v=681478648578014&l=8003545562701595786 AS CHURCHILL SAID, " NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!

[@vanessaward2226]

Giavanna Maria Buonarroti wow!! This is so awesome to read. Good on you! And God bless, sister.

[@newbosset]

wow...After reading your story u just inspired me to go back to dance I love ballet but my career and life happen, I'm 35 and sure I fell silly but I'm going to do it cus my heart is in ballet

[@ssimms8995]

Giavanna Maria Buonarroti Beautiful inspiring story. As a 16 year old, I only hope for an ounce of the amount of success that you have gotten. God bless

[@sugarplum2467]

I'm sorry but at 16 your bones are already solidfied and you will never have the turn out necessary to be professional, at least not somewhere that can earn you a good living. You danced for two years; in two years nobody can tell you whether you have a future in dance or not; you're not even on pointe yet at that time. Everyone can dance (who isn't injured or otherwise impaired) and enjoy it but very few people can make a career out of it and posts like yours who say "it's never too late" are just about the worst advice ever. 13 is still ok...16 is done for, period. If you want a career in dance you have to be in a company by 18-19, 20-21 at the latest and you're not ready for auditions to major companies with 4 years of practice.

[@kaylenmb]

And I thought I was too young to start because I'm 12. Thank you for this it was inspiring. And that was a beautiful dance by the way. God bless you.

[@haydentouhill915]

I'm 14 and im in level 3 right now with the 11 year olds and have been going through a hard time so this was very inspiring

[@edancer6263]

"you decide how hard you work and you decide how much you get better" this is everything

[@discovery]

17 year old Rio Anderson put off Harvard to pursue a dream of dance. She describes the rituals that help her on this journey.

[@0810louise]

Another beautiful piece of art

[@Tvkuimach]

Discovery i

[@eshahrankin1200]

Discovery k

[@lamafahad8338]

.....................👗

[@albader5213]

😄👌👌👌👌👌👌👌💟💞💟💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💝💝💝💝💝💝💗💝💗💝💗💝💗💝💝💗💝💝💝💗💝💗💝💗💝❤❤💙💚💛💋

[@mjallenuk]

Sometimes something so scintillatingly beautiful happens that you have no choice other than enjoy the moment. I do hope to take my young daughter (just starting to dance at class with her Dance teacher grandmother) to see you demonstrate your talent and dedication Rio. Thank you seeker stories for this one. :o)

[@SeekerStories]

Matt Allen Glad you connected with it, hopefully your daughter does too!

[@Cain0078]

Seeker Stories What music was used in this?

[@rosesummer4016]

+Seeker Stories this is beautiful I really love your videos keep them going.

[@nessaangelique5713]

+Rose Summer ccccccccccccvcccccccccccc,c cvbvvvvbbbbbcccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

[@bridget8677]

I started dancing a year and a half ago when i was 11 years old and i am a full time dancer finding it really hard because everyone started ballet when they were 3 and they are all so amazing in my class. some days i want to quit but I want to become a professional dancer. i know what its like.

[@mac2687]

Yeaa

[@lwolf8]

bridget good luck keep at it you’re gonna get better over time

[@sabinatsang]

Good luck, if you haven’t already made it yet

[@patriciacolin5586]

I started when I was 12 and I'm 13 now I really want to be a professional dancer and my mum's going to ask my dance teacher whether I have enough talent to be taking ballet and modern seriously (I want to start pointe) plus I am not flexible on am just giving up 😯😐

[@anonymouspug1638]

bridget Keep working hard and visualize where you want to be. :)

[@jodishu423]

This inspired me on a WHOLE other level. I'm 14 and have been wanting to do ballet since I was 12 but always thought I was too old to start. But seeing her story and seeing how she started at 14 as well, I decided that I'm going to start this year! (after quarantine of course haha) wish me luck :)

[@hot7567]

good luck! i know someone who started when she was 16 and she’s gotten really good, it’s never too late 🥰

[@bridgdjxnfkdzkx]

Did you start ballet class yet? I'm fourteen and I do ballet.

[@riseasthedawn-6250]

woohoooo!! you can do it!

[@raymiajonesfowler]

I wish you the best! I hope everything works out for you!

[@nolan3398]

good luck!

[@naattaa777]

I really relate to her! I am 15 and started figure skating. Everyone always says “You can never be too old” but I feel like I am. And seeing all of these little girls and boys being so good already, I really feel bad about myself even though I don’t have to! This Ballett dancer inspired me and motivated me a lot more, thanks :)

[@Michelleluvxoxo]

my talent is being able to eat all the ice cream in the freezer

[@sophiethecommenter7927]

Lol same😂😂😂

[@psychobunny32]

hahahahaha.......

[@anandag.8855]

rt hahaha

[@nataliapc7988]

Just did that

[@makennavlogs]

Michelle Chan that reminds me i have ice cream in my freezer and im gonna go eat it

[@bekkahstyles7569]

As a musician, I can somewhat relate. When my mind forgets, my fingers always kick in, never failing to forget. It's also nice to visualize what the sound is in your head so you know exactly what you want to produce emotionally and remember the rhythm. It's also a lot of pressure because you can't take a movement or sound or set of words back. In visual arts you can just start over, that's impossible with other art forms. It also means that every performance is slightly different depending on the performer. Preforming arts for this reason I think, is so beautiful.

[@cathym4138]

Am I the only one here who doesnt do ballet?

[@Mezzomatch]

Nope!!! I am an opera singer!!!

[@emilybarmania1906]

Cathy M I do tap dance

[@Mezzomatch]

Wuhuuh!!!

[@blabarsris6012]

No I hate dancing but I love to watch it

[@jewelmarkess]

Nope, I am a ballet fan (also opera), but I am a software engineer. My mother, though, took ballet classes as a kid and was even accepted to Vaganova - her father wouldn't let her though - but my mother always told me I had too left feet. Strangely, I got pretty decent in ballroom, but only as an amateur. I wanted to be an opera singer as a kid, but not enough talent there either...

[@xxbrooklynn]

I SCREAMED WHEN SHE SAID SHE STARTED AT 14 WITH THE 11 YEAR OLDS. i started at 12 and i’m currently one year behind and going en pointe a few months before i turn 13. she is such an inspiration wow!! i’m also so down abt having started late, but i have to remind myself i started only a few months ago and my teacher already put me in classes with girls who have been dancing their whole lives, plus i’m going en pointe in a few months. i LOVE HER.

[@lara_ballerina]

i started training at a pre-professional studio at 15 with the 12 year olds (my teachers accepted me into their full-time program at the start of this year!)- this story is so inspiring to me too! hope your pointe journey goes/is going well 😊

[@jasesardari9157]

I started at 12 and got a full scholarship at 14 and was the worse dancer in my class at 12 and eventually passed their limits

[@Frogz12920]

I’m an 18 year old acrobat who didn’t start the sport until I was 15. My story was very similar. I started with the little kids and they were better than me. Now I’m in the top three in my class and I just got my aerial. Never give up friends, her story touched me because I see myself in her. Thank you :)

[@ljp9402]

holy shit this girl is goals

[@clairekuehler]

Laura Padron I

[@blahgirl8111]

people like her remind me that all i do is be a potato..

[@miserylovecompany4457]

Same lol

[@gladitsnotme]

Don't blame yourself too much, a lot of it depends on your upbringing. Her parents are likely successful based on her speech patterns and studious nature. They are probably responsible for getting her into various activities and driving her towards that lifestyle. Not saying we potatoes should just blame mom & dad, but they gave us our potato genes lmao 🍠

[@angharad.9743]

blah girl I know, I know

[@Frasianfamily]

Never too late to change. You are the only one who can choose to change your lifestyle. Doesn't matter how young or old.

[@lovleyrose124]

there's nothing wrong with being a potato

[@lydialabelle1293]

Wow I relate so much because I just started ballet more seriously at 14, and I'm stuck in class with a bunch of 11 year olds who are much better than me. It's hard and really discouraging but this video is very inspiring

[@Jenny-mx3bf]

Lydia LaBelle I'm going through the same situation, I'm 14 and stuck in a class for 9-12 years and sometimes I feel like quitting because they are so talented. But I look at how far I've come in the past months and it just pushes me to keep trying and set my goals to be in the correct age group soon. Don't give up 💗

[@lydialabelle1293]

Aw thx, glad to know there's someone else in the same situation

[@jackieclaverton]

carry on!! You will become the best dancer you can be if you just work hard and stop comparing yourself to others!!

[@wendylou3612]

Just to encourage those who started a bit late - I had to wait to start until a few months ago. I'm 57. How I wish I'd had the opportunity to start at 14, or 20, 30, 40. Good luck all of you in your dance careers. I do what I can, I'll never be a swan but who cares - I love learning ballet. Oh and my teacher started at 18 in a class of 11 year olds. She made it. Good luck all.

[@ihavenoname727]

Drop in classes should be helpful.

[@akosi]

"You decide how hard you work & you decide how much better you get" - I need to be constantly reminded of this. She's so inspiring!!

[@aprillim3333]

This is a video I watched when I was 9 and just started the Elite competition team. Rewatching this video 4 years later, hits home.

[@sebi7118]

She's my inspiration because I'm a ballet dancer! I feel so nervous for my ballet exam and now I'm fine because she inspired me so I just practiced a lot. My ballet teacher is proud for me improving. Wish me luck for my ballet exam!!!

[@kygarcia7382]

how did it go?

[@saragonzalez696]

Nathan M how did it go????

[@krazykidzclipz8057]

Nathan M good luck for a year ago :)

[@inabind416]

Ballerinas have the prettiest legs. Powerful yet feminine.

[@Liuhuayue]

But their feet have been brutalized.

[@venividiamavi3223]

For everyone asking, both pieces of music: 1. Steven Gutheinz - life's wonder 2. Christopher Salt - You can shine :)

[@melissalo5986]

VeniVidi Amavi thank you!

[@honeybutterontoast]

As a late starter myself, it’s easy to get discouraged, especially when I work nearly twice as hard as anyone else. Watching this video gives me just a little bit more hope for what I may accomplish in the future.

[@abby697]

this was so inspirational thank you!!! it actually made me cry. i'm 14 and also just started dancing and it's absolutely lovely to see people who are such brilliant dancers share their stories and experiences and the struggles they went through with others. it's liberating to know that someday i can be like them, even if i didn't start when i was 18 months old. thank you again so much.

[@lyricaldancer3399]

I can honestly relate so much to her. Now I am far from Harvard or Royal Ballet School ready, but I started dancing at age 14. The first year was horrible and I was in class with all of the younger kids. I was definitely the worst one in the class. Then, I decided to get serious about dance because it was my passion. I started taking every class my studio offered for my age. I took private lessons and conditioned nonstop especially in ballet. As I got better, I joined the competition team and placed first with my solo. I am 17 now and surprisingly in pointe classes. I guess my conditioning paid off, because I feel very confident in my shoes. I am an assistant teacher at my studio and am working hard to prepare for college auditions because I want to major in dance. She is so inspiring to me and encourages me to keep going, because who knows what could happen? To everyone out there- never give up! The future is bright and shining for you!

[@myfriendlikeshorse2308]

I'm just starting ballet and I'm 13.. I hope I can do as good as she did.

[@TofuNotForU]

You Will. Work hard ! I believe it! Ive been dancing for one year and i worked really hard. now im 13 and going on pointe this year ;)

[@myfriendlikeshorse2308]

+Lois Miles awesome ^.^

[@gimmepugs6826]

You can do it, as long as you have the passion and drive :) 13 is nowhere near late at all. There are more kids nowadays starting a little later.

[@alexandrar634]

I started ballet when I was thirteen. I should be going on pointe next year and I'm about to be 16. I had a substitute who was AMAZING and didn't start until she was 14... just keep at it. Practice makes perfect and remember there is always something to improve on.

[@richardoky]

Sophia Lucia started Ballet as soon as she turned 13 last year. She is already doing pointe. instagram.com/p/BEj3t8HqbvW/?taken-by=masterballetacademy&hl=en and competing in some of the world most prestige contest. instagram.com/p/BIZ9fKBjtVo/?taken-by=masterballetacademy&hl=en She has a very good sense of balance for someone who turned 14 in Sept. instagram.com/p/BGzzm6pghKe/?taken-by=sophialucia5678

[@jnnyelizabeth3596]

this really inspires me to finally pursue my two year long dream of becoming a figure skater. Im fourteen and havent wanted to do it because i started late. She began in such a difficult sport late and still made the best.

[@karinabreyer9832]

I’m glad there is someone out there who started late just like me, and that I can relate to her as well Edit- WOW! Thanks for all the likes 😊

[@anujabhargava917]

So I really wanted to ask that what if the last till you can start ballet?

[@karinabreyer9832]

Anuja Bhargava well, I’m still just a tween but I know that many studios offer classes for adults and that it’s never to late to start dancing! But, in reality if you are 30 years old and any age around or more than that it would be near impossible to get yourself into an actual company

[@vavacadoz]

@@karinabreyer9832 yes. I think past 20 would be extremely difficult, and you’d just have to do it as a hobby. It’s very sad, but the truth.. it’s sad because there are many people who don’t even know about their love for ballet, or can’t even afford it when they want to. And by the time it comes, it’s already too late. Many dancers start at extremely young ages, but it’s also possible to start later aswell (by that I mean 15-possibly higher). When I say possibly higher, I’m not saying it’s not really possible, I’m just saying it’s quite improbable, because if you’re wanting to be a professional and you start that late, you may not train hard enough to get there. The thing is, if you’re starting late, you really need to work hard, and put your blood sweat and tears into it. Especially if you aren’t exactly built for ballet at first (but you can definitely work on it). One of the greatest dancers I know started at 13, and there’s another girl I know who started at 17 and is currently doing pretty well and has great opportunities ahead of her. If you’re willing to put more than your all into it, if you’re that passionate and dedicated, and if you try your best, you might be able to make it.

[@karinabreyer9832]

Kaylie xoxo You can do anything, do matter what your body is!! Look up plus size ballerina and you will see a girl who DEFINITLEY doesn’t have the typical dancer body but is such an amazing dancer!

[@karinabreyer9832]

Krina Vyas You definitley do! A small tip though- only do SUPER basic beginner classes from KZbin or else you might get some bad habits! I think it’s best for you to work most on flexibility and strength do when it’s time u can learn the “rules” of ballet

[@libertadbrito778]

This young lady is such an inspiration to all the girls who want to follow their dreams of having a purposely lifestyle. Contrary to so many young women who are taking this amazing free world of opportunity for granted, instead they chose all the wrong things. God bless this girl, wish her the best. ❤🙏

[@jessieb5572]

This inspired me because I just started lyrical and contemporary, and I'm 15, everyone is better than me, which is fine I guess, because I'm always the worst at everything for some reason.

[@jessieb5572]

+Alexa Charbonneau We gotta work hard and dig down deep

[@gabby8627]

Allow yourself to be a beginner, nobody starts off being perfect

[@jessieb5572]

+Hey It's Gabby Thank you

[@affectivity9346]

Jessie B Don't compare yourself with others. If you love it, keep doing it!

[@sonalijethi8962]

Don't give up, you will get there!

[@gladitsnotme]

I always wanted to be a dancer but the one "ballet for adults" class offered in my city was a disappointment. They were all experts (imo) and mostly teenagers. The class wasn't a "beginners ballet class for adults" so I never went back. I think there is a market for this, I can't be the only 30 year old whose parents denied them extracurricular activities/hobbies. 😧

[@prg4647]

gladitsnotme While I was living in PR I started taking classes for adults. Most of us were begginer but after the third class, I felt like a ballerina, even though I couldn't do a pirouette the right way yet lol. I moved to Texas but I havent found a place. I think it is a market that needs to be wider for an older generation that are not going to be professional dancers but want the opportunity to dance

[@wendylou3612]

There's definately a demand. I attend an absolute beginners over 55s class in UK and there are quite a few for adults under 55 too. Contact all the ballet companies and ask them to start up some classes. The more people ask the more likely they'll provide. One of my classes is free!! Its so good for our health and minds. I'm 57 always loved ballet, never had the opportunity. I love my classes. Start asking. Good luck.

[@branauke]

Yes. The tide is changing now. People are recognizing that adults have a place in the ballet world - and not just as teachers.I'm 56 and just returned to ballet, thankfully having found a couple of great studios where I live. Hand in there, you will find a place too.

[@monetpinkett888]

even if you don't feel comfortable in a class full of young professionals, I would seriously consider taking it. It will motivate you and you improve so much quicker. :)

[@isha-zc4lj]

This was so amazing! I started dance at age 12 and I was in a class with 8 year olds who were so much better than me. But I'm en pointe now and I love ballet more than anything! I can see how much I've improved over the years and it keeps me going :)

[@TheZombifiedFairy]

Same thing with my daughter. She's 10 and just decided she wants to train a little more in ballet (she's been doing Contemporary, Acro and Hip Hop since she was 3). She was in the class with 6/7 year olds and she just about quit because she didn't like being with the "babies". But now she's on track and couldn't be any happier than she is now.

[@mathildeespinosa6690]

could you do the splits when you started?

[@regieviedor8435]

i miss ballet lessons..😢 I stopped because my mom can't afford the fee..

[@joboodley7927]

She has a beautiful mind, and a realistic and mature outlook on life, all of which passes into her performance. Just wonderful. I hope that her life is working out for her. She was amazing here!😊

[@isabell2260]

why is the title making it seem like harvard was like a big part of the video when it was not?

[@anyamaier4599]

I am 12 and I have neve taken dance before, except once when I was three. my mom won't sign me up again because she says that I would have had to continue from when I was three. she says it's too late to become really good. I am going to show this to her and see if she changes her mind. I hope she does because when I am watching a ballet or trying to dance in my room it us the happiest moment in my day.

[@jamielaw4749]

Tell her about misty copeland too!

[@ayeshasummer8699]

Yes tell her about misty Copland !

[@jamielaw4749]

Also, some ballet schools (such as national ballet school of canada) will accept students who have no experience if they're 12 and under. They check for musicality, flexibility and enjoyment of dance.

[@mystical_cupcake]

You go girl! : )

[@bubblegumbp9050]

Show her this video😃😃

[@michellexbeauty9832]

I'm 15 and so unflexible I can bend my back barely and can't touch my toes but I've anyways dreamt of being really flexible

[@JamieTay]

Stretch took me a month to get a back end and splits and previously I couldn't kick my leg highrr than my hip lol. Fiercelivy and others really help

[@mollymiccee]

I stretched nearly every day in high school for four years - started off kinda flexible but not really, but I left being the most flexible in my group. While I'm still able to do some things, it takes a lot of stretching and I've lost a bit of my flexibility. I wish I never stopped stretching, but I didn't have a reason to do so. My point? Stretch often and through the pain, and if you are doing the correct ones and the correct way, eventually you will see improvement. It won't be quickly, and you may not ever make it all the way, but you will be able to do some. And then be proud of where you've come from, not sad at how far you have to go.

[@jackystar5099]

I don't recommend stretching everyday it may help for some people but it usually just makes tou tighter. There are actual professionals that teach people how to stretch.

[@jesslabrunette]

Try yoga

[@Janellabelle]

We all started like that. You have to stretch A LOT. :)

[@berthabighead369]

Her lines are absolutely gorgeous. And what an inspiring young woman following her dream.

[@isabellaalisia4705]

I’m 12 and thinking of starting ballet but I was embarrassed. Seeing this girl start at 14 and become as talented as she did just helped me get over that embarrassment

[@leilam828]

her voice is so graceful and soothing

[@QueenLiAnn]

This story inspires me to put in more work into my art. Sometimes I get disillusioned and I lose motivation to work more and harder because I can't see any progress. But this feeling simply does not reflect the truth, that with every practice and every hour spend investing into dance, it will add up eventually to something great.

[@duncanlanceoliver194]

you must be a fool you can put as much time as you want into sometihng does not meant you are certain to be rewarded in the future take the most famous artist in the world and when i say artist i mean t painters take vango he paint offer 150 of the worlds most greatest painting in the world what did the earn him in the future they earnt him nothing he died alone in with the loss of hearing in one ear due to him cutting it and he would have to take his work to the local tavern and beg someone to take them off his hand to by his dinner and pint of beer to wash it down his art was worth nothing to him but today it is priceless please stop parrot the biggest lie in the world of art most artist never succeed in the choosen craft

[@tilly9632]

Same sis 0ive only just been able to draw realistic and I thought i failed my exam bit I got th0e results back and got an a i started crying so much

[@davispage9350]

Omg she looks like Meredith foster

[@joshyoureoutoftheband.600]

I noticed that too!

[@CarinaandZara]

+Davis Page YES! She does!

[@kylajoyvelasquez3489]

i know righttt 😂

[@daynako_]

+Davis Page i thought that too haha

[@WildGlowVidz]

Not really at all....

[@rosesummer4016]

If only I had determination and confidence like Rio. I did once have confidence but a bully knocked it out of me. I know it's in there somewhere .

[@casaleeromina]

You have to get it back. Don't let this bully ruin you. You're stronger then that

[@roseticodefensesquad7383]

Same here

[@ellakruskamp1746]

Rose Summer it sucks but I know what you're going through

[@isabelkree2126]

Imagine how good she must be at walking

[@charlottemaddams3994]

😂 what? Lol

[@juley0721]

I'm been dancing since I was 2... I trip over my own feet

[@damienhauck8038]

Whatttt

[@niubh4016]

I sometimes walk from toe to heel because thats how we walk in ballet and im fine but walking normally i fall over everything and everyone

[@narwhal7642]

LOLOLOL

[@SullivanJordanx0]

this is so inspiring for a person like me! i started my first ballet class when i was 12 and all the girls in my class were 8 years old to 11 years old. i felt very out of place and i understand exactly how this girl felt. i was always doubting myself because i started late, but i now know i was not the only one.

[@Alinasophie_123]

storys like hers are the ones that make me so upset because she is talking about how she was a late starter and how hard it was for her to get where she is now but when I look at me I just see this 17 year old who wants be a good dancer but I can only train for about 2h a week and i dont have the opportunity to train full time at an amazing dance school even if i would love to ..and It just makes me feel a bit hopeless ..I just love ballet so much ♡

[@ania1103]

Alina d. same :/ but we can do this! ❤️

[@Alinasophie_123]

Ania W Yes I hope ♡

[@mitzypinks1338]

Don’t give up!

[@hattekid]

It's hard to watch this knowing you're too old to follow your dreams...

[@meeramina7027]

It's never too late I'm 12 and just started contemporary dancing at home! I've become very good💖

[@hattekid]

I'm 19 tho. Still, I'm happy for you! Go chase that dream ^_^

[@rvfs5465]

+Diana +Diana it's never to late, trust me. If you're motivated, you can get there. I've met people who are amazing at their dream careers, and they started late. If you really work, you can get wherever you want to go, trust me 🙂

[@sugarplum2503]

yeah i get what you mean

[@authautumn4230]

Diana, I understand what you feel just because i'm exactly in the same situation as you, and I'm 19 too, but I truly believe that the best and only way to do things right is to love them, to love what you do. That's why this girl reached her dreams, she has been dancing for just 3 years and she's a professional now... you are young enought to start dancing if that's what you want. Just enjoy it and dance with your heart, then your feet will follow

[@MisterIkeJones]

I dont know anything about ballet, but this was pretty cool.

[@libbytimwater1927]

Me neither, but ballet dancers are amazing!

[@aesthetical_switzer_domini1317]

Libby Timwater I am a dancer I started when I was 3 and I love dancing. but I don't have the natural talent like some girls this means that I have 2 work that much harder and I can definitely see an improvement

[@angelh6360]

Same thing with me I was 4 years older than the older kids. I later realised that I was much better at hip hop and now I go to different countries for training and on live tv and shows

[@laurachmiel]

I started dancing ballroom at 15 in a class filled with children. At first it was very hard for me but I’m getting better. This ballerina’s confession made me cry because sometimes I literally want to scream at the studio but there’s no way I’m gonna quit.

[@lilianann4455]

I'm doing the exact same, i quit for 3 years, now i'm 14 and am only just getting back into it, this is an inspiration!

[@HHY-J316]

Lilian Ann you should continue, may be just keep it as a hobby. I started around 8 and quit completely when I was 16 because of busy school schedule. Now I do engineering but I still miss the days when I was in the ballet classes.

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

I admire ballet dancer so much! They have a huge amount of dedication and its truly admirable!

[@numberonefilmfan]

I know someone who deferred entrance into Harvard for ballet over 25 years ago. She never went there, had an excellent ballet career and now has a great career in business.

[@thaliagrace4444]

her determination and dicipline is so inspirational and motivational

[@rebekah725]

Whoever edited this video and was in charge of music, claps to you. It was enlightening and elegant, and mixed with her facial expression as she spoke... made it stunningly magical!

[@tsheavenly]

this made me cry

[@camilaperez5355]

+Shepherd Tiatia why??

[@tsheavenly]

because it did

[@camilaperez5355]

+Shepherd Tiatia okay all we have feelings

[@gurl-1968]

The awesome thing is she doesn't seem bitchy or vain and sh genuinely seems like a lovely person that is dancing for herself not for anyone else

[@camilaperez5355]

+Dance1111 okay okay i now that

[@julianerdahl7135]

This women was very inspiring. I take ballet classes like three or four times a week, but this is the last year I have of the classes, and I was thinking of stopping completely but I have been watch dance academy on Netflix, and it is really inspiring seeing what you could eventually accomplish if you work hard and no give up. It just gives my body this ache to dance when I hear ballet music. I would someday want to be accepted in the national dance academy in Australia someday. I am 10 years old.

[@chrisumipeg]

Such an elegant dancer and very well spoken also

[@DeviliciousNails]

Seeing videos like this always makes me so happy. They remind me that there is still hope for me. I took hip-hop classes for several years, even though I hated it and eventually quit dancing because I couldn't take it any longer to constantly be told I wasn't good enough. I thought I would quit dancing for good, until I discovered tap. I don't think I've ever enjoyed anything as much as I love tap. I'm not good at it, but practice makes perfect and like she says, that the improvement that you see is directly proportional to what you put in. With enough practice, I might one day be good at it.

[@wandertobeaches7778]

I started at 16 with 11 year olds, that was my level and I progressed so quickly, I know how it feels to be in that situation. A testament to hard work and consistency. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kaveenasingsandcosplays3441]

Nice!

[@ZimmerSquash]

This was a beautiful seeker story. Thank you for sharing your story, Rio! Very inspiring.

[@elephantjunkie00]

This has been my favorite so far. What an inspiring young woman.

[@CordsZ]

She danced with Semperoper Ballet in Dresden from 2017-2020, then decided to changes paths during the pandemic and ultimately started school at Harvard University. She’s set to graduate in 2024.

[@gracetemplin1335]

This is legit me. I started ballet when I was eleven, and it was really hard. All the people in my class, even though it was beginning, were amazing as so, SO, graceful and beautiful. And then there was me..but I kept working really hard and didn’t give up, and now, fast forward to two years later, I am on pointe and am a “company dancer” at my dance place. This just reminds me all the more to never give up on your dreams and I hope people will watch this and take it as a reminder to do the same :)

[@jacintahabisohn4605]

This has really inspired me. I hadn’t taken ballet seriously until a few months ago.(I am fourteen now) and I’m in a class with eleven twelve and some younger year olds. This video means so much to me. Thank you.

[@user-yg2ed2jt9d]

Despite all of this I feel a little sorry for her. I can tell she's finding it difficult to make the right choices about whether to go to Harvard or to pursue a professional career in ballet. I can imagine lots of people in her life pushing her to take the seemingly more stable option of university rather than ballet and it's probably really hard and conflicting for her.

[@loesjevervloet3769]

She deferred

[@areejelkenani1360]

This just makes me cry and it gives me a positive energy at the same time.....❤️

[@brennapetersen8522]

That is hope for me because I am 15. I love ballet. Thanks so much girly

[@starmoch622]

Same I was the oldest in my class and it was embarrassing and I was so nervous I threw up in the bathroom of the studio before class and now I’m a professional ballet dancer!! I’m so glad I didn’t quit 🩰🩰🩰🩰🎼 follow your dreams and don’t let anything take you down in anything not just ballet!!!

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

This made me so happy! I just started dancing and I’m 12, i made it onto a competition team, but im the worst in my class because i of course have the least experience. I’ve always wanted to go en pointe but i felt hopeless. This gives me hope!

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

Update, im now by far at the top of my class, or should i say my old class. I have transitioned to a fully ballet studio and have nearly doubled my hours. I have auditioned and am attending a summer intensive this summer out of state along with some at my new studio, whose pre pro program i will be joining this fall. I have been on pointe for a few months. I am of coursw at the bottom of my new more advanced classes in a room full of trained ballerinas, but it inspires me to work my up just like i did at my old studio(where i was at when writing the original comment) I wont just “you can do it” because a lot of people cant. How much work are you willing to put it? The answer better be a lot if you want it to happen. I think it might. 💓