I was taking my kids to gymnastics class at the community center one night, and a woman in the bathroom with me was wearing a shirt that said "I started dancing at 40." It turned out she's the dance teacher at the community center. I was 39 at the time. I have written and repeated that phrase over and over, even though my dream isn't dancing. I will forever be grateful that I saw her back walking out the door at that moment. For what it's worth, I was published for the first time at 42.
Thank you 😭 I’m 28 and have spent the past 6+ years already feeling like I’m behind/too late. I really needed both this video and this comment today. 😭💙
This story reminds me of an experience I had with language learning! I'm 25 and was already doubting my ability as a monolingual to be able to ever learn a second language to fluency... I still remember when I first heard Steve Kauffman say he'd learned 10 languages AFTER the age of 60. I think about that all the time now in my language learning
I can’t stand how this world allows rich children to have opportunities and looks down on the rest of s who didn’t grow up with the same. As a figure skater ⛸skating well into adulthood (who started at 14 and was told right away that I was “washed up”) I subscribed 5 minutes into the video. Thank you for sharing your story 👏🏻💕 🩰
Thank you for being here! I'm so sorry to hear that you were told something so horrible at such a critical age, it seems to be that's when we really start to receive those messages hardcore and it's the WORST, most confusing time to hear that when your creative identity is so delicate. I'm so glad you found the courage to do what you love despite that
thats the sad reality of artistic sports that you need money and it has to be your parents hobby first, im really jealous when i see those 10 year olds flying around the world for very expensive summer 8ntensives at operas
@@Lililayla719 it is too late in ballet if you want to go principal ballerina lvl high, for fun its never too late but as a job most dancers retire around 30s
@@Lililayla719i started artistic roller skating at 28, after having thought that my dream of figuring skating would never be possible because we don't really ice skate in my country. It's my passion, I'm so glad I found an option that works for me, I've never been happier. ❤ Also, it's good being able to skate anywhere in the city
I'm 72 & started ballet at 69 for strength, balance, grace & for the love of dance. I have no delusions but inside, in my heart....I "feel" like a dancer & on my own level, I am!! I love it, it makes me feel strong & feminine and Ballet gave me confidence🩰
I started at 63. Still going to class 20 years later... Very lucky to have moved to an area where there is an amazing Dance centre: and there is no ageism!
I'm 27, and I started ballet when I was 18. People always said to me "Oh, so you started late". Honeslty, sometimes I would feel less than the ballerinas or my friends who started dancing when they were kids. I reminded myself that they don't know my story, I feel in love with ballet before starting college. Many people ask me if it's too late to start ballet, and my answer is always "no, it's never too late". Thank you for this video. ❤
You can learn anything at any age. While I’ve never done ballet, I learned a little bit of tap in my 20s and I also began learning violin in my 20s, and starting violin lessons in my 30s (I’m 37).
Yes, my first ballet class was age 15. The teacher afterwards asked me who else I’d studied with, and I told her it was my first class. I started taking more classes with her then, but my father told me that ballet dancers start when they’re 5. When the teacher asked me how old I was, I assumed she was writing me off. There’s more to the story as to why I didn’t train as much as I wish. But I did become an amateur advanced social dance competitor, and in my mid 30’s trained again and did some really challenging lifts.
i’m 18 and have been thinking abt getting back into it but told myself i’m too old now. hearing this and other stories are so encouraging, ty for sharing.
I started figure skating at age 25 after dreaming about it for years but always felt it “wasn’t for me”. It’s been a hard journey, learning as an adult is so much more difficult but also very rewarding! I’m 30 now and am part of a competitive skating team. I have a lot to learn still but I’m loving the journey. Good on you for pursuing your dreams despite it all :)
I am 25 and just started ice skating classes 2 months ago. I have always loved figure skating but could never afford it until now with my own money. I was so excited at first but the insecurity and self-doubt is so real. Especially when my knees started feeling wonky ever since I started classes 😅 like what, I thought I still had young knees 😂 reading your story is so inspiring & relieving to know that I’m not alone & I can do it too :) I’m waiting for my skates to come in the mail, and altho I can’t completely rule out the insecurity, I’m still so excited for my journey on ice!!
@@sleepyleaf1998 reading your comment made me so happy, I love that you are also pursuing your goals in skating and yes you absolutely can do it too!! Keep trying, don’t give up, even on the hard days ☺️
Good for YOU! This is the kind of extremely inspiring story people really need to hear. I'd love to feature it on my blog if you'd be open to chatting more about it! Please contact me at hello@veronicaviccora.com if you would be!
I wanted to take Ballet lessons as a child, but could not get my parents' buy-in. I finally started at 38 and ended up dancing for 13 years. I Loved the way Ballet made me feel! I'm glad you're sharing your story and inspiring others. Along the way, I was involved in a movie called 'Divertissement: Everyday Dancers Stories', which chronicles the struggle of five of us ladies that really wanted to do Ballet as adults. We all did it, and so can anyone reading this. I agree, it's never too late to get started! Best of Luck on your journey, Veronica. :)
I am 48 years old and started ballet class again after 28 years. It is hard! But not impossible! You should be so proud of yourself for continuing to chase your dream!
I started at 22 and I currently dance in classes with 11 year olds and I don't care! I work hard and I want to be there to learn and seriously improve and I dont think its too late for me even though there is definitely a priority for the child dancers who started from 3 years old.... determination and passion can get me there.
I just realise i have the same story. I started ballet at 32. It’s been 3 years and i have no stop dancing since that day. I thought no one is as crazy as me until i happen to chance upon this video. 27 is still early.
thank you sooo so much for sharing that! That will go a long way to help inspire so many other people too. Glad to be a part of your "crazy ballerina club" haha ;)
Same, this literally my story too 😂 moved to London and went to ballet full time at age 22! Any chance you're a INFP on the Myers Briggs personality? It's like I need to be dancing, it doesn't even feel like a choice. I really got you when you said you had become so far away from the. Person you once were.
This comment section fills me with so much joy! I started dancing again at the age of 24 and then I wanted to sing again ✨ reading everyone’s story gives me hope that it’s never too late ❤️
I started ballet at 35 and always want to get involve with ballet. Beside adult ballet classes, the most rewarding thing I found last year was going to adult ballet camp workshop in France and get to be in full costume and in a theatre. I will continue to pursue that this 2024 with a couple Adult ballet camp workshop in Paris or France in general to fulfill my dream.
I'm very happy to hear these kind of stories. As a professional ballerina and ballet teacher myself, I always encourage people to give ballet a try, regardless of age, size, shape or gender. Congratulations on your determination, Veronica! 👏🏼
I’m so happy for you! It’s so refreshing to hear someone say that they went back and forth with their hobby so much and that they still don’t know what their goal is! I’m a very hesitant person too! I started dancing ballet at 17 y.o., have quit and restarted so many times. I don’t know what my goal with ballet is, I just really enjoy it and it makes my life make sense. My very best wishes to everyone who is in a similar situation ❤❤❤❤
OOOOH what a beautiful way of putting it "it makes me life make sense." When you're a dancer deep down, that's just the truth! So much love and luck to you! Thanks for listening to my story
To give you all some more motivation - I started as a teenager/young adult, and I also thought it was too late. Now, 10 years later, I’m studying Dance at University! Some of my classmates are in their 40s, and they dance waaay better than me. They just gained a lot of experience over the years by consistently going to recreational classes, and learning good technique. It’s never too late to start! Also, if you have an active lifestyle or do other sports, you’ll have a huuuge advantage when coming to dance “late”. Strength, Stamina, and Mobility/Flexibility are really important. I often find “non dancers” have greater natural abilities than me, although I have danced for years. And that’s because I never did sports in my life. I only started implementing strength training now to help with my dancing…
I love ballet, but I'm not a dancer at all. This past June, I took my first ever adult ballet class at the Houston Ballet Academy at the young age of 54 and it has changed my life! I absolutely love it! I'm taking the beginner class again, well, because I'm old and I'm not ready to move forward, but it is an adventure that I truly enjoy! Thanks for sharing your story.
I started ballet two years ago at the age of 35! When I was younger, I had always wanted to be in ballet, but my parents could only afford the violin lessons that I had. During covid, I decided that I would start ballet when the world "opened up" and thankfully found a studio nearby that has adult beginner classes.
I'm very thankful that I have a studio that not only offers adult classes, but the studio owner firmly believes that the adults should have instruction that is as serious as it is for children. Ballet is a lot of work. I wasn't totally invested for the first couple of months. In fact, when I came back for my second class the following week, my instructor asked if I had had fun the last week. Fun? It was challenging and overwhelming! Even now I don't characterize ballet as being "fun", but it pushes me mentally and physically.
It’s never too late! I started learning guitar just a few months ago at age 31 and people are telling me I sound professional! I’m hoping to join a band next year. I’m a musician, but I had not performed or done anything in over a decade and this has been such a blessing for me!
This is such an inspirational story. I’m currently a business student, and I’m creating a business plan for a dance studio that provides training for precisely the issues you had to experience as an adult dancer! Adult dancers should receive excellent training and attention, just like younger dancers!
This is great! Here’s a pain point for you to consider in the business plan. As a new adult beginner, I already see a problem: getting enough classes. I’m in a major metro area and the schools I’ve found have only one adult class a week. That’s not enough to see progress in an adult time frame. Enrolling in more than one school isn’t a solution because you’re likely to get inconsistent advice/training.
I'm 23 and just recently started falling in love with acrobatic and circus arts. I don't think I'll ever pursue it but I commend you. Congratulations and keep living your best life ♥️
I restarted ballet 1 year ago after an 18 year gap. I'm 31 and loving it ❤ this video has helped me deal with feeling too old to try and reach a professional level!
I started climbing at 25, remembering at the point of burn out from simultaneous work and writing my master thesis that this is what I always wanted to do as a child. 1 year later, I can say that climbing was a major part of my healing process and continues to be an essential of my life. I don’t do it because I want to be better at it than others. I do it because at work my job is to focus on the macro perspective, and I realised that to be a happy and grounded human being, I need to focus on the micro things, ie do something for myself, too, and now (vs the intermediate/long term projects at work). So many people dismiss the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with a soul, not just go to the gym. And I personally found myself in climbing because it combines the aspects of strength, technique, coordination, strategy - much like ballet. It is never too late, as you say.❤
Beautifully said!! Thank you for sharing this - I'm so glad this story has become about so much more than ballet. It's about, as you said, the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with soul!
I'm 17 and I'm starting ballet in January. I'd done ballet when I was 5 and performed at a few recitals, but at the age of about 14 or 15 I wanted to get back into dance again. When I told them I wanted to do ballet specifically, everyone told me that I should do contemporary or jazz. Basically just that I shouldn't do ballet. Because it was too late and it wasn't meant for me (because I didn't, and still don't have "the look" - the body type that ballerinas have). But I only ever gravitated towards ballet, and I never really felt connected to any other dance style other than ballet. I'm so excited to just start. Thank you for sharing your story. It's so important to feel a sense of belonging and I feel like a lot of older dancers are excluded from that. Wishing you all the best in your dance journey :)
Such a great story! I did ballet as a child but unfortunately when I was 16 a nasty dance teacher told me I would never make it as a professional dancer. She said I was Not good enough, no turn out, wrong body type and some other nasty comments relating to my abilities. Ballet was my first love. I admire you. It’s never too late!
I’ve grown ( still living ) in a country where there isn’t such a thing as ballet classes & I honestly felt so much sadness growing up & not being able to do that my heart always beat for it . This isn’t just any normal love , it’s passion & devotion to ballet . now that I plan on immigrating to study abroad ,I know I will have access to adult ballet classes but I thought I am too old to start professional ballet , it’s just a dream that’s destinies to remain a dream , too late for me . I have never seen you before , I don’t know who you are but I know that your video didn’t pop up on my phone just like that . This is my sign to do it as well . Thank you endlessly for doing this , you have no idea how much it means to me 🤍 .
I have wanted to do ballet my entire life but never really got the opportunity to. I am 20 right now and in college- my college offers ballet classes! It didn't fit into my schedule for this semester, but next semester I'm taking the beginning class and I cannot wait :)
Hi Veronica, I almost never leave comments, and this is the first video I've seen from you, but it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I grew up in dance from age 4-17, including going to an arts school as well as a studio too after school and on Saturdays, so in that way our stories are really different. However, between physical burnout (my knees hurt, my hips hurt, my skin splints hurt, etc), emotional/mental burnout, and some very real imposter syndrome, I told everyone I was quitting dance upon high school graduation. In college, dance crept back into my life in the form of first a student showcase, then dance team, then dancing and being featured in faculty works. However, I still considered that dance wasn't for me - I wasn't good enough, and I wasn't healed enough either. I graduated (during COVID what fun) and went on to, like you, pursue other passions, work I cared about and then moved to a little town on the Oregon coast where I knew no one. There I found a little local studio, and I started to teach dance classes for them. As I taught, I started to discover/admit how much I love dance, and how it feeds me in ways nothing else does. In Feb of this year, during a month of transition, I moved back to Denver (my hometown) and took all the classes I could get my hands on (like 10 a week). I LOVED IT, and it pushed me to do the scary thing and like you finally say out loud "I want this." For me, the dream is to dance professionally, I have a list of companies both in Denver and beyond ranked from safe scary to SCARY SCARY to think of auditioning for. The kicker is that right now I'm a peace corps volunteer in Guatemala, and I'm here until May 2025. I guess I say all this to say two things: First of all, thank you so much for sharing. I feel like hearing your experience gave me a new kind of permission to say I want it and I can actually pursue this. That instead of listening to all the negativity and comparison, that I can run after this in May of 2025 and I'm not "too late" (I'll be 25). Second of all, I wanted to validate and affirm that adult beginners aren't the only ones who struggle with imposter syndrome! I'm so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunities for dance training growing up that it sounds like you wanted so badly (I'm thanking my family all over again tonight). And. I struggled (and still do) SO much feeling good enough. Many of the other dancers I went to the arts school with went on to arts conservatories and are dancing professionally today, and it makes me feel so insecure that if I didn't measure up to them 7 years ago and have danced a heck of a lot less than them in said 7 years, why the heck do I think I have a shot? But listening to your story makes me want to remind me and remind you that imposter syndrome isn't confined to one set of people, nor should it limit any of us. If you end up reading this small dissertation, thank you. I am so appreciative to you for sharing your story and for creating this amazing space where I can hear so many other similar stories. With love, molly
Molly, I read every. single. word. TWICE. Thank you soooo so much for sharing your story. First of all, I love your audition options: safe scary and SCARY SCARY haha! That's so great! And also, wow. You sound like a truly incredible, caring person! Teaching for a small studio, being in the PEACE CORPS! Thank you so much for the encouragement too. You're so right about what you said (beautifully might I add) about imposter syndrome. I feel so blessed to have someone like you leaving a comment on my video. Please keep me posted on your journey!! (P.S. this is the EXACT type of message I'd like to feature on my blog. If you'd be willing to chat more about it, could you e-mail me at hello@veronicaviccora.com so your story can inspire even more people that just the comment section?)
Hi Veronica, thank you for sharing your story! I can relate in many ways, even though my story is different. Isn‘t it amazing how all the negative talk we are exposed to impact us on so many levels? Like you, I started to follow my passions late - actually in my 30ies and 40ies. The good thing I found is that all the knowledge and experience I gathered on the way help me with my passions now. Also, you passion might manifest in a new way. For example I was sad that I never auditioned for an acting school, but now that I‘m a trained theater teacher, I feel that this is actually even more me. I started taking ballet and contemporary classes in my mid-40ies. I know that there are some things that I‘ll probably never achieve because of my age. But I celebrate the little progresses and every dance class that made me feel happy (because I know the ones that leave you utterly frustrated, too). Also, I feel I take the classes more seriously than I would have when I was younger. So I absolutely want to support your point that it‘s never too late, because we are on a journey, and the journey is always in the now.
omg absolute POETRY! I couldn't agree more that the journey IS always in the now and I LOVE what you said about taking the classes more seriously now than you might've when you were younger. That's the case for so many of us late bloomers. You're an absolute inspiration and it's an honor to have someone so determined and courageous here, thank you!
Good luck with your journey. I took ballet 50 years ago. I’m 69 now and just discovered videos of beginner barre classes. I’m completely terrible, but who cares. It’s a blast!
When I was 19, I got married and had my son at 23. I had always wanted to be a professional cheerleader, but I put that dream away. However, at 32 and after 2 divorces and more bad relationships-I said no more-and decided to do a Year of Me in which I would focus solely on myself (outside of being a mom too). I still wanted to become a pro cheerleader and so I decided that is what I would do! I hadn't cheered or danced since I was 18. It took me 2 years of auditioning before I made the professional appearance team for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens (I was on this team for 3 years and it was the best experience of my life) and then an additional 2 years of improving my dancing before I became a professional cheerleader for the Major League Lacrosse team: Chesapeake Bayhawks. I was 36/37 at that time. You are never too old for your dreams!
ARE YOU KIDDING!?! This is sooooo inspirational OMG!!! I'd really love to share this story on my blog! If you'd be open to chatting more about it, could you e-mail me at hello@veronicaviccora.com? Thanks so much sharing this!
My dance story is similar-ish. I went to an arts public school for elementary and middle school. I did dance but all of the BEST dancers who got opportunities came from wealthy families where kids danced outside of school too. I know my family couldn’t afford it but I also didn’t fight for it. Throughout my life I have loved performing arts, particularly dance but it wasn’t “useful” to pursue dance or drama. I’m 31 now and I regret dropping dance and drama. I plan to get back into both.
subscribed so quickly! I took a few months of ballet when i was like 8 but my parents couldn't keep paying for it so I had to stop. all my friends were dancers but we never had the money for it. I did acting my whole life and I did a little bit of cheer my senior year. I started taking some dance classes each semester at college and decided to do a dance minor because I wanted to be a triple threat! I joined the cheer team at 18 and did cheerleading while continuing to take a few dance classes from 18-23 when I started having some health and mental health issues and was told I could not come back to cheer until I was fully recovered. I was devastated and wanted to still be able to do something, that same week I found out about auditions for the spring dance show and my mum was able to convince me to go. I thought there would be no way I would get in, especially because i literally cried at the audition lol. but I got in! about a year later I decided to change my major to dance and now I'm 26 and ill be graduating with my bachelors in dance in May. Your video made me cry, I often have moments of feeling like I am too late but my heart knows that nothing makes me feel the same 🤍
This is such a beautiful story! I can totally relate to the not feeling good enough and its definitely life changing/freeing when we stop listening to the insecurities about not being good enough and just start believing in ourselves and go for it!
Very inspirational story. I am lucky to have started dancing in high school, but I still feel like I started "too late" sometimes, especially when I take class with people my age who are miles ahead of me. This video is fantastic
YOU are fantastic! And you're so not alone. Many of my friends have been dancing for 20+ years and still feel that imposter syndrome. It's part of life and creativity, but it's something that can be overcome. Keep dancing friend!
You are a bonafide artist, Veronica. Your storytelling skills are like silk, so fluid! Thank you for your bravery and honesty. As a current 27-year-old, your story sparked something within me. I know all of your dreams will come true. You are an amazing soul!
Thank you so much for this video! As a 16 yr old who has loved dance ever since I was little but has never been able to take dance classes, this gives me hope for myself. I really want to do ballet and won’t give up on that thanks to you 💗💗.
I took my first dance class as an adult in my 20s. It was an African class. I traveled to Africa to learn a couple years later, and came back and fell in love with Flamenco. I've been studying Flamenco off and on for over 25 years now.
Wow I'm so happy I came across your video!! I started ballet when I was 18. I fell so in love that I decided to become a dancer at 18. I moved to New York soon after to dance. But ten years in, I got stuck in a rut, and became a physical therapist. I lost my connection to dance, and it wasn't until I was at a low point that dance found it's way back to me, and changed my life. I now dance in heels 6 days a week and it makes me feel alive and connected in my bones. I use what I learned from PT and Pilates to condition. Every day I walk into the dance studio I feel like I can breathe and am so grateful. Thank you for sharing your story! You have a beautiful energy!
Omg heels dancing is SO much fun! And it's so wonderful that you have a pilates and pt background because soooo many of those skills transfer over to dance so beautifully. Thank YOU for being here, I'm so grateful for your beautiful energy as well!
Watching this and I’m realizing my life was basically same as yours,except that I’m not married yet. But I started ballet at 23 , I’m 31 now, in nigeria . I teach dance to kids I teach yoga, I do arts I did music at some point and I stopped I was also a medical lab personnel and I left it to pursue dance. I’ve had a lot of ups and down and well I don’t know what’s next for me but I am glad I stopped to watch this and im inspired even more. Im going to share my story too when I have the courage to. I’d love to connect with you. If you don’t mind. ❤❤
You're very clearly bursting with talent, intelligence and creativity! The world will distract us and tell us we're unfocused or that there's something wrong with us, but it's all a bunch of bull shark! lol Please share your story and please connect!
Thank you so much for this video. It wasn't until I was 27 that I seriously pursued acting, even though I knew this was what I wanted to do in high school. I'm so glad that there are people out there with similar life stories to mine. I'm so encouraged! God bless!
@@annadavis8587 yes! It can take many years to finally figure out who we really the whole time! I wish we could normalize more of that instead of only highlighting the prodigies who seem to have it all figured out by age 10 (not that they’re not incredible and deserving of it, just in addition to). I’m so glad you’re feeling encouraged! God bless you!
Wow, I can relate to your story SO Much, down to the teachers saying, "It doesn't matter for you guys", after all, we were only adult dancers. I was so desperate to be treated seriously and improve at 28 years old. I hated when the teachers would stop and talk when I wanted to learn. Once in a very small point class, the teen girl had an injury so the teacher said we'll just do something else, I felt like saying, "I'm able to dance though, does that not matter?" I found an amazing teacher who treated us like we really matter and our dancing correctly was so important and then, the "pandemic". I'm so happy for you that you're following your dream 😊
thank god or universe or whatever that your video showed up in my recommended! i barely writing any comments but i just wanna say thank u for sharing your inspirational story. i always wanted to sing and i did but i never was taking this serious cause i always felt i'm not talented enough, my voice is weak and i always thought no one ever wanted to hear me, so now i'm 25 and almost giving up my dream to start a career in music. i think your video is going to be a kick in the ass for me and i finally gonna believe in myself. thank u and good luck on your jorney🤍
Good luck to YOU friend! What made you feel like you weren't good enough- and what does good enough even mean to you? SOOOO many of us feel that way, you're totally not alone! So please don't give it up! If singing is what you love to do, no one has the right to take it from you
What an inspiring story! I had to leave gymnastics and then ballet because of serious health issues at 16 and then I did some Zumba classes here and there but it just wasn’t the same. But now at 26 I started pole and chair dance , started getting my splits back and it feels like a child in me is so happy and fulfilled every time I dance! It’s truly an incredible feeling
I started ballet at 2 1/2. After 14 years I quit to pursue musical theatre which I in turn left to focus on a biology degree. I’m 25 now and I miss dancing terribly! I have a terrible fear that I’m too late to go back to it but I’m so glad to see dancers starting out later in life and reach their dance goals.
I needed to hear your story today it touched my heart I’m 38 years old and I started taking things seriously with musical theater at 26 I have a callback today and all the anxiety from the past was getting to me and your story was right on time so healing and inspiring and it helped me remember what this is all about. You are an absolute champion and I wish you the very best in you stage career
I started ballet when I was 4 and my mom took me out of lessons at 8 y/o. I started again at 25 but it got too expensive for me and I was also starting clinicals/ deciding to change my career. I’m 26 now still figuring life out and hope I’ll be able to start classes again consistently. My goal was always to go en pointe. I know it’s very difficult and takes years and discipline but it’s not impossible ☺️
I saw your short video a few days ago and felt so inspired. But this video is another level! I just love to listen to stories like this because I can relate so much! This is one thing I love about youtube and the internet. I'm sitting here in switzerland, drinking my morning coffe and listen to a woman on the other side of the world talking about things that motivate me so so much. Thank you so much 🙌
ugh this is so so beautiful, and you're so right. The internet can cause some trouble but I'm so glad it gives us a chance to connect, (also SO wishing I was in Switzerland right now!)
This is so inspiring. I grew up in poverty and my family could not afford any extracurricular activities (and I was raising my brother so I also did not have free time). There are so many things I wished I could have done when I was younger. I envied my peers who were able to take music or dance lessons, martial arts classes, etc. and I still feel like I missed out on so many opportunities as a child. But knowing that someone my age (I’m 27) was able to pursue their dreams is inspiring. I always wanted to do martial arts, but I thought it was too late when I became an adult. I now have my doctorate and a full time job, which gives me some extra funds. There is a martial arts studio near me, and I’m going to see if they accept adult students. Thank you for posting this ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story. You’re right don’t let anyone talk you out of your hearts desire. I started ice skating at 40 years old. (6 months ago)It’s very hard, and I was humbled quickly, but I will not regret taking this journey. Childhood dreams do come true.❤
This video randomly popped up on my home page and I feel like you spoke directly to me. I studied a dance program at 18 for 3 years full time and loved it, but life got in the way (and then covid) and here I am at 27 wondering why I quit and thinking it’s too late to go back. Well this is the sign I needed to get my ass back into a dance studio! Lol thank you for sharing your story 🫶🏼
Hi, Veronica! I don't know whether you're gonna read this or not but my heart immediately aches when I completed watching this video. As a 23-years-old girl who has been exploring million of things to find the "perfect fit" for my calling, I could finally say that my desires always come back to becoming a fashion designer and performer (theater actress & ballerina). I grew up in a working class family and since I was just a child, I always wanted to go to fashion school and becoming a professional ballerina, but my family couldn't afford it. My story is really similar to you. Since then, I tried to forget my own dreams and pursue other things that might be "more normal" for the people around my age. Now I'm working for a 9-5 job and I can say, it doesn't fulfill me at all. My interest & desire always come back to become a designer & performer, but before today, I feel a huge dilemma which way I need to take. Today, I found this video and you completely blow my mind. Thank you so much for sharing your stories and give me a lot of courage & hope to pursue my real dreams, dear beautiful soul. Let's dance together on the stage someday! xx
I started ballet at the same time you did! I had two or three classes before covid but thankfully they went online so i was able to keep going at that studio. I started at 14 and now Im 17 and taking advanced classes and in the nutcracker! It's never too late to start!!
Hard relate! I'm one year into dancing again at age 32, after 11 years break, and I'm so glad I made that decision! I did some dance at college and uni but pursued acting instead. Looking back I realise I didn't take it seriously enough, definitely didn't have the confidence, didn't have the fitness know-how, nor did I have the money for intense training... but I feel now more determined than ever. And whilst I know my limitations (creaky knees) and my body is probably past it's peak, I have learnt to love my body and know that this journey is a marathon not a sprint.
I always thought starting at 14 was too old and I was always incredibly insecure since everyone else was better than me. Seeing this really gives me hope knowing how good you are I can be just as good one day
I just found this video at a good time, because I started rhythmic gymnastics as an adult and I've always felt I'm not flexible enough, because the little kids are so bendy and people my age in the sport are competing internationally, so I'm put in the same class as kids, but this video shows it's never too late for opportunities to come for doing what you love to do 💖💕
Girl yes! I couldn’t afford classes growing up but I love my mom for giving me the life she couldn’t have. I’d watch videos and dance by myself pretending that I am a great dancer 😂. I am 20, I have always loved the technicality and beauty of ballet, but I just assumed it was too late for me to become a ballet dancer because I never had the thorough flexibility training. I’ve been telling my mom these past two weeks that I want to be a ballerina and she gives me a skeptical laugh- she probably thought I was joking. This video popping up on my feed is a sign I can achieve my goals!
I started ballet at 14, but when COVID hit when I was 17 and everything got shut down, I stopped. Now at 20 I started again and I couldn’t be happier. I also love theater, but I had no experience with it when I was child (apparently I had a little experience, but I don’t remember-). I also want to get into theater/musical theater too! Stories like this are really inspiring, especially for adults who think that it may be too late for them to pursue their dreams! Keep it up!
Subscribing because I LOVE your energy! I am a 46 year old professional soprano but I was so late to really get started. I actually took a couple of adult ballet classes here and it was SERIOUS BUSINESS LOL LOVED IT!!!
I grew up dancing and have been really wanting to get back into it. But growing up with the idea that if you don't go pro, you have to stop dancing at 18 made me feel like I missed my chance. This popped up on my recommended and honestly, I'm tearing up a little! I think I'm gonna go sign up for an adult ballet class! ❤
In 2019 I was 27, exactly like you, and I discover and started dancing Lindy Hop... hands down, the most revolutionary, beautiful and positive thing that ever happens in my life!
I started riding horses seriously at 38 and now I’m a ranked amateur. I rode as a kid but we couldn’t really afford to be serious about it. I’m truly living my childhood dream and it’s a lot of work and financial investment but worth it.
I can totally relate to the 30 minute talk times breaks in the adult ballet classes 😂 almost everyone in my class is much older than me, has kids and is just doing it as a hobby on the side. They love to stop and chat about stuff, i just stretch on the side by the bar lol. Since becoming an adult i find it absolutely absurd that you're expected to just fit into this mom/wife mold and not pursue your dreams.
yes.... it's very sad. Women are so much more than this. Being a mom and a wife can be such a beautiful part of that! But we can also still have passions and dreams!
I started West Coast Swing Dance at 48 and Blues Dance at 52. I am doing very well now and have become one of the very good dancers of my classes, some of the much younger dancers or those who"ve been dancing for years now look up to me or take me seriously now. I have to say though that I'd started with ballet at around 10 years, than transitioned to jazz dance, modern and afro dance in my late teenage years so I have at least 10 years of a classic dance education on my watch and that's a great base :-)
Thank you for sharing, your story sounds like my figure skating journey (adults not being taken seriously, training with the kids, coaches saying that is not worth for an adult to have any competitive dreams). Good luck with everything!
it's bizarre to me how many coaches are some of the people doing the most damage to out creative psyche. Are you still figure skating now? I hope so!!! Thank you so much
I am starting my journey back into the world of ballet (+dance in general) after taking a 4 year break -- all thanks to a broken foot that crushed my hopes and dreams, covid, and then starting college... Even with having years of training and attending a high school where I took ballet everyday (FOR A GRADE!), the idea of walking into a studio again is terrifying -- so I admire your courage and dedication to the craft! I cannot wait to see more of your journey -- maybe we'll even cross paths (I am based in NYC)!
NOOO! I'm so sorry to hear that, what a series of unfortunate events :( So glad to hear you're getting back into it though and not letting the world keep you down! Thank you for the kind words and I totally understand how scary it can be. It sounds like you're going to be brilliant though, and I do hope our paths cross!
This is so inspiring thank you! I went to my first ballet class a few weeks ago at 36 years old :-) it’s so difficult but I’m so happy I’m giving myself the opportunity to truly learn how to dance, I’ve wanted to learn all my life!!
If you're in the US and looking for a serious dance technique class, look at your nearby junior and community colleges. If they have a dance program, look into taking one either for credit or not. They may call the non-credit classes auditing the class or taking a continuing education class. I highly recommend it, as a 39-year-old taking 2 community college dance classes with mostly 17-22 year olds.
I wanted to dance so bad as a kid, but my parents couldn’t afford it and I was finally able to start at 22! I’ve been going at it for 2 years now and found a studio that really encourages people of all ages to dance and take older beginners seriously ❤
Your story is so inspiring! You were so brave and persevering. And you still are. I used to dance and I stopped for many years ago. Now I need to find myself and dance again in some way or another and watching your video was my last sign. So thank you very much ❤ and congratulations for pursuing your dreams. I wish so much success !!! ( sorry my English a I’m Chilean) ❤❤❤
You’re English is fantastic, no need to apologize! Thank you so much angel, pleaseeeee keep following your dreams, the world needs more happy, FULFILLED humans
This was totally inspiring. Not all of us get the opportunities or have the resources to do what we are passionate about. That doesn't mean we can't seek to try to work on what we love later on. Thank you for sharing your journey. Rooting for you. Whatever it is, you are pursuing your dream on your own terms.
Rn Im 18, almost 19. Somehow I feel like I'm too late for music, dancing, piano, singing, ballet... All these things I wanna do are things that people normally start as a kid... Sometimes I feel kinda "useless" or like I'm wasting my youth. Questions like "what am I doing with my life? I love all of this but still can do nothing?" but watching this, reading all of the comments made me feel relieved and less worried about the future TwT. I know is not easy to leave the mindset of "I'm not capable of x" or "It's too late for me to do Y" behind, but I'll try my best, y'all are so inspiring thank you seriously
Yes people normally start these things as kids.... but people also "normally" stop, lose their passion for it, learn to hate it or themselves. Who wants to be "normal?" You were meant for beautiful things and sometimes beautiful things are the farthest thing from "normal."
No one says it’s too late to start dancing, for you or whatever. When they say it’s too late they mean for pursuing a professional career and more specifically in ballet. Like it or not it is true. No one said don’t dance. Dance is for everyone
Unfortunately there are plenty of people who do feel they shouldn't dance (or have been told not to) simply because they worry that they can't go pro. And honestly, being in New York has shown me how many people start late and go on to have a thriving professional dance career. Not always as a dancer for ABT or other huge companies, but there are countless ways to be a professional dancer especially in today's day and age
Ive always wanted to do ballet but never tried it, never told anyone..but now im 20 years old and im teaching myself ballet through UA-cam online classes. Still not telling anyone about it though😅 its crazy how ballet is kinda an aesthetic now but i like it
you give me so much inspiration because i am your same age 27, and am getting back into dance as well after just working retail for the past five years, and stopped going to school. I was accepted into the dance program again, as well as trying to get back into school for a bachelors, teaching certification for dance. Thanks for making this video!!
Thing is, adults progress with learning choreography and coordination much quicker than most toddlers, so the first 10 years or so of childhood training really don't make a difference. Most of what they teach the under 7s is about weight changes, port de bras and port de pieds. It's the advanced technique that is taught to teenagers that usually has the rich snobs looking down on older beginners, but in the grand scheme of things most teens progress at an average of 1 (RAD) grade every 1/1.5 years, so you can very quickly make up for that difference, and dance at a professional level by 25 if you begin at 18. I know of adult beginners who have passed through 4 (RAD) grades in less than 2 years, and many of them are in their late 20s/early 30s.
@@VeronicaViccora I had only taken a few jazz and contemporary classes before starting that program, so it definitely turned me into a much better dancer! I was even able to get paid dancing gigs after that (and after doing a lot of auditions of course). And now I want to create my own choreographies on my own music too :-)
wow the music notes you found gave me chills. the universe really is so loving and encouraging of our dreams and purpose. I hope we all have the courage to follow our dreams and live our most beautiful lives
I’m 12 and my parents can’t take me to ballet, and I feel lost without it, I love it and want to do it! And the most plan I could come up with was to wait, wait until I’m 16 and can get a job to pay for my classes, and by then I’m worried it will be to late, even if I started NOW it would be to late, I am stretching and working at home, trying to get my flexibility. This was really comforting to watch because I know that someday I will do ballet, and it will be possible.
You’re not at all too late! Misty Copeland started later than you, many ballerinas did! I’d also recommend to start taking classes from home. All you need is UA-cam and a chair. Try Kathryn Morgan, Lazy Dancer Tips, Ti & Me TV, Ballet with Isabella. Start getting exposure to the language, the terms, the movements, and when you’re ready to take in person classes, you’ll be that much more prepared 😊
"Some people get their kicks stomping on a dream" said Sinatra. I don't know you but I'm happy you didn't let life hold you back. You're radiant! And I love that top
YOURE AN INSPIRATION AND REMIND OF A LOT OF MYSELF!! IM ALSO OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL BALLET AGE BUT WANT TO GET BACK TO IT. I USED TO BE PRETTY GOOD BUT STOPPED AROUND AGE 22. BEEN WORRIED ITS TOO LATE. I HAD NATURAL TALENT AND LOVED BALLET SO MUCH. NEVER HAD SUPPORTIVE PARENTS. STARTED PAYING FOR MY OWN PROFESSIONAL BALLET SCHOOL TRAINING AT AGE 16 WHILE STILL IN HS. HAD SOME AMAZING TEACHERS. IF I HAD STUCK WITH IT COULD HAVE GONE PROFESSIONAL EVEN THOUGH I STARTED LATE (AROUND AGE 12/13.) BEEN OUT OF THE STUDIO AND CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEOS AND IS GIVING ME HOPE. ITS SOMETHING IVE ALWAYS WANTED SO BAD.
i'm a 14 year old and i'm a ballerina, i started ballet when i was 3 but i quited and came back many times. And i was feeling really disapointed with my abilities and thinking that maybe it's too late to become a profesional, and thanks because this video gave so much hope.
I love this ❤ I started ballet at 31, I’m 33 now and I’m so in love with it. I do 8-10 classes a week. I’ll probably never go pro but ballet is my home ❤
I did ballet my whole childhood and left it to pursue musical theatre. little did I know, for professional theatre they expect you to be a strong dancer. I’m hopefully starting ballet next week to be able to get casted. I got casted in a professional play here in my country and if I truly wanna do this i need to put the work in. I hope I love ballet again and enjoy the art EVEN if I fail in the musical theatre world (which I hopefully don’t).
I used to do ballet when i was a kid and dropped it when i was 12 because it was affecting my mental health. Now at 19 im finally starting again as a beginner and i can say that doing ballet in adulthood is the way to go!
Thank you so much for this!!! Such a heartwarming video and story❤❤❤❤ I started dancing at 3 years old , went on pointe at 9 and by 13 i quit because i was mentally drained. The ballet academy i used to atend was very psychologically abusive and we were kinda broke so i had to stopped. Im almost 19 now and i have been wanting to get back to ballet and dancing but i dont know how or where i can go. This really encourage me to start next year so im really glad i found it❤
I'm so sorry to hear that was your experience with ballet. The psychological abuse is SO unnecessary and yet all too common. I really hope you'll find a space that's safe and welcoming and allows you to rediscover the TRUE beauty of dance
I fell in love with Kendo at age 9, but never even got a chance until this year, and I’m 37. And… I’m finally getting to do it, and I’m in love! If you get a chance, no matter the age, do it!
I was taking my kids to gymnastics class at the community center one night, and a woman in the bathroom with me was wearing a shirt that said "I started dancing at 40." It turned out she's the dance teacher at the community center. I was 39 at the time. I have written and repeated that phrase over and over, even though my dream isn't dancing. I will forever be grateful that I saw her back walking out the door at that moment. For what it's worth, I was published for the first time at 42.
Thank you 😭 I’m 28 and have spent the past 6+ years already feeling like I’m behind/too late. I really needed both this video and this comment today. 😭💙
I'm so glad you're here.
THAT'S the power of following your heart at any age. Not only does it change your own life, it changes the lives of so many others.
That's so amazing
This story reminds me of an experience I had with language learning! I'm 25 and was already doubting my ability as a monolingual to be able to ever learn a second language to fluency... I still remember when I first heard Steve Kauffman say he'd learned 10 languages AFTER the age of 60. I think about that all the time now in my language learning
I started ballet at 55! Taken RAD discovering repertoire and got merit! Now 61 doing RAD grade 6!
THAT'S AMAZING!!! Go you!!!
Wow! This is inspiring 💕
SO PROUD OF YOU
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 To you!
@chiarabay9364 What is RAD?
I can’t stand how this world allows rich children to have opportunities and looks down on the rest of s who didn’t grow up with the same. As a figure skater ⛸skating well into adulthood (who started at 14 and was told right away that I was “washed up”) I subscribed 5 minutes into the video. Thank you for sharing your story 👏🏻💕 🩰
Thank you for being here! I'm so sorry to hear that you were told something so horrible at such a critical age, it seems to be that's when we really start to receive those messages hardcore and it's the WORST, most confusing time to hear that when your creative identity is so delicate. I'm so glad you found the courage to do what you love despite that
thats the sad reality of artistic sports that you need money and it has to be your parents hobby first, im really jealous when i see those 10 year olds flying around the world for very expensive summer 8ntensives at operas
I started artistic roller skating at 19,def it’s never to late
@@Lililayla719 it is too late in ballet if you want to go principal ballerina lvl high, for fun its never too late but as a job most dancers retire around 30s
@@Lililayla719i started artistic roller skating at 28, after having thought that my dream of figuring skating would never be possible because we don't really ice skate in my country.
It's my passion, I'm so glad I found an option that works for me, I've never been happier. ❤
Also, it's good being able to skate anywhere in the city
I'm 72 & started ballet at 69 for strength, balance, grace & for the love of dance. I have no delusions but inside, in my heart....I "feel" like a dancer & on my own level, I am!! I love it, it makes me feel strong & feminine and Ballet gave me confidence🩰
You ARE a dancer, and a very inspiring one at that. Thank you for sharing this 💕
I started at 63. Still going to class 20 years later... Very lucky to have moved to an area where there is an amazing Dance centre: and there is no ageism!
Congratulations on having the courage to GO FOR IT! You're a major inspiration!
I'm 27, and I started ballet when I was 18. People always said to me "Oh, so you started late". Honeslty, sometimes I would feel less than the ballerinas or my friends who started dancing when they were kids. I reminded myself that they don't know my story, I feel in love with ballet before starting college. Many people ask me if it's too late to start ballet, and my answer is always "no, it's never too late". Thank you for this video. ❤
Omg you're so not alone there! Thank you for being a much needed light in the ballet world
You can learn anything at any age. While I’ve never done ballet, I learned a little bit of tap in my 20s and I also began learning violin in my 20s, and starting violin lessons in my 30s (I’m 37).
Yes, my first ballet class was age 15. The teacher afterwards asked me who else I’d studied with, and I told her it was my first class. I started taking more classes with her then, but my father told me that ballet dancers start when they’re 5. When the teacher asked me how old I was, I assumed she was writing me off. There’s more to the story as to why I didn’t train as much as I wish. But I did become an amateur advanced social dance competitor, and in my mid 30’s trained again and did some really challenging lifts.
i’m 18 and have been thinking abt getting back into it but told myself i’m too old now. hearing this and other stories are so encouraging, ty for sharing.
I started figure skating at age 25 after dreaming about it for years but always felt it “wasn’t for me”. It’s been a hard journey, learning as an adult is so much more difficult but also very rewarding! I’m 30 now and am part of a competitive skating team. I have a lot to learn still but I’m loving the journey. Good on you for pursuing your dreams despite it all :)
I am 25 and just started ice skating classes 2 months ago. I have always loved figure skating but could never afford it until now with my own money. I was so excited at first but the insecurity and self-doubt is so real. Especially when my knees started feeling wonky ever since I started classes 😅 like what, I thought I still had young knees 😂 reading your story is so inspiring & relieving to know that I’m not alone & I can do it too :) I’m waiting for my skates to come in the mail, and altho I can’t completely rule out the insecurity, I’m still so excited for my journey on ice!!
@@sleepyleaf1998 reading your comment made me so happy, I love that you are also pursuing your goals in skating and yes you absolutely can do it too!! Keep trying, don’t give up, even on the hard days ☺️
I love this so much!
Good for YOU! This is the kind of extremely inspiring story people really need to hear. I'd love to feature it on my blog if you'd be open to chatting more about it! Please contact me at hello@veronicaviccora.com if you would be!
YES! Congratulations on betting on yourself!
I wanted to take Ballet lessons as a child, but could not get my parents' buy-in. I finally started at 38 and ended up dancing for 13 years. I Loved the way Ballet made me feel! I'm glad you're sharing your story and inspiring others.
Along the way, I was involved in a movie called 'Divertissement: Everyday Dancers Stories', which chronicles the struggle of five of us ladies that really wanted to do Ballet as adults. We all did it, and so can anyone reading this. I agree, it's never too late to get started!
Best of Luck on your journey, Veronica. :)
WOW!! I need to look this movie up! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Thank you!!! You give me so much hope ❤
I am 48 years old and started ballet class again after 28 years. It is hard! But not impossible! You should be so proud of yourself for continuing to chase your dream!
Right back atcha! Thank you so much
Amazing 😍
I started at 22 and I currently dance in classes with 11 year olds and I don't care! I work hard and I want to be there to learn and seriously improve and I dont think its too late for me even though there is definitely a priority for the child dancers who started from 3 years old.... determination and passion can get me there.
I LOVE THIS!!! You're doing it the Ice Princess way haha! Thank you so much for sharing this and encouraging everyone else!
@@VeronicaViccora Thank you so much!!! We got this!!
@@VeronicaViccora I also do figure skating as well as ballet so that a wonderful compliment
I just realise i have the same story. I started ballet at 32. It’s been 3 years and i have no stop dancing since that day. I thought no one is as crazy as me until i happen to chance upon this video. 27 is still early.
thank you sooo so much for sharing that! That will go a long way to help inspire so many other people too. Glad to be a part of your "crazy ballerina club" haha ;)
Same, this literally my story too 😂 moved to London and went to ballet full time at age 22! Any chance you're a INFP on the Myers Briggs personality? It's like I need to be dancing, it doesn't even feel like a choice. I really got you when you said you had become so far away from the. Person you once were.
I started ballet at 32 too. Now I am 42, I go to ballet lessons regularly since then (with some breaks because of injuries) and I love it.
32 Club here too 🩵
@@pascie12 same and I'm an INFP lol
This comment section fills me with so much joy! I started dancing again at the age of 24 and then I wanted to sing again ✨ reading everyone’s story gives me hope that it’s never too late ❤️
It really is the greatest comment section. All the stories are so inspiring
I started ballet at 35 and always want to get involve with ballet. Beside adult ballet classes, the most rewarding thing I found last year was going to adult ballet camp workshop in France and get to be in full costume and in a theatre. I will continue to pursue that this 2024 with a couple Adult ballet camp workshop in Paris or France in general to fulfill my dream.
I'm very happy to hear these kind of stories. As a professional ballerina and ballet teacher myself, I always encourage people to give ballet a try, regardless of age, size, shape or gender. Congratulations on your determination, Veronica! 👏🏼
thank heavens for teachers like you
@@VeronicaViccora 🥰
I started at 12 and I’ve been so self conscious that I would not be able to go professional because I started to late so thank you for this 😊
ohhh my sweet friend!! 12 is FAR from too late. You have so many beautiful dancing experiences ahead of you
Misty Copeland started around that age too! ;)
I’m so happy for you! It’s so refreshing to hear someone say that they went back and forth with their hobby so much and that they still don’t know what their goal is! I’m a very hesitant person too! I started dancing ballet at 17 y.o., have quit and restarted so many times. I don’t know what my goal with ballet is, I just really enjoy it and it makes my life make sense. My very best wishes to everyone who is in a similar situation ❤❤❤❤
OOOOH what a beautiful way of putting it "it makes me life make sense." When you're a dancer deep down, that's just the truth! So much love and luck to you! Thanks for listening to my story
❤❤❤❤❤❤ FROM BALKAN !!!!!!
Love from NYC!!!❤❤❤
THANKS!!!!!!
To give you all some more motivation - I started as a teenager/young adult, and I also thought it was too late. Now, 10 years later, I’m studying Dance at University!
Some of my classmates are in their 40s, and they dance waaay better than me. They just gained a lot of experience over the years by consistently going to recreational classes, and learning good technique. It’s never too late to start!
Also, if you have an active lifestyle or do other sports, you’ll have a huuuge advantage when coming to dance “late”. Strength, Stamina, and Mobility/Flexibility are really important. I often find “non dancers” have greater natural abilities than me, although I have danced for years. And that’s because I never did sports in my life. I only started implementing strength training now to help with my dancing…
This is EXTREMELY helpful and inspiring. Thank you SO much for sharing this!
I love ballet, but I'm not a dancer at all. This past June, I took my first ever adult ballet class at the Houston Ballet Academy at the young age of 54 and it has changed my life! I absolutely love it! I'm taking the beginner class again, well, because I'm old and I'm not ready to move forward, but it is an adventure that I truly enjoy! Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for having the courage to try new things at any age. I'm CERTAIN you inspired so many people just by being in the room!
I started ballet two years ago at the age of 35! When I was younger, I had always wanted to be in ballet, but my parents could only afford the violin lessons that I had. During covid, I decided that I would start ballet when the world "opened up" and thankfully found a studio nearby that has adult beginner classes.
This is GORGEOUS!!! thank you for sharing, it's never too late! And I admire you for making it happen
I'm very thankful that I have a studio that not only offers adult classes, but the studio owner firmly believes that the adults should have instruction that is as serious as it is for children.
Ballet is a lot of work. I wasn't totally invested for the first couple of months. In fact, when I came back for my second class the following week, my instructor asked if I had had fun the last week. Fun? It was challenging and overwhelming! Even now I don't characterize ballet as being "fun", but it pushes me mentally and physically.
I’m 56 years old and started ballet and dancing Burlesque, just because …
Ballet and burlesque is the BEST combo! Congrats!
It’s never too late! I started learning guitar just a few months ago at age 31 and people are telling me I sound professional! I’m hoping to join a band next year. I’m a musician, but I had not performed or done anything in over a decade and this has been such a blessing for me!
That IS a blessing! Congratulations!
This is such an inspirational story. I’m currently a business student, and I’m creating a business plan for a dance studio that provides training for precisely the issues you had to experience as an adult dancer! Adult dancers should receive excellent training and attention, just like younger dancers!
This is great! Here’s a pain point for you to consider in the business plan. As a new adult beginner, I already see a problem: getting enough classes. I’m in a major metro area and the schools I’ve found have only one adult class a week. That’s not enough to see progress in an adult time frame. Enrolling in more than one school isn’t a solution because you’re likely to get inconsistent advice/training.
Bless you for doing this!!! The world needs you.
I'm 23 and just recently started falling in love with acrobatic and circus arts. I don't think I'll ever pursue it but I commend you. Congratulations and keep living your best life ♥️
Wow! that sounds so interesting! Thank you so much for the support
Same but when I was over 30 and started contortion when I was 35yo
I restarted ballet 1 year ago after an 18 year gap. I'm 31 and loving it ❤ this video has helped me deal with feeling too old to try and reach a professional level!
Thank you so much for sharing that and inspiring so many other "late" starters
I started climbing at 25, remembering at the point of burn out from simultaneous work and writing my master thesis that this is what I always wanted to do as a child. 1 year later, I can say that climbing was a major part of my healing process and continues to be an essential of my life. I don’t do it because I want to be better at it than others. I do it because at work my job is to focus on the macro perspective, and I realised that to be a happy and grounded human being, I need to focus on the micro things, ie do something for myself, too, and now (vs the intermediate/long term projects at work). So many people dismiss the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with a soul, not just go to the gym. And I personally found myself in climbing because it combines the aspects of strength, technique, coordination, strategy - much like ballet. It is never too late, as you say.❤
Beautifully said!! Thank you for sharing this - I'm so glad this story has become about so much more than ballet. It's about, as you said, the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with soul!
I'm 17 and I'm starting ballet in January. I'd done ballet when I was 5 and performed at a few recitals, but at the age of about 14 or 15 I wanted to get back into dance again. When I told them I wanted to do ballet specifically, everyone told me that I should do contemporary or jazz. Basically just that I shouldn't do ballet. Because it was too late and it wasn't meant for me (because I didn't, and still don't have "the look" - the body type that ballerinas have). But I only ever gravitated towards ballet, and I never really felt connected to any other dance style other than ballet. I'm so excited to just start. Thank you for sharing your story. It's so important to feel a sense of belonging and I feel like a lot of older dancers are excluded from that. Wishing you all the best in your dance journey :)
Good for you! It’s never too late, a friend of mine began ballet in her mid thirties and was in the Nutcracker last year. Never give up a dream!❤
this is the greatest comment ever! Thank you for giving me that hope, I've always dreamed of being a part of that ballet!
Such a great story! I did ballet as a child but unfortunately when I was 16 a nasty dance teacher told me I would never make it as a professional dancer. She said I was Not good enough, no turn out, wrong body type and some other nasty comments relating to my abilities. Ballet was my first love. I admire you. It’s never too late!
I'm so so sorry to hear that. Some people can be so unnecessarily cruel. Wishing you all the best.
I’ve grown ( still living ) in a country where there isn’t such a thing as ballet classes & I honestly felt so much sadness growing up & not being able to do that my heart always beat for it .
This isn’t just any normal love , it’s passion & devotion to ballet .
now that I plan on immigrating to study abroad ,I know I will have access to adult ballet classes but I thought I am too old to start professional ballet , it’s just a dream that’s destinies to remain a dream , too late for me .
I have never seen you before , I don’t know who you are but I know that your video didn’t pop up on my phone just like that .
This is my sign to do it as well .
Thank you endlessly for doing this , you have no idea how much it means to me 🤍 .
That is BEAUTIFUL! You should be soooo so proud of yourself for taking the big leap to go after your dreams
I took dance classes when I was in graduate school at the age of 27. I got in great shape.
I have wanted to do ballet my entire life but never really got the opportunity to. I am 20 right now and in college- my college offers ballet classes! It didn't fit into my schedule for this semester, but next semester I'm taking the beginning class and I cannot wait :)
THAT'S INCREDIBLE!!! I'm so so happy for you!! Keep us posted on your journey!
Hi Veronica, I almost never leave comments, and this is the first video I've seen from you, but it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I grew up in dance from age 4-17, including going to an arts school as well as a studio too after school and on Saturdays, so in that way our stories are really different. However, between physical burnout (my knees hurt, my hips hurt, my skin splints hurt, etc), emotional/mental burnout, and some very real imposter syndrome, I told everyone I was quitting dance upon high school graduation. In college, dance crept back into my life in the form of first a student showcase, then dance team, then dancing and being featured in faculty works. However, I still considered that dance wasn't for me - I wasn't good enough, and I wasn't healed enough either. I graduated (during COVID what fun) and went on to, like you, pursue other passions, work I cared about and then moved to a little town on the Oregon coast where I knew no one. There I found a little local studio, and I started to teach dance classes for them. As I taught, I started to discover/admit how much I love dance, and how it feeds me in ways nothing else does. In Feb of this year, during a month of transition, I moved back to Denver (my hometown) and took all the classes I could get my hands on (like 10 a week). I LOVED IT, and it pushed me to do the scary thing and like you finally say out loud "I want this." For me, the dream is to dance professionally, I have a list of companies both in Denver and beyond ranked from safe scary to SCARY SCARY to think of auditioning for. The kicker is that right now I'm a peace corps volunteer in Guatemala, and I'm here until May 2025.
I guess I say all this to say two things:
First of all, thank you so much for sharing. I feel like hearing your experience gave me a new kind of permission to say I want it and I can actually pursue this. That instead of listening to all the negativity and comparison, that I can run after this in May of 2025 and I'm not "too late" (I'll be 25).
Second of all, I wanted to validate and affirm that adult beginners aren't the only ones who struggle with imposter syndrome! I'm so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunities for dance training growing up that it sounds like you wanted so badly (I'm thanking my family all over again tonight). And. I struggled (and still do) SO much feeling good enough. Many of the other dancers I went to the arts school with went on to arts conservatories and are dancing professionally today, and it makes me feel so insecure that if I didn't measure up to them 7 years ago and have danced a heck of a lot less than them in said 7 years, why the heck do I think I have a shot? But listening to your story makes me want to remind me and remind you that imposter syndrome isn't confined to one set of people, nor should it limit any of us.
If you end up reading this small dissertation, thank you. I am so appreciative to you for sharing your story and for creating this amazing space where I can hear so many other similar stories. With love, molly
Molly, I read every. single. word. TWICE. Thank you soooo so much for sharing your story. First of all, I love your audition options: safe scary and SCARY SCARY haha! That's so great! And also, wow. You sound like a truly incredible, caring person! Teaching for a small studio, being in the PEACE CORPS!
Thank you so much for the encouragement too. You're so right about what you said (beautifully might I add) about imposter syndrome. I feel so blessed to have someone like you leaving a comment on my video.
Please keep me posted on your journey!!
(P.S. this is the EXACT type of message I'd like to feature on my blog. If you'd be willing to chat more about it, could you e-mail me at hello@veronicaviccora.com so your story can inspire even more people that just the comment section?)
I’m turning 20 next month and I just started figure skating. It’s never too late!!!
That's amazing! Ice skating is such a beautiful sport. You're absolutely right!
I started this year, too!🎉🎉❤
Hi Veronica, thank you for sharing your story! I can relate in many ways, even though my story is different. Isn‘t it amazing how all the negative talk we are exposed to impact us on so many levels? Like you, I started to follow my passions late - actually in my 30ies and 40ies. The good thing I found is that all the knowledge and experience I gathered on the way help me with my passions now. Also, you passion might manifest in a new way. For example I was sad that I never auditioned for an acting school, but now that I‘m a trained theater teacher, I feel that this is actually even more me. I started taking ballet and contemporary classes in my mid-40ies. I know that there are some things that I‘ll probably never achieve because of my age. But I celebrate the little progresses and every dance class that made me feel happy (because I know the ones that leave you utterly frustrated, too). Also, I feel I take the classes more seriously than I would have when I was younger. So I absolutely want to support your point that it‘s never too late, because we are on a journey, and the journey is always in the now.
omg absolute POETRY! I couldn't agree more that the journey IS always in the now and I LOVE what you said about taking the classes more seriously now than you might've when you were younger. That's the case for so many of us late bloomers. You're an absolute inspiration and it's an honor to have someone so determined and courageous here, thank you!
Good luck with your journey. I took ballet 50 years ago. I’m 69 now and just discovered videos of beginner barre classes. I’m completely terrible, but who cares. It’s a blast!
exactly! We ALL start out terrible, but we continue for the love, thanks for being the inspiration you are.
When I was 19, I got married and had my son at 23. I had always wanted to be a professional cheerleader, but I put that dream away. However, at 32 and after 2 divorces and more bad relationships-I said no more-and decided to do a Year of Me in which I would focus solely on myself (outside of being a mom too). I still wanted to become a pro cheerleader and so I decided that is what I would do! I hadn't cheered or danced since I was 18. It took me 2 years of auditioning before I made the professional appearance team for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens (I was on this team for 3 years and it was the best experience of my life) and then an additional 2 years of improving my dancing before I became a professional cheerleader for the Major League Lacrosse team: Chesapeake Bayhawks. I was 36/37 at that time. You are never too old for your dreams!
ARE YOU KIDDING!?! This is sooooo inspirational OMG!!! I'd really love to share this story on my blog! If you'd be open to chatting more about it, could you e-mail me at hello@veronicaviccora.com? Thanks so much sharing this!
@@VeronicaViccora Absolutely!!! I’d be honored! I’ll email you today.
My dance story is similar-ish. I went to an arts public school for elementary and middle school. I did dance but all of the BEST dancers who got opportunities came from wealthy families where kids danced outside of school too. I know my family couldn’t afford it but I also didn’t fight for it. Throughout my life I have loved performing arts, particularly dance but it wasn’t “useful” to pursue dance or drama. I’m 31 now and I regret dropping dance and drama. I plan to get back into both.
subscribed so quickly! I took a few months of ballet when i was like 8 but my parents couldn't keep paying for it so I had to stop. all my friends were dancers but we never had the money for it. I did acting my whole life and I did a little bit of cheer my senior year. I started taking some dance classes each semester at college and decided to do a dance minor because I wanted to be a triple threat! I joined the cheer team at 18 and did cheerleading while continuing to take a few dance classes from 18-23 when I started having some health and mental health issues and was told I could not come back to cheer until I was fully recovered. I was devastated and wanted to still be able to do something, that same week I found out about auditions for the spring dance show and my mum was able to convince me to go. I thought there would be no way I would get in, especially because i literally cried at the audition lol. but I got in! about a year later I decided to change my major to dance and now I'm 26 and ill be graduating with my bachelors in dance in May. Your video made me cry, I often have moments of feeling like I am too late but my heart knows that nothing makes me feel the same 🤍
This is such a beautiful story! I can totally relate to the not feeling good enough and its definitely life changing/freeing when we stop listening to the insecurities about not being good enough and just start believing in ourselves and go for it!
EXACTLY! Getting your mind right is half the battle, life feels SO much freer when you realize you have so much of your own power!
Very inspirational story. I am lucky to have started dancing in high school, but I still feel like I started "too late" sometimes, especially when I take class with people my age who are miles ahead of me. This video is fantastic
YOU are fantastic! And you're so not alone. Many of my friends have been dancing for 20+ years and still feel that imposter syndrome. It's part of life and creativity, but it's something that can be overcome. Keep dancing friend!
You are a bonafide artist, Veronica. Your storytelling skills are like silk, so fluid!
Thank you for your bravery and honesty. As a current 27-year-old, your story sparked something within me. I know all of your dreams will come true. You are an amazing soul!
You are SO kind, wow. Thank you so much!! I really want to see your dreams come true too because you're clearly an incredible soul yourself!
@@VeronicaViccora 🥰❤️❤️
Thank you so much for this video! As a 16 yr old who has loved dance ever since I was little but has never been able to take dance classes, this gives me hope for myself. I really want to do ballet and won’t give up on that thanks to you 💗💗.
I'm 28 and have always wanted to learn ballet! You're inspiring!
thank you! I hope you'll give it a try! I'd love to hear about it if you do
I took my first dance class as an adult in my 20s. It was an African class. I traveled to Africa to learn a couple years later, and came back and fell in love with Flamenco. I've been studying Flamenco off and on for over 25 years now.
Wow I'm so happy I came across your video!! I started ballet when I was 18. I fell so in love that I decided to become a dancer at 18. I moved to New York soon after to dance. But ten years in, I got stuck in a rut, and became a physical therapist. I lost my connection to dance, and it wasn't until I was at a low point that dance found it's way back to me, and changed my life. I now dance in heels 6 days a week and it makes me feel alive and connected in my bones. I use what I learned from PT and Pilates to condition. Every day I walk into the dance studio I feel like I can breathe and am so grateful. Thank you for sharing your story! You have a beautiful energy!
Omg heels dancing is SO much fun! And it's so wonderful that you have a pilates and pt background because soooo many of those skills transfer over to dance so beautifully. Thank YOU for being here, I'm so grateful for your beautiful energy as well!
Watching this and I’m realizing my life was basically same as yours,except that I’m not married yet. But I started ballet at 23 , I’m 31 now, in nigeria . I teach dance to kids I teach yoga, I do arts I did music at some point and I stopped I was also a medical lab personnel and I left it to pursue dance.
I’ve had a lot of ups and down and well I don’t know what’s next for me but I am glad I stopped to watch this and im inspired even more. Im going to share my story too when I have the courage to. I’d love to connect with you. If you don’t mind. ❤❤
You're very clearly bursting with talent, intelligence and creativity! The world will distract us and tell us we're unfocused or that there's something wrong with us, but it's all a bunch of bull shark! lol Please share your story and please connect!
I'll be starting dance at 26! It's never too late! I'm so glad there are others out there like me
YES. YES. YES!!! Good for you!!
Thank you so much for this video. It wasn't until I was 27 that I seriously pursued acting, even though I knew this was what I wanted to do in high school. I'm so glad that there are people out there with similar life stories to mine. I'm so encouraged! God bless!
@@annadavis8587 yes! It can take many years to finally figure out who we really the whole time! I wish we could normalize more of that instead of only highlighting the prodigies who seem to have it all figured out by age 10 (not that they’re not incredible and deserving of it, just in addition to). I’m so glad you’re feeling encouraged! God bless you!
You and all these other people sharing their stories in the comments are such inspirations, I hope everyone here achieves their dreams
Wow, I can relate to your story SO Much, down to the teachers saying, "It doesn't matter for you guys", after all, we were only adult dancers. I was so desperate to be treated seriously and improve at 28 years old. I hated when the teachers would stop and talk when I wanted to learn. Once in a very small point class, the teen girl had an injury so the teacher said we'll just do something else, I felt like saying, "I'm able to dance though, does that not matter?" I found an amazing teacher who treated us like we really matter and our dancing correctly was so important and then, the "pandemic". I'm so happy for you that you're following your dream 😊
I know this all too well and I'm so sorry to hear that. thank you for your encouragement and I'm wishing you all the very best
thank god or universe or whatever that your video showed up in my recommended! i barely writing any comments but i just wanna say thank u for sharing your inspirational story. i always wanted to sing and i did but i never was taking this serious cause i always felt i'm not talented enough, my voice is weak and i always thought no one ever wanted to hear me, so now i'm 25 and almost giving up my dream to start a career in music. i think your video is going to be a kick in the ass for me and i finally gonna believe in myself. thank u and good luck on your jorney🤍
Good luck to YOU friend! What made you feel like you weren't good enough- and what does good enough even mean to you? SOOOO many of us feel that way, you're totally not alone! So please don't give it up! If singing is what you love to do, no one has the right to take it from you
What an inspiring story! I had to leave gymnastics and then ballet because of serious health issues at 16 and then I did some Zumba classes here and there but it just wasn’t the same. But now at 26 I started pole and chair dance , started getting my splits back and it feels like a child in me is so happy and fulfilled every time I dance! It’s truly an incredible feeling
This is soooo beautiful! And a fellow Veroni(k)a too! Best of luck on ALL your dancing endeavors
YOU ARE SUCH A PHENOMENAL DANCER!!!🩰SO INSPIRATIONAL, SPECIAL AND UNIQUE!!! CONGRATS ON YOUR JOURNEY AND KEEP GOING!!! FREE FALL INTO THE FUTURE💖
I started ballet at 2 1/2. After 14 years I quit to pursue musical theatre which I in turn left to focus on a biology degree. I’m 25 now and I miss dancing terribly! I have a terrible fear that I’m too late to go back to it but I’m so glad to see dancers starting out later in life and reach their dance goals.
I needed to hear your story today it touched my heart I’m 38 years old and I started taking things seriously with musical theater at 26 I have a callback today and all the anxiety from the past was getting to me and your story was right on time so healing and inspiring and it helped me remember what this is all about. You are an absolute champion and I wish you the very best in you stage career
I'm not sure how your call back went but congratulations on getting one AT ALL! That's huge! Wishing you all the very best right back
I started ballet when I was 4 and my mom took me out of lessons at 8 y/o. I started again at 25 but it got too expensive for me and I was also starting clinicals/ deciding to change my career. I’m 26 now still figuring life out and hope I’ll be able to start classes again consistently. My goal was always to go en pointe. I know it’s very difficult and takes years and discipline but it’s not impossible ☺️
I saw your short video a few days ago and felt so inspired. But this video is another level! I just love to listen to stories like this because I can relate so much!
This is one thing I love about youtube and the internet. I'm sitting here in switzerland, drinking my morning coffe and listen to a woman on the other side of the world talking about things that motivate me so so much.
Thank you so much 🙌
ugh this is so so beautiful, and you're so right. The internet can cause some trouble but I'm so glad it gives us a chance to connect, (also SO wishing I was in Switzerland right now!)
This is so inspiring.
I grew up in poverty and my family could not afford any extracurricular activities (and I was raising my brother so I also did not have free time). There are so many things I wished I could have done when I was younger. I envied my peers who were able to take music or dance lessons, martial arts classes, etc. and I still feel like I missed out on so many opportunities as a child. But knowing that someone my age (I’m 27) was able to pursue their dreams is inspiring.
I always wanted to do martial arts, but I thought it was too late when I became an adult. I now have my doctorate and a full time job, which gives me some extra funds. There is a martial arts studio near me, and I’m going to see if they accept adult students. Thank you for posting this ❤️
This is the story I’ve been looking for my whole adult life ❤ thank you!!
now go make it yours!
Thank you for sharing your story. You’re right don’t let anyone talk you out of your hearts desire. I started ice skating at 40 years old. (6 months ago)It’s very hard, and I was humbled quickly, but I will not regret taking this journey. Childhood dreams do come true.❤
I started skating this year too!! In my 40s!!❤
love this thread
This video randomly popped up on my home page and I feel like you spoke directly to me. I studied a dance program at 18 for 3 years full time and loved it, but life got in the way (and then covid) and here I am at 27 wondering why I quit and thinking it’s too late to go back. Well this is the sign I needed to get my ass back into a dance studio! Lol thank you for sharing your story 🫶🏼
it IS a sign friend! It's never too late. Life gets crazy and tries to distract us. But you can absolutely do this
Hi, Veronica! I don't know whether you're gonna read this or not but my heart immediately aches when I completed watching this video. As a 23-years-old girl who has been exploring million of things to find the "perfect fit" for my calling, I could finally say that my desires always come back to becoming a fashion designer and performer (theater actress & ballerina). I grew up in a working class family and since I was just a child, I always wanted to go to fashion school and becoming a professional ballerina, but my family couldn't afford it. My story is really similar to you. Since then, I tried to forget my own dreams and pursue other things that might be "more normal" for the people around my age. Now I'm working for a 9-5 job and I can say, it doesn't fulfill me at all. My interest & desire always come back to become a designer & performer, but before today, I feel a huge dilemma which way I need to take. Today, I found this video and you completely blow my mind. Thank you so much for sharing your stories and give me a lot of courage & hope to pursue my real dreams, dear beautiful soul. Let's dance together on the stage someday! xx
I started ballet at the same time you did! I had two or three classes before covid but thankfully they went online so i was able to keep going at that studio. I started at 14 and now Im 17 and taking advanced classes and in the nutcracker! It's never too late to start!!
That's INCREDIBLE! What a dream!! Keep going! You're such a wonderful soul
Hard relate! I'm one year into dancing again at age 32, after 11 years break, and I'm so glad I made that decision! I did some dance at college and uni but pursued acting instead. Looking back I realise I didn't take it seriously enough, definitely didn't have the confidence, didn't have the fitness know-how, nor did I have the money for intense training... but I feel now more determined than ever. And whilst I know my limitations (creaky knees) and my body is probably past it's peak, I have learnt to love my body and know that this journey is a marathon not a sprint.
We're all doing the best with what we have and know at the time. You're doing wonderfully, please remember that
I always thought starting at 14 was too old and I was always incredibly insecure since everyone else was better than me. Seeing this really gives me hope knowing how good you are I can be just as good one day
Wish I was 14 again ❤
Gosh 14 is PLENTY of time!!!
29 is also a fabulous age for the record ;)
I just found this video at a good time, because I started rhythmic gymnastics as an adult and I've always felt I'm not flexible enough, because the little kids are so bendy and people my age in the sport are competing internationally, so I'm put in the same class as kids, but this video shows it's never too late for opportunities to come for doing what you love to do 💖💕
that's absolutely courageous of you to keep going, thank you for sharing
Girl yes! I couldn’t afford classes growing up but I love my mom for giving me the life she couldn’t have. I’d watch videos and dance by myself pretending that I am a great dancer 😂. I am 20, I have always loved the technicality and beauty of ballet, but I just assumed it was too late for me to become a ballet dancer because I never had the thorough flexibility training. I’ve been telling my mom these past two weeks that I want to be a ballerina and she gives me a skeptical laugh- she probably thought I was joking. This video popping up on my feed is a sign I can achieve my goals!
I totally understand that reaction very well! Wishing you all the very best on your journey
I love this! I started figure skating at age 20 and a year later competed in my first competition. It’s never too late!
WOW! That's incredible, you don't hear that everyday!
I started ballet at 14, but when COVID hit when I was 17 and everything got shut down, I stopped. Now at 20 I started again and I couldn’t be happier. I also love theater, but I had no experience with it when I was child (apparently I had a little experience, but I don’t remember-). I also want to get into theater/musical theater too! Stories like this are really inspiring, especially for adults who think that it may be too late for them to pursue their dreams! Keep it up!
That is so beautiful, thank you for sharing and encouraging everyone!
Subscribing because I LOVE your energy! I am a 46 year old professional soprano but I was so late to really get started. I actually took a couple of adult ballet classes here and it was SERIOUS BUSINESS LOL LOVED IT!!!
You are inspiring me! I am 38 year old closet singer, ex dancer!
@@braveheartlioness you got this!!! 💪🏾
YESSS!! And look at all the people you're inspiring just by sharing your story
I grew up dancing and have been really wanting to get back into it. But growing up with the idea that if you don't go pro, you have to stop dancing at 18 made me feel like I missed my chance. This popped up on my recommended and honestly, I'm tearing up a little! I think I'm gonna go sign up for an adult ballet class! ❤
In 2019 I was 27, exactly like you, and I discover and started dancing Lindy Hop... hands down, the most revolutionary, beautiful and positive thing that ever happens in my life!
Dance has the most beautiful power to change our lives, congratulations
I started riding horses seriously at 38 and now I’m a ranked amateur. I rode as a kid but we couldn’t really afford to be serious about it. I’m truly living my childhood dream and it’s a lot of work and financial investment but worth it.
I can totally relate to the 30 minute talk times breaks in the adult ballet classes 😂 almost everyone in my class is much older than me, has kids and is just doing it as a hobby on the side. They love to stop and chat about stuff, i just stretch on the side by the bar lol. Since becoming an adult i find it absolutely absurd that you're expected to just fit into this mom/wife mold and not pursue your dreams.
yes.... it's very sad. Women are so much more than this. Being a mom and a wife can be such a beautiful part of that! But we can also still have passions and dreams!
I started West Coast Swing Dance at 48 and Blues Dance at 52. I am doing very well now and have become one of the very good dancers of my classes, some of the much younger dancers or those who"ve been dancing for years now look up to me or take me seriously now.
I have to say though that I'd started with ballet at around 10 years, than transitioned to jazz dance, modern and afro dance in my late teenage years so I have at least 10 years of a classic dance education on my watch and that's a great base :-)
Thank you for sharing, your story sounds like my figure skating journey (adults not being taken seriously, training with the kids, coaches saying that is not worth for an adult to have any competitive dreams).
Good luck with everything!
it's bizarre to me how many coaches are some of the people doing the most damage to out creative psyche. Are you still figure skating now? I hope so!!! Thank you so much
I am starting my journey back into the world of ballet (+dance in general) after taking a 4 year break -- all thanks to a broken foot that crushed my hopes and dreams, covid, and then starting college...
Even with having years of training and attending a high school where I took ballet everyday (FOR A GRADE!), the idea of walking into a studio again is terrifying -- so I admire your courage and dedication to the craft! I cannot wait to see more of your journey -- maybe we'll even cross paths (I am based in NYC)!
NOOO! I'm so sorry to hear that, what a series of unfortunate events :( So glad to hear you're getting back into it though and not letting the world keep you down! Thank you for the kind words and I totally understand how scary it can be. It sounds like you're going to be brilliant though, and I do hope our paths cross!
This is so inspiring thank you! I went to my first ballet class a few weeks ago at 36 years old :-) it’s so difficult but I’m so happy I’m giving myself the opportunity to truly learn how to dance, I’ve wanted to learn all my life!!
Walking was a challenge for all of us at some point too! The difficult things are often the most rewarding. Best of luck to you
If you're in the US and looking for a serious dance technique class, look at your nearby junior and community colleges. If they have a dance program, look into taking one either for credit or not. They may call the non-credit classes auditing the class or taking a continuing education class. I highly recommend it, as a 39-year-old taking 2 community college dance classes with mostly 17-22 year olds.
This is FANTASTIC advice! Thank you so much!!!
I wanted to dance so bad as a kid, but my parents couldn’t afford it and I was finally able to start at 22! I’ve been going at it for 2 years now and found a studio that really encourages people of all ages to dance and take older beginners seriously ❤
That's so lovely to hear! Thank you for sharing and congrats on finding such a welcoming space!
You already look like a professional dancer with the way you just sit an move casually, you’ll maken it
WOW! That is SO kind of you to say! You should see me when I'm hunched over my computer editing videos like the ogre I truly am though haha ;)
@@VeronicaViccora I do the same and I've been dancing once a week for 8 years lmao
Firstly when it comes to learning anything no such thing as "it's too late".... Secondly better late than never..... Go get it gurlllll❤❤❤❤
I couldn't agree more! thank you!
Your story is so inspiring! You were so brave and persevering. And you still are. I used to dance and I stopped for many years ago. Now I need to find myself and dance again in some way or another and watching your video was my last sign. So thank you very much ❤ and congratulations for pursuing your dreams. I wish so much success !!! ( sorry my English a I’m Chilean) ❤❤❤
You’re English is fantastic, no need to apologize! Thank you so much angel, pleaseeeee keep following your dreams, the world needs more happy, FULFILLED humans
This was totally inspiring. Not all of us get the opportunities or have the resources to do what we are passionate about. That doesn't mean we can't seek to try to work on what we love later on. Thank you for sharing your journey. Rooting for you. Whatever it is, you are pursuing your dream on your own terms.
thank you so so much
So inspiring and relatable! Also got into yoga because it seemed like the most accessible form of creative movement as an adult.
Thank you SO much! I'm so happy yoga was able to help you too!
Rn Im 18, almost 19. Somehow I feel like I'm too late for music, dancing, piano, singing, ballet... All these things I wanna do are things that people normally start as a kid... Sometimes I feel kinda "useless" or like I'm wasting my youth. Questions like "what am I doing with my life? I love all of this but still can do nothing?" but watching this, reading all of the comments made me feel relieved and less worried about the future TwT. I know is not easy to leave the mindset of "I'm not capable of x" or "It's too late for me to do Y" behind, but I'll try my best, y'all are so inspiring thank you seriously
Yes people normally start these things as kids.... but people also "normally" stop, lose their passion for it, learn to hate it or themselves. Who wants to be "normal?" You were meant for beautiful things and sometimes beautiful things are the farthest thing from "normal."
No one says it’s too late to start dancing, for you or whatever. When they say it’s too late they mean for pursuing a professional career and more specifically in ballet. Like it or not it is true. No one said don’t dance. Dance is for everyone
Unfortunately there are plenty of people who do feel they shouldn't dance (or have been told not to) simply because they worry that they can't go pro. And honestly, being in New York has shown me how many people start late and go on to have a thriving professional dance career. Not always as a dancer for ABT or other huge companies, but there are countless ways to be a professional dancer especially in today's day and age
Not professionally for ballet. Maybe maybe using dance for some amature dance groups.
Ive always wanted to do ballet but never tried it, never told anyone..but now im 20 years old and im teaching myself ballet through UA-cam online classes. Still not telling anyone about it though😅 its crazy how ballet is kinda an aesthetic now but i like it
Your secret is safe here, keep following your heart
you give me so much inspiration because i am your same age 27, and am getting back into dance as well after just working retail for the past five years, and stopped going to school. I was accepted into the dance program again, as well as trying to get back into school for a bachelors, teaching certification for dance. Thanks for making this video!!
YES!!! That's what I'm talking about! To be fair clear I'm 29 now but 27 is an incredible age to really get going in my humble opinion ;)
Thing is, adults progress with learning choreography and coordination much quicker than most toddlers, so the first 10 years or so of childhood training really don't make a difference. Most of what they teach the under 7s is about weight changes, port de bras and port de pieds. It's the advanced technique that is taught to teenagers that usually has the rich snobs looking down on older beginners, but in the grand scheme of things most teens progress at an average of 1 (RAD) grade every 1/1.5 years, so you can very quickly make up for that difference, and dance at a professional level by 25 if you begin at 18. I know of adult beginners who have passed through 4 (RAD) grades in less than 2 years, and many of them are in their late 20s/early 30s.
I took my first ever ballet class at 27 too! And at Broadway Dance Centre as well, in the 12 classes a week program 😃
OMG!! How did you like it!??
@@VeronicaViccora I had only taken a few jazz and contemporary classes before starting that program, so it definitely turned me into a much better dancer! I was even able to get paid dancing gigs after that (and after doing a lot of auditions of course). And now I want to create my own choreographies on my own music too :-)
wow the music notes you found gave me chills. the universe really is so loving and encouraging of our dreams and purpose. I hope we all have the courage to follow our dreams and live our most beautiful lives
I’m 12 and my parents can’t take me to ballet, and I feel lost without it, I love it and want to do it! And the most plan I could come up with was to wait, wait until I’m 16 and can get a job to pay for my classes, and by then I’m worried it will be to late, even if I started NOW it would be to late, I am stretching and working at home, trying to get my flexibility. This was really comforting to watch because I know that someday I will do ballet, and it will be possible.
You’re not at all too late! Misty Copeland started later than you, many ballerinas did! I’d also recommend to start taking classes from home. All you need is UA-cam and a chair. Try Kathryn Morgan, Lazy Dancer Tips, Ti & Me TV, Ballet with Isabella.
Start getting exposure to the language, the terms, the movements, and when you’re ready to take in person classes, you’ll be that much more prepared 😊
"Some people get their kicks stomping on a dream" said Sinatra. I don't know you but I'm happy you didn't let life hold you back. You're radiant! And I love that top
AMAZING song
YOURE AN INSPIRATION AND REMIND OF A LOT OF MYSELF!! IM ALSO OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL BALLET AGE BUT WANT TO GET BACK TO IT. I USED TO BE PRETTY GOOD BUT STOPPED AROUND AGE 22. BEEN WORRIED ITS TOO LATE. I HAD NATURAL TALENT AND LOVED BALLET SO MUCH. NEVER HAD SUPPORTIVE PARENTS. STARTED PAYING FOR MY OWN PROFESSIONAL BALLET SCHOOL TRAINING AT AGE 16 WHILE STILL IN HS. HAD SOME AMAZING TEACHERS. IF I HAD STUCK WITH IT COULD HAVE GONE PROFESSIONAL EVEN THOUGH I STARTED LATE (AROUND AGE 12/13.) BEEN OUT OF THE STUDIO AND CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEOS AND IS GIVING ME HOPE. ITS SOMETHING IVE ALWAYS WANTED SO BAD.
i'm a 14 year old and i'm a ballerina, i started ballet when i was 3 but i quited and came back many times. And i was feeling really disapointed with my abilities and thinking that maybe it's too late to become a profesional, and thanks because this video gave so much hope.
thank YOU for being here, please keep going, courage and determination will bring you very far
I love this ❤ I started ballet at 31, I’m 33 now and I’m so in love with it. I do 8-10 classes a week. I’ll probably never go pro but ballet is my home ❤
I did ballet my whole childhood and left it to pursue musical theatre. little did I know, for professional theatre they expect you to be a strong dancer. I’m hopefully starting ballet next week to be able to get casted. I got casted in a professional play here in my country and if I truly wanna do this i need to put the work in. I hope I love ballet again and enjoy the art EVEN if I fail in the musical theatre world (which I hopefully don’t).
I used to do ballet when i was a kid and dropped it when i was 12 because it was affecting my mental health. Now at 19 im finally starting again as a beginner and i can say that doing ballet in adulthood is the way to go!
Thank you so much for this!!! Such a heartwarming video and story❤❤❤❤
I started dancing at 3 years old , went on pointe at 9 and by 13 i quit because i was mentally drained. The ballet academy i used to atend was very psychologically abusive and we were kinda broke so i had to stopped.
Im almost 19 now and i have been wanting to get back to ballet and dancing but i dont know how or where i can go.
This really encourage me to start next year so im really glad i found it❤
I'm so sorry to hear that was your experience with ballet. The psychological abuse is SO unnecessary and yet all too common. I really hope you'll find a space that's safe and welcoming and allows you to rediscover the TRUE beauty of dance
I fell in love with Kendo at age 9, but never even got a chance until this year, and I’m 37. And… I’m finally getting to do it, and I’m in love!
If you get a chance, no matter the age, do it!
HELL YES!! You go!!!