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How to Be a Professional Ballerina

Many little girls dream of growing up to become like the demure professional ballerinas that they have encountered on television or in movies. In reality, becoming a professional ballerina requires a lot of hard work, resilience, and training. Given the physical requirements to dance ballet professionally, not everyone has what it takes to perform the job. However, with determination and a little luck, becoming a professional ballerina can become a reality for a lucky few.

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate your local ballet company. Most large cities have their own, such as San Francisco and New York City. Check out some of their productions before deciding to audition.

    • 2

      Identify the ballet company's feeder school in an effort to refine your technique. For example, the School of American Ballet in New York City is among the top ballet training schools in the world.

    • 3

      Prepare for your audition. Large schools such as the School of American Ballet tour the United States each year holding open auditions for admission to their school. Find the nearest location and convenient date and prepare accordingly. Bring appropriate, professional garb for the audition. For girls, this includes a black leotard, pink tights and pink pointe shoes.

      Ballet auditions usually consist of a series of bar and floor exercises that are taught the same day. This is done to not only measure your technique, but your memory capacity as well. To prepare, practice impromptu routines with a local dance teacher to ensure that you are ready.

    • 4

      Wait for a callback after auditioning. Even if you are not accepted, most ballet schools alert candidates of their status.

    • 5

      Complete the program once accepted. At the end of the program, professional ballet company representatives are invited to final performances to determine who they will extend offers to. To become a professional ballerina, it is imperative that you demonstrate that you are technically sound as well as captivating to an audience.

Ballet

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