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 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 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'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'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 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 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 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'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 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 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.
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’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
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!
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.
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!
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'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!
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 ♥️
This resonates so deeply with me ❤ I took dance classes as a kid and hated them, not because of dancing but because I felt like I didn’t belong. It wasn’t until my 20s that I fell in love with it again. I took a chance and started pole dancing in 2021 at a local studio. I stumbled and struggled and had absolutely zero athleticism and was stiff as a board. But I persisted. In 2023 I began teaching beginner pole dancers and fell even more in love with dance. Then began my ballet journey ❤ I love blending the two art forms and it’s absolutely changed my life. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams! ❤
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 🤍 .
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!
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 :)
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!
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!
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!
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!
as a long island girl trying to get back into dance as an adult and struggling to find classes here as an adult this video gave me a little hope. praying one day i can afford to move to the city and take classes, it’s been my dream for as long as i can remember
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?)
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!
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 💗💗.
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!
@@VeronicaVacanza 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 :-)
I was in dance as a 5yr old and loved it. I put on performances constantly for my family until in my teens. But we couldn’t afford dance or for me to be on the dance team at school ($3k), but volleyball was free. I spent the rest of my time in school with vball, which I learned to love. But as a 26 year old nurse with a husband and baby, I find this so encouraging because I MISS ballet!!! A friend and I are going to a drop in class soon and I can’t wait. Thanks for the push I needed! It has blessed me to do what I enjoy no matter how “beginner” I am.
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
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!
omg thank u so much for this video, I really was struggling with all these thoughts and getting really stressed about dance bc my parents never put me on any activity when I was younger now I'm 20, and I want to do everything, try everything and one of the things it's ballet, I ask for a signal to the universe and your video came into my life you inspire me, so I'm going to try ballet and start a new journey 🩷🩷🩷
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!!
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 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.
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 ❤️
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 ☺️
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!
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! ❤
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.
This is so inspiring !! I’ve always loved dance as a young girl but had to stop in my teenage years. I’m currently in my 20s and I’m ready to finally pursue my dreams of being a dancer🤍✨
I feel the same way, but it’s so inspiring to see that I can still pursue my dreams. I’m now teaching ballet for children in my area, but I hope one day I can be a dancer, even if I’m in my 20s 🩰
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!!!
just discovered your channel! I am Australian and I don't dance at all, but your story is so amazing! I love your editing so much, not to mention your voice is so calm and soothing I could listen all day. You could make an hour long video of you just talking and I would stay for the whole thing.
that is soooo kind of you! I actually don't love the sound of my own voice (shocker, because I talk so much lol) so that's very very sweet to hear! Thank you for being here! I'll do more chatty videos at some point for ya
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 🫶🏼
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
New follower! I was apart of a classical ballet company until I was 18. Was told my entire childhood that ballet is only a hobby and could never be a profession for me. Anxiety and doubts led me to miss auditions and not follow up with dancing through college. I shut off dance completely until recently. I’m now doing barre work and trying to find a studio that holds adult classes in hopes to rekindle that love. Very inspirational!
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 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!
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!
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
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 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
My friend has a similar journey to yours and she ended up teaching dance and then opening up her own dance studio. Something to consider if you ever wanted to!
Thank you for sharing your story, I always wanted to practice ballet, but my family told me I was "too tall or too manly (??" And now at my 20's i want to start doing ballet and music (i always loved to sing but i was discouraged from an early age :c), and i was searching for adult classes, i found one but I keep feeling I'm just too old, too fat too everything... this video came just in time, thank you ❤
First of all, all the tall male ballet dancers of the world are like ... um what? Too manly? That doesn't even make sense. And the irony is, I've told I was too short to be a ballerina haha! So what is it? too tall? too short? too old? too fat? WHO CARES! We don't need anyone's permission! You keep doing you my friend. Let people waste their own time talking while you spend your time dancing. ;)
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!
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!!
@@VeronicaVacanza LOL I should have read my comment. I was half asleep or actually half awake. But still I started the violin at 25 and for the first time in like 15 years I was truly happy. I then had a time when I thought I would rather kill myself, then stay in my job. And then I quit and went back to Uni to study music theory. Now I am almost done and will do a masters soon. Still playing, still happy. Don’t earn money with it yet, but I will!
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!
Thank you❤ I’ve started when I was 20 years old. I also didn’t have the opportunity to dance when I was younger because my parents were working and did not have time for my hobbies. I was also very shy and closed when I was a teenager.. Since then I have developed problems with depression and anxiety. Now, I am 35 years old, I have been doing all kinds of sports since 20 years old, including pole dance❤ I have moved recently to Germany to find a better job and found myself a dancing course. They are also treating us(adults) like we are not there for serious but I don’t care. This is something that makes me feel free,opened and happy.. It shows me what kind of person I could be if I was fearless and self confident. And yes I love it. So,thank you for sharing this story, it really hit a spot. And to all women out there..Just keep dancing, because this is what you are🎉
What a gorgeous comment. It's amazing how incredibly healing the arts can really be for us in terms of anxiety and depression. It's so wonderful to hear that you're finding your own path and following your heart! And I think you ARE fearless and self confident my friend
This is one of my favorite videos ever! You are super positive and life has rewarded you for it. I too am on my dance journey, at 26. cannot wait to hear more about your life.
You don't know what this comment means, I've been thinking about it since I read it. Thank you so much, wishing you ALL the best on your journey and that life will reward you TOO!
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 sorry but from her talking she does sound like she was one of the rich kids... She travelled the world, moved to NY, spend a year for her, taking full programs for dancing... without ever mentioned a job during the way. For the average person, this would be impossible, just to even get a flat in NY
I actually mentioned working several jobs at 4:09 and mentioned my toxic job (one of 5 I was working at the time) at 13:10. Also I'm not sure if you missed the entire part about me being a yoga instructor or saving up money to move out on my own to NYC. I didn't include the endless list of jobs I've worked to fund my dreams because if I did, we'd be here all day, but just some include nannying, pet care, being a home aide for dementia patients, working retail, waitressing, working as a receptionist, working as a yoga instructor, working for an art restoration company, doing various forms of freelance work... shall I go on? I've worked for everything I've achieved in my life but you're right many of those things are very expensive and I'm very grateful to be blessed with enough health and determination to work as much as I have to go for my dreams.
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.❤
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
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 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 19 and just considering starting, I thought theres no way Im too old to start now. But hearing everyones stories is so beautiful and motivating
As someome who started at 18, do it! Just don't compare yourself to others and enjoy every little advance you make, you deserve it ❤
i’m also 19 and ill be taking my first ballet class next week! so excited 💛
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'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'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.
Did you go on pointe? How was your experience. I’m also starting at 18 after going ballet like one year when i was nine
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 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
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!
@@VeronicaVacanza Thank you so much!!! We got this!!
@@VeronicaVacanza I also do figure skating as well as ballet so that a wonderful compliment
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 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
@@VeronicaVacanza 🥰
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 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!
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’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!!!!!!
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!
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 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
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'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'm so so sorry to hear that. Some people can be so unnecessarily cruel. Wishing you all the best.
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!
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
This resonates so deeply with me ❤ I took dance classes as a kid and hated them, not because of dancing but because I felt like I didn’t belong. It wasn’t until my 20s that I fell in love with it again. I took a chance and started pole dancing in 2021 at a local studio. I stumbled and struggled and had absolutely zero athleticism and was stiff as a board. But I persisted. In 2023 I began teaching beginner pole dancers and fell even more in love with dance. Then began my ballet journey ❤ I love blending the two art forms and it’s absolutely changed my life. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams! ❤
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
You and all these other people sharing their stories in the comments are such inspirations, I hope everyone here achieves their dreams
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!
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!
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!🎉🎉❤
as a long island girl trying to get back into dance as an adult and struggling to find classes here as an adult this video gave me a little hope. praying one day i can afford to move to the city and take classes, it’s been my dream for as long as i can remember
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'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!!
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!
I’m 56 years old and started ballet and dancing Burlesque, just because …
Ballet and burlesque is the BEST combo! Congrats!
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
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 💗💗.
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!
@@VeronicaVacanza 🥰❤️❤️
So good u didn t let that stranger tell u it s too late, love u, it s very inspiring!
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!??
@@VeronicaVacanza 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 :-)
I was in dance as a 5yr old and loved it. I put on performances constantly for my family until in my teens. But we couldn’t afford dance or for me to be on the dance team at school ($3k), but volleyball was free. I spent the rest of my time in school with vball, which I learned to love. But as a 26 year old nurse with a husband and baby, I find this so encouraging because I MISS ballet!!! A friend and I are going to a drop in class soon and I can’t wait. Thanks for the push I needed! It has blessed me to do what I enjoy no matter how “beginner” I am.
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
I GOT YOU! KEEP DOING IT BALLERINA!
thank you for the enthusiasm!!!
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
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!
You narrated your story so beautifully. You're a true artist!
wow, thank you! You're so kind!
omg thank u so much for this video, I really was struggling with all these thoughts and getting really stressed about dance bc my parents never put me on any activity when I was younger
now I'm 20, and I want to do everything, try everything and one of the things it's ballet, I ask for a signal to the universe and your video came into my life
you inspire me, so I'm going to try ballet and start a new journey 🩷🩷🩷
i'm 17 and today is my first ballet class since i was 9!! ☺️☺️ never too late.
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 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
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
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
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 ❤️
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!
This is so inspiring! As someone who is just starting ballet at 30, I love your story of never giving up!
Congratulations on the start of your journey! Best of luck!
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!
This is the story I’ve been looking for my whole adult life ❤ thank you!!
now go make it yours!
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 ☺️
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!
You are literally Leighton Meester and cannot convince me otherwise
haha to be fair, I'm pale with brown eyes and hair. I'm as generic as they come lol
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! ❤
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
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 ;)
@@VeronicaVacanza I do the same and I've been dancing once a week for 8 years lmao
You are such a gem! So excited I found your channel. You keep going!! We’re cheering you on, and love getting to follow you on your journey!
Oh my goodness, that is so sweet of you! Thank you so much, I feel very lucky to have someone like you here
This is so inspiring !! I’ve always loved dance as a young girl but had to stop in my teenage years. I’m currently in my 20s and I’m ready to finally pursue my dreams of being a dancer🤍✨
I feel the same way, but it’s so inspiring to see that I can still pursue my dreams. I’m now teaching ballet for children in my area, but I hope one day I can be a dancer, even if I’m in my 20s 🩰
omg that's so wonderful! If you're already teaching, I bet you're going to have so many beautiful things ahead of you
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
just discovered your channel! I am Australian and I don't dance at all, but your story is so amazing!
I love your editing so much, not to mention your voice is so calm and soothing I could listen all day. You could make an hour long video of you just talking and I would stay for the whole thing.
that is soooo kind of you! I actually don't love the sound of my own voice (shocker, because I talk so much lol) so that's very very sweet to hear! Thank you for being here! I'll do more chatty videos at some point for ya
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
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
New follower! I was apart of a classical ballet company until I was 18. Was told my entire childhood that ballet is only a hobby and could never be a profession for me. Anxiety and doubts led me to miss auditions and not follow up with dancing through college. I shut off dance completely until recently. I’m now doing barre work and trying to find a studio that holds adult classes in hopes to rekindle that love. Very inspirational!
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 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!
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!
@@VeronicaVacanza Absolutely!!! I’d be honored! I’ll email you today.
You absolutely inspired me. Thank you so much for sharing your story 😊
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
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 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 ;)
My friend has a similar journey to yours and she ended up teaching dance and then opening up her own dance studio. Something to consider if you ever wanted to!
WOW! That's so encouraging! Thank you so much
Thank you for sharing your story, I always wanted to practice ballet, but my family told me I was "too tall or too manly (??" And now at my 20's i want to start doing ballet and music (i always loved to sing but i was discouraged from an early age :c), and i was searching for adult classes, i found one but I keep feeling I'm just too old, too fat too everything... this video came just in time, thank you ❤
I know someone who began ballet in her mid thirties! Go for it.
look at you being so kind and encouraging, thank you!
First of all, all the tall male ballet dancers of the world are like ... um what? Too manly? That doesn't even make sense. And the irony is, I've told I was too short to be a ballerina haha! So what is it? too tall? too short? too old? too fat? WHO CARES! We don't need anyone's permission! You keep doing you my friend. Let people waste their own time talking while you spend your time dancing. ;)
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!!!
So incredibly proud of you! You are so inspiring 🥹❤️
SO ARE YOU! (if you're reading this comment and not following @dearballet please do so!)
You are the sweetest, thank you 🌸@@VeronicaVacanza
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
When I was 25 I dropped everything and to pursue my dream as violinist. Adult beginne too. Honestly anything is possible.
I LOVE THIS!!!
@@VeronicaVacanza LOL I should have read my comment. I was half asleep or actually half awake. But still I started the violin at 25 and for the first time in like 15 years I was truly happy. I then had a time when I thought I would rather kill myself, then stay in my job. And then I quit and went back to Uni to study music theory. Now I am almost done and will do a masters soon. Still playing, still happy. Don’t earn money with it yet, but I will!
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!
You are so so inspiring! Never stop and you got this girl! It’s so amazing seeing a girl with my body type going for dreams and goals! You go girl!
Thank you❤
I’ve started when I was 20 years old. I also didn’t have the opportunity to dance when I was younger because my parents were working and did not have time for my hobbies. I was also very shy and closed when I was a teenager.. Since then I have developed problems with depression and anxiety. Now, I am 35 years old, I have been doing all kinds of sports since 20 years old, including pole dance❤
I have moved recently to Germany to find a better job and found myself a dancing course. They are also treating us(adults) like we are not there for serious but I don’t care. This is something that makes me feel free,opened and happy.. It shows me what kind of person I could be if I was fearless and self confident. And yes I love it. So,thank you for sharing this story, it really hit a spot. And to all women out there..Just keep dancing, because this is what you are🎉
What a gorgeous comment. It's amazing how incredibly healing the arts can really be for us in terms of anxiety and depression. It's so wonderful to hear that you're finding your own path and following your heart! And I think you ARE fearless and self confident my friend
This is one of my favorite videos ever! You are super positive and life has rewarded you for it. I too am on my dance journey, at 26. cannot wait to hear more about your life.
You don't know what this comment means, I've been thinking about it since I read it. Thank you so much, wishing you ALL the best on your journey and that life will reward you TOO!
That's so awesome! Go you.
Thanks a million!
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.
Where will it take you? To be beautiful all your life.
omg, GORGEOUSLY said
I'm sorry but from her talking she does sound like she was one of the rich kids... She travelled the world, moved to NY, spend a year for her, taking full programs for dancing... without ever mentioned a job during the way. For the average person, this would be impossible, just to even get a flat in NY
I actually mentioned working several jobs at 4:09 and mentioned my toxic job (one of 5 I was working at the time) at 13:10. Also I'm not sure if you missed the entire part about me being a yoga instructor or saving up money to move out on my own to NYC. I didn't include the endless list of jobs I've worked to fund my dreams because if I did, we'd be here all day, but just some include nannying, pet care, being a home aide for dementia patients, working retail, waitressing, working as a receptionist, working as a yoga instructor, working for an art restoration company, doing various forms of freelance work... shall I go on? I've worked for everything I've achieved in my life but you're right many of those things are very expensive and I'm very grateful to be blessed with enough health and determination to work as much as I have to go for my dreams.
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