Is 23 Too Old to Become a Professional Dancer?

Whether you are male or female, the age at which you start dancing doesn't necessarily determine whether you can become a professional dancer. Whether you're 23, 30, or even older, with the right mindset, dedication, and training, achieving your dreams in dance is absolutely possible.

My Experience: From 22 to 30

I, a male, began my dance journey at the age of 22 and within just a year, I became a professional performer. I retired from the stage at 30, but not before fulfilling my passion for dance. Though my professional career was in regional companies, it was a fulfilling journey. For females, the path may be tougher, simply because many women start as young as 3 to 6 years old. However, natural ability, drive, where you receive your training, and who you know and meet along the way will all play major roles in your journey.

Challenges and Successes

Age is not a barrier to success in dance. Many people start their career at 35 and still manage to achieve great success. If you are passionate about dance, there is no reason why the age of 23 should stand in your way. U limit yourself to what you believe you can achieve, not to what you actually can. Think about dancers like Misty Copeland who started in ballet at 13, but it was not until her late 20s that she became a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. This should inspire you to pursue your passion with all your might.

The Importance of Practice and Commitment

Whether you are a male or female, the key to success in dance is consistent and focused practice. If you have a passion for dancing and are willing to put in the time and effort, it is never too late to start. Female dancers often start training at a very young age due to cultural and social expectations. However, it is more important to find a teacher who understands your goals. You will need to spare more time and be highly devoted to your training. For example, my grandfather started dancing at age 23 and is still competing professionally at 74. He is a great example of someone who was not deterred by age.

Choices of Dance Styles

While ballet, the most traditional form of dance, requires a strict age cutoff, modern styles such as contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and tap offer more flexibility and opportunities for late starters. If you are interested in ballet, it might be challenging to enter a reputable ballet company, especially given the strict age and talent requirements. However, contemporary ballet might be more suitable if you are a female, as you might not need to worry about getting pointe shoes as early. Smaller ballet companies may be easier to join. Other modern dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, and tap are less restrictive in terms of age and can provide a more flexible path to professional success. The more you practice, the better you will become, and the more opportunities you will find to showcase your talent.

Start taking dance classes from a reputable school and dedicate yourself fully to your dance training. Always be willing to learn and improve. Even with a strict schedule, you can make significant progress if you are committed. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a professional dancer!