I have to do a ballet presentation.

Should I quit ballet?

• I'm 16 now and I've been doing ballet for 10 years. I used to love it so much, almost to the point that I'm obsessed; I would practice everyday and I once dreamed of being a ballerina. But now I think I have lost the passion and love for ballet. I used to feel at home when I point my feet and stretch my legs, but now I feel nothing. Like I become numb. I don't feel any joy by twirling or jumping anymore. I don't feel happy by putting on my tights and leotard. Thinking of ballet makes me want to cry. I do ballet almost every day, and it's taking a toll on me. I feel like ballet is hindering my academics. When I was in the lower levels, I was one of the best in the class, but now I'm in the higher level, everyone seems to be better than me and I become the worst. My arch is almost non-existent, and I'm not that flexible (I might be quite flexible in normal people's standard, but not flexible enough as a ballerina). What should I do? I'm thinking if I quit ballet, I would take up some jazz and hip hop class because they look so fun. And I really want to take up extra lessons too because I'm aiming to get scholarships abroad. The thing is, I used to do classical piano, martial arts, and electric guitar (and I was better in all of these than in ballet. I got medals and awards and stuff from them while I never gain anything from ballet) but stupidly, I quit them all for BALLET. If I quit ballet now, I might as well regret everything. Everybody around me is already thinking about college and their futures while I'm stuck here practicing ballet when I don't even want to be a pro-ballerina. I'm not even good at it. And there are some identity crisis here too: I'm so used to be the 'ballet-girl', so if I quit ballet, I feel like I'm losing my identity. I'm also worried that quitting ballet would make me grow fat. Really, now, what should I do?

• Answer:

  Hello, I know how you feel there was a time that I thought ballet and I didn't match up like we used to. But here is what my solution was (well my mom came up with it) My mom talked to my teacher about how I was feeling and since I was in a pre-professional program my teacher didn't like the idea of me taking a break from dance. I was a decent dancer, I wouldn't say I was the best in the class but I was one of the better girls. The teacher finally agreed that just this once she would let me take a little break. I was thinking I would get a couple months but my teacher said I could have two weeks off. No more or else I would have to leave the class permanently. I was shocked and I told my mom that there was no way I would return to ballet class. My mom didn't say anything. A few days past and I was LOVING not having to go to ballet. I spent time with my closest friends and such a great time. I thought to myself I am not going to go back this is just great. A week had past and I found myself doing a part of my dance routine in my room. I was confused and happy at the same time. As the next week passed I missed ballet so much. When I went back I was refreshed and ready to work hard. So, I think you need a small break and then see how you feel. Don't make any quick decisions that you will regret. I know that you may feel that you don't like it now but in just two weeks time you might find that you miss it dearly. Also try and stick it out. This could just be a phase. My brother wanted to quit a sport once but my mom made him finish the season and he hated it at the time but was so grateful later because he got a scholarship to a great university and is having a great time. So maybe make yourself go until the spring then see if you still want to quit. No matter what anyone says its your choice and don't worry about not being called "ballet - girl" you could soon be called "piano - girl" Also you won't grow fat as long as you keep a healthy diet and stay active. I wish you the best in whatever you choose.