Stitch

First of all, you write very fluently. As I read your post, I felt like I was right there with you every step of the way. Secondly, ... let's start counting all the things to be thankful for then go from there. 1. Good health. 2. Good parents. O.K. stop counting right there - you can do anything now. A part time job would help lots. Almost all of us worked while we were going to school and here in the States, employers are currently favoring part-time workers. I'm sure that an articulate young person looking for part-time hours would float to the top of their list. I think, you have some time to look ahead and try to scout for a job that would be the right fit. Then, as soon as you turn 16, begin trying to get that job. You'll meet people and probably have a great time at your first job. Also, and this is just my opinion, I think many of us try to rush through college. College classes will be available to you for the rest of your life - but your youth will pass. And keep in mind that most of the dance world doesn't require a college degree (except for academia itself). Since you listed commute/time as your second concern, I think you might go slow on the college part of your life.

Good point.

It's been my experience over the years that there is a "drop out" age with young trained dancers - particularly females. It seems to happen at around age 16. My guess is that it coincides with other changes that occur at that point in life such as: boys, drivers licenses, high school/college, What a tumultuous time the teen years are for us all!

Yes, rest.

I must agree with the teacher's advice. You stated that you thought it would "clear up rapidly", but I didn't see in your post where you mentioned how long it has been going on.

An excellent piece. If you hadn't posted it, I don't think I would have stumbled upon it. Thanks!

I agree with all of the above said so far. I would also add that the ultimate of being successful in dance is being able to support oneself through dance. There are many ways of doing that, and I think that young people investing their time and money at a university (regardless of the field) should be mindful of the realities of life after college.

Good. Until then, can you stop everything? I agree with seeking medical advice - as a second step (in the case you described). The first step, especially with young bodies in the throes of puberty, should be rest. See what happens, then go from there.

Excellent, amum/Cathy! That's just great!

I agree with all of the above cautions that should be observed for those with hyper-extendable knees. That said, however, I think that this condition can actually be aesthetically pleasing as the knee joint tends to "disappear" at extension. In contrast to your condition, some dancers can't fully straighten their knee and their line appears weak. Treat your anomaly like a gift - but be careful with it. Beauty is rare and delicate - it's supposed to be.

Some very interesting choreography. I like.

Now that you mention it … maybe. Perhaps force sensors of some kind could be incorporated under the ball and heel of the shoe to see if a dancer is using her feet properly. It's an interesting thought.

How fast technology runs! I hope you saw and liked.

Wearable electronics is an emerging new field. I'm pretty sure that soon we'll see costumes enhanced with colorful electronically pulsated led lights flashing on and off - for better or for worse.

I read through Julia's posts with a critical eye, and found her writing style to be very fluid and expressive. Most importantly, she conveys her passion and enthusiasm for the subject. I also sense the presence of a behind-the-scenes editor with a keen eye. However you are doing it, it seems like a very good start to me. Keep writing, Julia.

Spacy, I've been thinking about your case ever since your first post. You mentioned in your third post of September 18th that you, "… think the bone is sharp". If somewhere along your decision process you can get hold of the MRI images and study them, then you might be able to see for yourself if, indeed, the bone is sharp. I would think that even a layman should be able to see such a thing. If a sharp bone is the diagnosis, but they can't show it to you, then I would be hesitant about surgery. But there is something else. In that same post you mentioned that, "DD also had a huge growth spurt in the past year …". I'm wondering if that might have something to do with her inflammation. Maybe the rest of her body just needs a little more time to catch up.

Therein is the proof of how important strength is. You have the flexibility, but not the strength. "Strength" will come from learning how to engage the proper muscles.

You make a good point. Lots of things, in addition to clothing, contribute to the stereotypes associated with various kinds of dance - such things as style and choreography. From leaps to lifts, male ballet requires strength and stamina. Ballet purely extracts those attributes when seen from behind the scenes like during class and rehearsal. But too often the costumes and choreography shown to the public betray those very same attributes.

Yes. Other dance forms such as ballroom dance and country/western dance also suffer from a shortage of males though not as great. But, on the other hand, Hip Hop dance is largely male dominated. In the antithesis of ballet, hope can be found.

That's right. But when you're a 10 year old non-ballet male, you definitely see the bulge. Then you might think to yourself, "Uhh … I don't think I'll be doing ballet".

Yes, ouch, that hurts - especially when said to a large sports audience. A one-sentence setback.

Good point.

I almost didn't post this thread because I was afraid that it might be a little "touchy". Thanks to all the dancers, teachers and parents who truly understand the issue and have stepped forward to speak to it. I have some other thoughts that I hope to post soon.

This is a perfect example of why I think clothing has a lot to do with boys (and some of their parents) resisting ballet. As you know, DancingPixie, Karate also has dancelike forms called Kata. For those who are unfamiliar with Karate, Kata are dancelike movements where one "swings at the air". It's a dance, but it is performed wearing a traditional Karate uniform called a "Gi". I wonder how popular Karate would be with boys if the traditional Karate uniform was leotards and tights. I was encouraged to hear in this thread that many schools are not so restrictive as to what their boys wear for class.

Sounds like good news to me too. I didn't discern anything in her quotes that suggest she needs to work harder in ballet "just to keep up" (unless you know that from separate conversations with her). Anyway, hard work and concentration go hand-in-hand with ballet training. You can use a lot of RAM (as in computer memory) in ballet class so that it can be difficult to notice what others are doing. It's good to know that she is capable of embracing strong values.