I am enjoying reading your experiences in ballet Michelle, very interesting!
I would like to add that I think you are very lucky to have the capabilites and the finances to be able to do so many classes per week.
I am 20 and have done ballet for a number of years, I have 2 private lessons a week not because I haven't the physical capabilites but because I suffer with Aspergers Syndrome and severe anxieties, so I can't go into a ballet class as I don't do well in crowds and it is to much for me.
I would like you to realise how lucky you are and I wish you all the success in your ballet training.