English National Ballet?

[annaa. (:]

Hello

I haven't been doing ballet that long, and I only currently go to 2 classes a week, but in September, I'll be joining a third class, and before the summer holidays start, I hope to have private coaching too.
I know I have started late on this one, but there are a fair few professional dancers who have started really late - I was talking to my teacher yesterday, she said when she was in the Royal Ballet School, she saw a show of this guy who basically didnt hold his balance, stormed off stage and then came back on. She was saying that only he would be able to do that, as he was so powerful (sorry, I forgot his name) and he started dancing when he was like, 15 or 16 years old.
Some of you are going to say that its not possible for me to become professional, but that wont stop me trying. I love ballet. I've been wanting to do it for years. I did it when I was little, and in these past few years, I regretted giving up, so much.
So my plan is; continue to learn at the place I am now, possible join another school type thing next year or something to boost me further, and when my teacher thinks I'm good enough (hopefully before I'm 18), audition for the ENB, but I'll still apply for normal college incase that doesn't work out (but I'll still carry on with ballet).
For my birthday, I've asked for a theraband, a exercise ball, and a wobble board to hopefully help.
The reason I don't want to apply for the Royal Ballet School, is that I honestly think I wont be good enough - obviously I'm going to push myself as much as I can, but the ENB seems more realistic.
Basically, I'm wondering what grade etc you need to be to audition for the English National Ballet. I understand that they can take students from 15-18 (I'm turning 15 in about a week and a half), so at least that gives me more time, rather than 16. I'm open to any comments, bad or good.

[**Ordinary Day**]

Anna,

Well, I don't know much about the ENB but I do know about starting ballet at a late age. I tool ballet for about two months when I was little. I hated it! But now I just started lessons back again and there are a couple pointers I've picked up that I can share with you!

1) STRETCH EVERYDAY! - super important. Fill up your bath with hot (not like scalding hot) water and stretch. Warm muscles gain more flexibility.

2) Throw yourself in and learn- Read every dance magazine, read bios of old dancers. Memorize the ballet dictionary. Perfect everything you know. And go to any and every class you can.

3) Eat healthily- don't EVER compare yourself to anyone in class. Eat like an athelete so that you can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to carry out all the tiring barre work you do!

Good luck!
(you're very brave to start this!)
Jenn

[bailatyvm]

Hey there! I started dance in general at fourteen..and I've only been doing it for about ten months but I got into the company program at my studio. So basically, if you can dream it, you can do it