Too late for dance/gymnastics?

[thisiscourtney]

I'm 16, and about a year ago I had a groundbreaking revelation. My parents hate it, my sister supports it if it's "what I really want to do", and my friends laugh at it: I want to be in the circus. More specifically, I want to be an aerial artist. But to accomplish that, I need to have the body to be able to do it. Most aerial artists are skilled in gymnastics or dance, but I feel like I'm way past the age where it's acceptable to begin either of those. I found some dance classes in my area for young adults, but I'm still having trouble finding gymnastics classes, though my friend has taken gymnastics for most of her life, so she might be able to coach me. Anyways, do you think it's possible to reach my goal with such little amount of experience?

[Audacious]

Go for it.

[taylalatbh.]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm nearly 19, not flexible in the slightest and I want to be an aerial act in the circus. If I'm honest, I don't think it's going to happen (for me). It doesn't seem very realistic. People who can bend like aerial artists do, have trained since they were very young, so their bodies grow to be used to bending in such ways. I don't think it's going to happen for me, I don't think there's much of a chance that I'll be able to do all the things aerial artists do, but it couldn't hurt to try.

Look out for some classes around you for circus skills, join in with the activities and see what sort of act you're good at, and enjoy doing the most, and then focus on that. I don't think you need to find dance or gymnastics classes, just head straight for a circus class. There you will learn the specialised skills involved for the acts you're interested in, rather than doing gymnastics and dance, that you're not so interested in. And gymnastics wouldn't really take older people on, because you wouldn't really be able to do the moves comfortably. But circus classes are for anyone interested in the circus.

The main thing that I could advise is to try and keep yourself fit and healthy. Do exercises and stretches and whatnot to try and get your body physically fit enough to be able to endure a lot of physical activity. You might not be able to touch your feet to your head without bending your legs, but you'll be fit enough to move about, which is good. There's something for everyone at the circus, so you'll find your act once you've experimented.

Definitely go for it! I wish I had the guts to run off the edge and do it myself. Let me know how your progress goes.

[DeadlySin]

I don't see why not! If you work really hard at it, and are very motivated. I'm sure you could do it.
I just wanna say, don't let anyone tell you, you can't and don't let anyone tell you it's stupid or silly. It's your dream. Go for it. =)
Anything is possible if you want it bad enough.
Good luck!

[justinyves]

No, you're not too old, go for it! You probably won't make the national team but it's still a great sport to do. I am sure that you are very hard working and you can do best. So, Best of Luck!!

[i_am_me_again]

Never too late. If you want to go do it........you go do it