BalletNut you have a very good point. Too often these days do people overlook all of the positive experiences just because of one negative experience. Of course, there are studios that are damaging to children. Having an eight year old girl on Pointe is absurd; they don't even have the muscle development or bone structure to deal with the harsh effects of being on the tips of your toes. I on the other hand moved on to Pointe at the age of 12. I was well prepared, and I improved greatly within a matter of months proving that I was absolutely ready. I could see where people would be turned off to ballet because of an incidence like this, but it is the parent's responsibility to observe and make sure their child is in a professional and safe dance school. Ballet is about practicing at least five days a week and rehearsing hours on end. If someone has the passion to excel in such a meticulous art, the practices, rehearsals, blisters, muscle knots, and tendonitis will all pay off to achieve the aesthetic goal and will prove to be well worth the hard work. To make it in the ballet world you need perseverance, determination, and passion to continue in your studies. Without a little bit of pain, the end results wouldn't be nearly as satisfying as if you were to sacrifice your body to the art.
