Is height an issue in the long run?

[Guest lululuvin]

I'm an SAB student and they've told me that they are happy with me and my performance in class. But I almost never get picked to perform with NYCB. They tell me it's because of my height, but I'm not sure if that's just it. I mean, I am tall for a 13 year old (5'6"), but there are other kids in my class that seem to get picked for EVERYTHING!! I'm "supposed" to grow another 1-2 inches, and I'm really worried that I might be too tall when I get older. So all I want to know if hiehgt will become much of an issue in the long run!

[Victoria Leigh]

Hello lululuvin, welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers

 

There are lots of tall ballerinas, and it should not be a problem. Right now it's probably just because you are taller than others at your level and not quite strong enough or grown up enough for roles with the older/taller girls. Hang in there, it will all work out!

[windsongs]

Same situation here! I'm 15 and 5' 6" which doesn't sound too odd but it seems that all the dancers in my school are sooo small. I know a 17 year old who is shorter than me. I stick out so much and sometimes I wish it wasn't that way because I think I look a little bit odd when he have performances, and my fouettes aren't as fast as I'd like them to be (I feel like it takes just a tad too long to get my whole self whipped around, lol). But everyone is different. Like Ms. Leigh said, it won't really be a problem as you get older and everything balances out. Besides, the advantage of being taller is that you get to have nice, long, graceful lines and have it easier with the adagio!

 

~windsongs

[arabesque22]

lululuver- I'm almost 14 and am 5'8", but I can't tell you how many times people have told me how much they wish they had my body and how lucky I am. I can understand how you may feel frustrated sometimes; when I was younger all of my friends got picked for special parts, but I was never able to because of my height. Also, I think it takes a lot of tall dancers a little extra time to gain strength that shorter dancers already have; well, at least thats how it is with me.

[PrettyonPointe45]

I'm 13 years old and about 5'5. I'm supposed to be around 5'7 or so. I hate being tall sometimes, and being tall doesn't exactly let you become Clara in the Nutcracker or the ideal dancer for corps, but tall dancers do look "bigger" and "bolder" on stage.

[LooseLegs2]

if you're at SAB, you are probably on the right track ;)

but look at many lead dancers in NYCB... maria kowroski is 5'9". when companies choose students for their productions, it is usually for the look of children. so of course they wouldnt have a taller dancer chosen to dance a childs role. but be happy, tall dancers are wonderful. i am 5'9", and although i experience setbacks due to height sometimes, i wouldn't have it any other way!

[Abby918]

The SAB students who are chosen to perform the childrens roles in NYCB productions also have to fit into exisiting costumes which are made for smaller children (typically 5' and under). When you see many of the children on stage it looks as though they are 7 or 8 yrs old when in fact they are really 10-12 yrs old. It's a little deceiving but makes more of an impact for the audience in comparison to the other dancers.

 

Teresa Reichlen is another great example of a tall ballerina at NYCB (I believe she is also 5'9'' like Kowroski). They are both long, lean, elegant and really beautiful to watch

[lovemydancers]

So for the other side of the coin, how short is too short? Some people cite Sarah Lane of ABT (5'2") as proof that no one is too short, but at that height fitting into a corps is problematic. I suspect Sarah is in the right place at the right time--not only is she fabulous but ABT has several short males who she is able to partner. Can anyone comment on stated minimum height limitations (or general minimum height philosophies) among companies?

[dancemaven]

lovemydancers, that is another thread(s). In fact, there may even be one active right now! Try a 'search' or just scroll through the indices of a couple forums (the young dancers, the parents, and Cross Talk are likely places).

 

And , this is the Young Dancers' forum, here parents should be reading, but "not heard" (except in very rare instances!)

[pirouettegirl123]

This thread is almost as old as I am, but does anyone know at what age the height issue balances out? I'm fifteen and I'm 5'7"-5'8".

[Victoria Leigh]

I don't think anyone can give you an exact age for anything involving growth! It is really just too different in every individual. I will say this, though, that a lot of very early growth in height often balances out earlier than it might in someone with a later growth spurt. Does that make sense? Early growth is often feet and legs, and happens in people with long bones and muscles and a more "lanky", for lack of a better word, build. They look kind of a like a colt for a while. But, it does balance out, but just may take a bit longer than someone with a more muscular build.

[pirouettegirl123]

Thank you!

[firstloveballet]

I'm so glad I read this! This is how I feel! I am 5'7 and because I've always been tall, I'm not as strong as other dancers my age. I'm not even 13 yet! People say I have the perfect facility. I just hope I stop growing soon so I can grow into my body and gain strength.

[Victoria Leigh]

Firstloveballet, since you are not yet 13 I have to suspend your posting privileges. When you have your 13th birthday you may write to Contact Us and I will reinstate your ability to post.

[bendymcbendy]

Hi, I am 15 years old and i stand at 6 feet tall. I am terrified of the fact that I'm probably wayyy too tall to be in a truly classical ballet company. Does anyone know of companies that do embrace longer girls?