Foxtrot Project

How old is too old for ballroom dancing?

So I have about 7 years of dance training, but I haven't danced in a while (about 2 years! agh!) because of my knee. I mostly danced jazz and hip hop. Well, I'd love to try ballroom dancing, but I am 16 and I was wondering if that was just too old to start that. If its not, how long would it be before I would be at a competition skil level?

Public Comments

1. I guess it's never too late to start something you love to do. I'm 28 and my dream is to become an actress, my mind knows it s a bit a old but my heart believe it's never too old to pursue what we love. « Let the beauty of what you love be what you do» Rumi
2. you're never too old
3. ballroom is fine to start late, start no though and don't leave it any later good luck Enjoy
4. It's never too late to start ballroom dancing, especially since it is such an old and classical dance. People of all ages dance ballroom dances. I think that if you want to do it, just go for it. Once you have learned it, you will be that much better since you will know how to rock the dance floor, whether it be hip hop, jazz, or classic ballroom dances!
5. How old is too old? Oh, I'd say about 95 years old would probably be too old, you'd break bones by that point. The great thing about ballroom is it's never too late and you're never too old to start learning and competing. Also, you could start competing right away with the right coach, but I wouldn't expect to win anything right off the bat if I were you. But even if you don't win, the experience would still be helpful. Go find a good private studio, not a chain one like Fred Astaire, they're crap, and tell the instructor what you want and what your goals are. You'll be on the competition floor in no time.
6. Competition is available at various age and skill levels, so that isn't a problem. I know a couple of ladies in their 90's who compete in seniors heats, so you really don't have a rush.
7. As someone who's been involved in ballroom for over 10 years, I can tell you that many people do not begin ballroom dancing until later in life, way past 16. I didn't take my first lessons until I was in my late 20's. I dance ballroom and work at a studio, and in my humble and professional opinion it is never too late to begin ballroom dancing. Though I would have your knees looked at before you started. Being competition-ready depends on how many lessons you take, who your instructor is, how much time you put into it, and how quickly you pick it up. Also, depending on the competition, there is almost always a "newcomer" category, so I guess it also depends upon what level you want to compete. Hope this is helpful, and I hope you'll give ballroom a try!