>In attempt not to sound like another Julia Stiles movie, > I'm 21, female, and I've always wanted to dance professional>ballet. I've danced a total of 11 or 12 years, and reached a>pre-professional level. However since I was 16, my dancing hasn't been>terribly consistant beccause of family issues. Finally, I detached>myself from everything remotely related to ballet in hopes to keep>from crying (Yes, even listening to Chopin).> Last year, I moved to the Bay Area and ballet found me (again). I>realized that I had to face the reality of my mistake. I've been>dancing and dieting since June, in hopes to reach my goal. (After all,>if Stiles can do it, why can't I?)> I've been told by my current teacher that on a national and>regonal level, I still have a chance. However, being back in Oregon,>I'm in need of intensive training and I have yet to find any intensive>year round or summer programs that will allow dancers over the age of>18. Furthermore, it's hard finding instructors that will take me>seriously when they find out that I'm 21. I am in college right now,>but this summer, I am willing to go anywhere to get the training I>need. If anyone has any advice, I could sure use it. For I have yet>to find a hip-hop dancing friend to show me the way. :)>Thanks,>E[/i]