As a teacher, I have had students as young as 5 yrs. old, come in with obvious talent - the body, musicality, focus, maturity far beyond their years. However, it takes more than that....it takes also some luck. I had several students who really had everything but luck. Besides all the natural benefits, they need parental support, and many, many lack that. I also found quite a number of students with natural talent - but no fire in the belly, so to speak. And that is every bit as important as natural talent. So the answer to your question is - talent can occur at any age. Basheva
>Dear Basheva,>Since you seem to be the most experienced, and knowlegable ballerina on this site, I've got a question for you....>When is a young dancer (either male or female) considered to be a prodigy in ballet? What I mean (clarification) is at about what age would a ballet teacher notice that a dancer is performing extremely well, and shows great potential? I guess it could happen at many different ages, but I'd love to read your thoughs on ballet prodigies. [/i]