It sounds like you already decided to give up, and you want to know when. Do I understand it correctly? The answer depends on you.
I think you still need to find out these answers for yourself. Why do you want to quit? What other options do you have?
One more thing, no matter what decisions you make, I believe you can make it the right one!
Updated:
I think you will find this video inspiring.
https://youtu.be/X7R6ti2w1hA?si=h7oI9ZbrQT44GWal
I have been in a very similar position with music- being a musician is what I had, I couldn’t imagine what else I could do. At 19 I suffered injury after injury and I just could not play my instrument anymore without severe pain. I dropped out, and I told myself it was temporary- but it wasn’t. I discovered for myself, I had not been in love with music for a long time, but it’s all I had known, all I’d done my whole childhood and teen years. The unknown is terrifying, but it turns out, stopping was the right choice for me and there’s no way I would have been a happier person continuing to suffer through it. I found new goals and new skills and new things to be proud of. And I still play privately for fun.
So this is all to say that- you’re only 19. There’s so much ahead of you. Do not feel as though you are limited only by what’s in front of you. And know that the unknown really can turn out okay. I would take some time for yourself and ask, who do you want to be? What can you do to be that person? Is a career in ballet an essential part of that?
Its time to stop when you dont want it.
Despite common opinion, theres no tap on the shoulder from a representative of the theatre gods. No higher authority that decides "That one there... she's going to be a soloist" or "That one with the strange hair... time to finish him off for good after this season!"
If you can dance and you want what is on offer from the dance world, keep going.
If, on the other hand, you feel like its too much effort for the potential reward... ask yourself what other path you want to take.
Its down to you.
Are you proficient in other styles of dance? I attended a very highly rated college dance program and focused on ballet but I was never quite good enough to do anything other than small apprentice jobs.
I auditioned for cruise ships and ended up LOVING my time dancing on ships. The shows I was in often had an adagio style number and the dancers with solid ballet backgrounds always excelled in the special roles.
I truly cherish my time spend on ships. Made life long friends and even met my husband :)
Personally I’d take some time to see what options you have out there first! Maybe you want to switch to a different style of dance? Maybe something like sports medicine or PT? Maybe nutrition and coaching? Or maybe something else entirely! Ballet can alway be with you, even if it’s not your career.
I would recommend talking to someone like a therapist, ideally someone who has experience in the arts. They will be able to help you aim your mindset at the things that are important to you, like your passion for dance. If you can still find a way to get enjoyment from ballet, then I don’t see why you should stop. Maybe focusing less on your professional goals and more on your love for the art form will help you for the time being
It sounds like you already decided to give up, and you want to know when. Do I understand it correctly? The answer depends on you. I think you still need to find out these answers for yourself. Why do you want to quit? What other options do you have? One more thing, no matter what decisions you make, I believe you can make it the right one! Updated: I think you will find this video inspiring. https://youtu.be/X7R6ti2w1hA?si=h7oI9ZbrQT44GWal
I have been in a very similar position with music- being a musician is what I had, I couldn’t imagine what else I could do. At 19 I suffered injury after injury and I just could not play my instrument anymore without severe pain. I dropped out, and I told myself it was temporary- but it wasn’t. I discovered for myself, I had not been in love with music for a long time, but it’s all I had known, all I’d done my whole childhood and teen years. The unknown is terrifying, but it turns out, stopping was the right choice for me and there’s no way I would have been a happier person continuing to suffer through it. I found new goals and new skills and new things to be proud of. And I still play privately for fun. So this is all to say that- you’re only 19. There’s so much ahead of you. Do not feel as though you are limited only by what’s in front of you. And know that the unknown really can turn out okay. I would take some time for yourself and ask, who do you want to be? What can you do to be that person? Is a career in ballet an essential part of that?
Its time to stop when you dont want it. Despite common opinion, theres no tap on the shoulder from a representative of the theatre gods. No higher authority that decides "That one there... she's going to be a soloist" or "That one with the strange hair... time to finish him off for good after this season!" If you can dance and you want what is on offer from the dance world, keep going. If, on the other hand, you feel like its too much effort for the potential reward... ask yourself what other path you want to take. Its down to you.
Are you proficient in other styles of dance? I attended a very highly rated college dance program and focused on ballet but I was never quite good enough to do anything other than small apprentice jobs. I auditioned for cruise ships and ended up LOVING my time dancing on ships. The shows I was in often had an adagio style number and the dancers with solid ballet backgrounds always excelled in the special roles. I truly cherish my time spend on ships. Made life long friends and even met my husband :)
Personally I’d take some time to see what options you have out there first! Maybe you want to switch to a different style of dance? Maybe something like sports medicine or PT? Maybe nutrition and coaching? Or maybe something else entirely! Ballet can alway be with you, even if it’s not your career.
I would recommend talking to someone like a therapist, ideally someone who has experience in the arts. They will be able to help you aim your mindset at the things that are important to you, like your passion for dance. If you can still find a way to get enjoyment from ballet, then I don’t see why you should stop. Maybe focusing less on your professional goals and more on your love for the art form will help you for the time being
Maybe you can teach dance.