The Ballet Site
All About Ballet
What You Need To Be A Dancer
The ballet industry isn't all pirouettes and tutus. It's a very hard profession to make it in. However you also need to remember that many dancers make it even if they don't fit the profile of the "ideal dancer"
This is not my take on things, I believe that anyone can make it as a dancer regardless of height, weight, body shape etc but you have to put the work in!
The ideal female dancer should be between 5'2" and 5'8" and weigh between 85-115 lbs. You should have a long neck in proportion to rest of body, small bust, narrow hips, small posterior, slim thighs that are about the same width as calves, thin ankles and long feet, small head, slightly sloping shoulders that are wider than the hips, straight back, slim waistline, long arms and hands, long straight legs with slight hyper-extension and minimal visible muscle bulk, and well arched foot.
The ideal males body is between 5'9 and 6'2, 135-165 lbs, straight back and slim waistline, narrow hips, small posterior, thigh muscles slightly larger than calves, straight legs, average head with long neck, wide shoulder without overly developed muscles, long arms and hands, leg muscles not overly bulky, long moderately arched feet.
If that sounds like a lot to compete with, it's because it is. Most people will tell you that if you started late or if you're too short or too tall, or too this or too that you won't make it. I think they're wrong! I know it will be a lot harder on someone who has one of those disadvantages, but don't give up because I believe if you have the technical capabilities, somewhat right body type, and will power you can make it. In Boston Ballet I believe there are 2 dancers that are around 5' 1", and in NYCB or ABT there is a 6' dancer. I'm refering to females with these heights. It is actually much easier for a male to make it. Companies aren't so picky about height because there is a shortage of male dancers. Also, it is very normal for a male dancer to start at 15 or older.