Art Without Frontiers

actually only perfect practice makes perfect. Besides dance, study what you enjoy that will allow flexibility of schedule in future so that you can dance along with a paying career until such time as that might not be necessary. Supporting yourself financially totally from dance is unlikely. All dancers teach, have other work or patrons in the form of family, spouse. Nothing you study will be lost and will enhance your abilities in your passion and career in dance. My senior disciple of 15 years did B Comm and is now studying for Company Secretary, even though he could earn decently from music accompaniment and dance already. Do what you love, but accept responsibility to support this personally. Best wishes and blessings. Sharon Lowen - Odissi

Children below 5 love to move and dance. What they learn in a classical dance class between 5 and 7or 8 will be the same as if they started at 7 or 8 because of motor skills development. ( of course there are the rare exceptions). Best at 5 is to do creative movement that uses the imagination for things like walking and moving through bubble gum, water, jelly; making shapes large small, wide, narrow; movements that are sharp smooth, staccato; curving straight,etc.

Are asking about private or group classes? Many institutions are fully subsidized by the government so fees are very low and are just a token amount. Teachers without government support will take 200-1500 depending on their size, location of class and seniority. There are special workshop fees aside from regular classes and some charge by "item"

I started Odissi when I was 25 just as an intro to know something of the form, my guru (Padmabhushan Kelucharan Mohapatra) said I learned faster than any student he'd had before and taught 3 dances in 2 1/2 months. After over 40 years on stage, screen and television, I am still performing. All classical dance forms require effort and you will definitely get out what you put in. Don't hestitate, take the plunge. If possible, visit different performances, studios and take a trial class by different teachers and even different styles. Once you commit to a teacher you'd like to be happy with your choice and not wish you'd picked another teacher when you see other performances. No one is too old and dancing is for joy, sharing, learning, not for becoming rich or famous. Sharon Lowen

COrrect use of the body through dance and yoga will eliminate your back pain. First of all check your posture to be sure you are not straining your back allowing stomach and ribs to protrude forward. strengthening your back and stomach muscles will improve your health. dance is good at any age if the techniques are taught properly. Sharon Lowen