[RomanSunburn]

Here's my question... If you could do something that you loved, or pursue a goal/dream, in a less than ideal situation, would you do it?

So I recently asked one of my ballet instructors if she thought I could get back on pointe. She said yes, but said if I wanted pointe instruction instead of just taking an easier class on pointe, I should sign up for a specific level with the school instead of the adult classes I'm taking now. This has me worried for a few reasons.
1) The price for the semester is over $1000. I'm not sure if this would be more expensive or less expensive than what I do now. Right now, I can sign up for 10 adult classes for $130. I can take those whenever I want. In the student division, I'd have to take four classes a week every week, or risk penalties. So really, it probably is cheaper, but it's more money to plunk down at once.
2) I'd be taking classes with students with an average age of 13. I'm 24. This really bothers me... I can't pin point why, but I know I'd be uncomfortable.
3) They have strict rules for their student division. You have to come to all your classes every week, you have to make up missed classes, etc, or else you get put in a lower class level or dropped from the program all together. When you're a kid and all you have to worry about is school and homework, it's a lot easier to make it to these classes. I work two jobs, one of which doesn't have a set schedule and I could get in trouble for lowering my availability. So basically, it would be a lot harder to fit into my schedule, because right now, I take 2-3 classes a week, if I feel like it/have time for it.

So basically, I'm not sure what to do. I think I'll probably first take a trial class (technique followed by pointe) to see how I like it. Getting back on pointe is something I'd really like to do. I know I don't have a future as a professional dancer, but it's still something I would like to do. I guess I'm just struggling with the idea of paying more money, being around kids half my age, and dealing with the new scheduling constraints, and just needed to vent it all out. So yeah.. What would you do?

[Can't Stop Crying]

Maybe take the trial class and see how it goes from there? If it's something you really enjoy, the other sacrifices might make it worth it.

[Fresia]

It sounds wonderful either way that you are pursuing this. I can't decide this for you but let me see if I understand this before I ask:

The one class is $1000- call it Pointe class.
- Age difference
- Scheduling issues
- 4 classes x ____weeks? = ______ how many classes for $1000

The other class is $130- call it Adult class.
- Adults
- No scheduling issues
- 10 classes --->
# of classes for Pointe/10 x $130 = _____equivalent # of classes cost

You are already taking the Adult class and are not getting out of it what you want? The cost is easy to figure out above. If you can do the trial Pointe class to gauge what it is like, I say go for it, try it and it may be just what you had in mind. So worth it and the rest will fall into place.

[IceCreamKid]

At the very least, I'd take that trial class. The way I would approach it would be like this: can I afford the chunk of $$ for the tuition? And what would be the likelihood and repercussions of my losing the job because of lowering my availability? If I could comfortably project the likeliest scenario there, and I could live with that if I had to, then I'd sign up. I wouldn't worry about the other students; I'm guessing many of the girls would be admiring you. I'm a lot older than you and while my ambition was not dance, I went through much of what you are contemplating. It was hard; it required a tremendous amount of time; it was stressful; I didn't achieve perfection but I did very well; it was costly financially; I'm still not done and it is tremendously rewarding in so many ways and worth the effort for me.