Social life? or Career? Both?

So, I'm almost 100% sure I will be taking a gap year next year before I go to college. Mainly it's to that I can concentrate on my ballet.

Ideally, I would wake up, take a walk/jog, do some pilates/conditioning, and then I have classes all day (there are usually classes between 9:30-11:00, although I might not take those, 2:00-4:00 which I take even now because I get out early from school to do so, and then all of my evening classes which can run from 4:00-8:30, sometimes later if I have rehearsals.)

So because my focus for my gap year is ballet, of course I will have a lot of work to do. I mean, extra conditioning outside of class, etc.

My problem is that I feel like if I spend all of my mornings by myself working out, I will suffer from a lack of a social life. Of course I will always have my friends at ballet, but what about in the mornings? I was thinking about re-joining my gym so that I could take group classes, but it still wouldn't be the same as most people are older than me there. Besides, I had to stop going there because it was getting to be too expensive.

I was also considering taking other types of classes that could work alongside my ballet and help me with it: ice skating, gymnastics, and that's all I can think of. Of course there is the money factor with that as well, but I think it would be well worth it.

So does anyone have any ideas? I just don't want to be lonely or get bored, but I want to use my time efficiently and I was to put my one gap year to good use and really improve my body and my ballet.

How can I balance between the two, and what are some activities I could do that are both social and would help me get my workouts in?

Btw I thought about getting a job, but I don't know if that will work out.  

Could you join a running club? You said that your ideal morning would see you going for a jog, most areas have running clubs and you might be able to find one that has scheduled morning runs. That way you would meet new people, get your workout and incorporate a social activity into your day.

Good luck!

That sounds great! I'll try looking for one. Although I am not that great at running. Maybe I shouldn't have said jogging. It's more like walking haha, I actually heard that running is not good for dancers' knees.

Well thanks for the idea!

I've been googling rhythmics gymnastics classes in my area (would would be the best, as it's training that would help me tons) but there doesn't seem to be anywhere that offers classes for people over the age of 8!! Lol.

Keep the ideas coming people!! :)

So what you're saying is that you will be taking ballet classes 8 1/2 hours a day and you want to add more exercise???

Instead, why don't you go for lunch with some friends between classes, or dinner, or go to a movie after your evening class.  If you're not doing ballet every evening, take a couple of university classes (where you sit down) so you can get started on school.  You'll meet other people and give your body a rest.

No, it's not 8.5 hours a day every day. The schedule changes every day, but almost always there is a class at 9:30 and another one at 2:00. I never take the 9:30 classes as I am in school, although I may occasionally take some next year. I usually take the 2:00 classes, and I will definitely be taking them every day next year. The afternoon/evening schedule changes from day-to-day. Some days I have only one other ballet class, but other days I may have a modern class, another ballet class, and then variations or partnering. I might also have rehearsals. So it varies.

Yes, I do want to add more exercise. Not for burning calories or anything. Mostly for these reasons:
1. Ballet is anaerobic, and I would benefit from adding in some aerobic exercise
2. I don't have very good stamina (crucial for performing), and I was hoping that I could improve it with the right exercise
3. I need to get in better shape
4. Ballet class is ballet class. Outside of class, every (serious) dancer must take some time to work on stuff on her own. We have to make sure we do out conditioning exercises and stretches every day. While that is usually limited while we are in school, it's a whole 'nother story when we're out of school, and we have to be disciplined enough to keep up with it.

Ballet is exercise, no doubt about it, but I don't dance for the purpose of exercising. So yes, I do need to incorporate other types of workouts. Since I will have the time, I need to make sure I somehow get in Pilates (very good for ballet dancers) and Callanetics (I like it,) my conditioning/stretching routine, and some cardio. I don't have to do them all every day, but I would switch between then and do a different one every day. Actually, that might work. Then it would only be an extra hour every day...and I would have some free time.

Anyway, rosieblue, those are some great ideas. I did think about meeting with friends after classes (although usually the last thing I want to do is go out and the only thing I want ot do is take a shower and go to sleep haha) but I'm sure I'll be able to make it work.

About giving my body a rest, Sunday is my rest day (although I like to talk a short walk in the morning if I have time/energy.)

But yeah, thanks guys! That actually really helped me brianstorm because I just realized that I don't have to do everything every day. Hmm. Well thanks again :)

Original Post by rosieblue:

So what you're saying is that you will be taking ballet classes 8 1/2 hours a day and you want to add more exercise???

Instead, why don't you go for lunch with some friends between classes, or dinner, or go to a movie after your evening class.  If you're not doing ballet every evening, take a couple of university classes (where you sit down) so you can get started on school.  You'll meet other people and give your body a rest.

I really like this idea. But with your packed schedule, pballerina, I would advise either, a) taking very easy classes at a university, and only a couple, or, b) take them at a community college. You can take "core" classes or pre-requisites at a community college, such as required english, math, humanities classes, etc. Community college is easier and is usually much cheaper, sometimes half the price of a university!

Also, if you plan to take classes, take the classes such as English and humanities first. In those classes you talk more and you make friends more easily than in more intense courses such as math or science courses.

You know, I was considering taking some of my college courses. Actually, that was the original plan; I would feel more secure anyway, because I wouldn't be coming back to college after a whole year without studying.

However, lately I've just been thinking that it would be realy nice to just have a break from all school work. Like, to have a year to myself and to concentrate on ballet, without worrying about studying and tests. It would just be nice to be able to freely do stuff. My whole life I've been doing schoolwork and ballet, schoolwork and ballet, etc. And I like it, but it would be nice to feel like there are no assignments I have to turn in, no tests to study for. And when else will I have that opportunity? After college I'll have even more to worry about.

But, I guess you guys are right. That's really the only way for me to meet people my age. I am planning to major in dietetics (I'd like to become a RD), and I will still dance intensively while in college. So I guess it would actually be very helpful for me to get some of my core classes done so that it's not as stressful the next year. I am also taking AP Psychology and AP Statistics now, so hopefully I wil get the credit for it and it will help me more.

Thanks, I'll look into it!! Just curious, appx. how much time does the average core class in college demand (out of class)? And about community college, I have always had the notion that it is thought of as "bad" and for people who didn't do well in HS. I don't mind taking community college courses (especially if it will help me with my situation), but I don't want to put myself in a place where I am looked down upon by other universities/employers. Also, is that even allowed by most colleges? I mean, if I take a gap year I will be deffering acceptance for a year -- I wonder if it is "legal" to take classes at another college while planning to go to another one the next year.

Well...really thanks for all your input, college classes sound like the right thing to do! I just hope I still have plenty of tie to focus on ballet :)

The amount of time a class demands really depends on the class and how well you know the subject. Definately go to ratemyprofessor.com, students who have already taken a certain professor write comments about them. They comment on how hard the class was, how it was organized (how many tests, amount of homework, extra credit, etc.). So research your possible professors and pick the one best for you.

As for university/community college... I used to think the same way about community college. I attended only university first and took my core classes. I had trouble with a couple, such as chemistry. Then I tried taking a couple core classes at a community college, while still staying enrolled in a few classes at my university. I wish I would have taken all of my courses at community college because a) it was a billion times easier, and b) it was 1/2 the cost per class credit.

You could always enroll in just one or two classes at a university, and enroll in a couple at a community college. You can then decide later which you would like to do. Personally, I like to do both! :)

^that was a very heplful post, thanks! And what an invaluable link...I'll definitely check it out.

So what you're saying is that I could be enrolled in a University and, at the same time that I am taking classes at the University, take other classes at a community college? Or did you mean that I could take my core classes before enrolling in the University? Thanks and sorry for all the questions, really! it's just that all of this college business is really confusing. It's like, one wrong move and I am screwed for life :P

I'm in my last year of highschool too, and am planning on taking a year off. I totally get what you mean about the "To take college classes vs not" dilemma. My Dad is pushing taking them, but I really just want a break. I'm working so hard in high school now (and I'm guessing you are too, if you're taking AP classes). I just want to be done and have a break from assignments and due dates and late night studying. So if you feel like you want a break, I'd say take it. Screw logic! Yeah, it'd be helpful to have a few classes. But it sounds like you're so passionate about ballet, and I'm sure you'd love to have a year you can fully devote to it.

As for running groups, don't be intimidated! I soemtimes run at the Running Room (great place but not sure if it's only in Canada), and it's really mellow and unintimidating. There are some super fast people, of course, but also lots of slower people and run/walkers. It can be hard on your knees though. Swimming is easier on the joints and you get the same aerobic benefit, but it's not really a very social activity. But like you said, what about ice skating or gymnastics? Is anyone else in your school taking a year off? Maybe find someone in a similar situation, and take some ice skating classes together or something like that. Or just sign up. If you do some sort of sign-up type class (versus drop in), you can make friends once you're there. Sure, they may be a bit older than you, but who cares? I'm 16, and I've made a few older friends at my gym. You don't have as much in common (usually), but you can still get social benefit from that. If you live in a city, you should be able to find all sorts of social-aerobic things. Drop in sports (volleyball, soccer, etc, etc), adult swim or skating classes, running groups. There are so many great options!

Btw, I'm so jealous of your commitment to ballet. I wish I could committ to something so fully, but I'm too flaky. :P Have fun! 

Original Post by pballerina:

^that was a very heplful post, thanks! And what an invaluable link...I'll definitely check it out.

So what you're saying is that I could be enrolled in a University and, at the same time that I am taking classes at the University, take other classes at a community college? Or did you mean that I could take my core classes before enrolling in the University? Thanks and sorry for all the questions, really! it's just that all of this college business is really confusing. It's like, one wrong move and I am screwed for life :P

Yes, you can be enrolled at a university and take courses at a community college, as well. You may want to check with your advisors, though (check at the community college to see if the credits will transfer--universities will always say no, even though you can, because they will not get as much of your money).

How it usually works is, any credits you take at a community college will not count towards your GPA--you will only get credits for them and you will have "checked that class off your list." So I suggest taking classes that are easieest for you at university, and the ones that are harder at community college.

Also, construct your schedule carefully so that you only have to go to one school per day. For example, I go to university Mon, ed, and Fri and go to community college Tues and Thurs. It is way easier this way.

Edit: DUH I forgot! Most community colleges have online applications that indicate that if you are enrolled in a university, you are automatically accepted. :)

Original Post by muttlover:

The amount of time a class demands really depends on the class and how well you know the subject. Definately go to ratemyprofessor.com, students who have already taken a certain professor write comments about them. They comment on how hard the class was, how it was organized (how many tests, amount of homework, extra credit, etc.). So research your possible professors and pick the one best for you.

Just make sure you filter the comments with the understanding that most of the students who bother to rate a professor are the ones who *loved* that professor/class and the ones who *hated* that professor/class (including those who are bitter that showing up for every third class didn't get them an A handed to them on a silver platter).  Those that thought he/she was fine but not the best thing since sliced bread rarely take the time to say that.

I am involved in aerial silks (also known as aerial ballet, aerial dance) and with your background you would be great at it. Also you meet a lot of interesting people!