ADVICE FOR DANCERS.

Q It seems that whenever I read about dancers, they've all studied at the School of American Ballet. I'm a very serious fifteen-year-old dancer with a lot of commitment. Yet, I'm also really short (only 5' 3"). Do I stand a chance of going there?

Discouraged

A The answer is yes, according to Nathalie Gleboff, the executive director of SAB. She says your height won't exclude you from training at the school--if your overall proportions are good. However, you also need to be talented and musical.

Q I'm a young Irish dancer with a dream of becoming professional. The problem is I don't have much time to practice after school and I'm teaching myself. How can I speed up the improvement process?

Anxious and Ambitious

A First, you need to find a teacher. Suzanne McDonough, editor of the magazine Irish Dancer, says that beginners often start with one class per week, followed by two 15- to 20-minute practice sessions at home. This increases to about three classes per week and five one-hour practice sessions at the advanced level. To manage such a busy schedule, set aside a specific time for homework and dance during the week. But don't forget to have fun! Serious dancers who limit themselves to goal-oriented activities can burn out. To find a good instructor in Irish step dancing, contact McDonough at [phone]. An annual subscription to Irish Dancer will also provide information on competitions, workshops, and injury prevention (P.O. Box 343, Mequon, WI 53092; $18 for six issues).

Q Recently, a dancer asked in your column if there is a way to recycle old pointe shoes. The ways you suggest are great, but you can also do it by boiling them in hot water and removing everything but the satin. Once you do this, you'll have a pair of satin slippers!

Erica from Kansas

A Sounds good--as long as you're using them for something besides dancing. Ballet slippers should provide some support.

Q Two months ago, I injured my back. The diagnosis is a lumbar/thoracic sprain. I've tried physical therapy but it isn't working and I'm still in pain. I'm also worried about my future. Please, give me some advice.

Denise

A Don't give up! Dance medicine professionals tell me that your injury should respond to treatment--as long as you are patient and do your assigned exercises. But first, make sure that your diagnosis is correct by seeing an orthopedist, neurosurgeon, or physiatrist (physical therapist with an M.D. degree) who specializes in back injuries. Once you're in rehab, try to make the most of your free time so you don't get depressed. Some injured dancers return to school, others develop hidden talents. You can also help your state of mind by getting in shape with a body-conditioning program (such as a floor barre or Pilates program). Just get your doctor's permission first. Then, keep this person up-to-date on your progress.

Q I'm twenty-four years old, a wife, and mother of one child. I never knew I might be interested in a career as a dance teacher. Now, after a seven-year break from dancing, I'm considering a college degree in dance. Should I go for it, or do I face rejection?

Back-to-School Mom

A I say go for it! Unlike a performing career in most dance forms, which is probably unrealistic, a career in teaching is a real possibility as long as you like to help others reach their goals. Still, if you want to teach in a public school or an accredited program, it helps to get a graduate degree in dance or complete a certificate program, such as the one offered by the Royal Academy of Dancing. To learn more about available programs, check out the following resources: The Guide to Performing Arts Programs by Muriel Topaz, Random House: 1998. $24.95 paper; ISBN 0375750959; Dance Magazine's College Guide 1998-99. $17.95 paper. ISBN 0930036 298; The Royal Academy of Dancing, 15 Franklin Place, Rutherford, NJ 07070; [phone].

Q I'm a twenty-eight-year-old dancer who's lost twelve pounds the right way through a sensible eating plan. Yet I find that dieting is addictive and I want to lose more. I'm 5' 7", weigh 108 pounds, and I've also lost my period. Could I be anorexic without knowing it?

Anonymous

A It's possible. Right now, you're 19 percent below your ideal weight for height--which is an anorexic weight. You've also stopped menstruating, a common sign of starvation that leads to bone loss. My advice is to gain seven pounds now. While this is still thin enough for dance, it should get your reproductive system back on track. If you can't regain the weight, it's time to see an eating disorder specialist. A good resource is the Renfrew Center, which offers referrals at [phone].

Q Since I started dancing at the age of eight, I've always planned on becoming a professional. But now that I'm sixteen, I'm having doubts. Is it normal to have these feelings?

Anonymous

A It's normal to have doubts about a career choice at any age. However, adolescence is a particularly confusing time for those who want to experiment with different roles and identities. It's also easy to get discouraged if you don't seem to be making progress in dance. Find a teacher who inspires you; if that doesn't work, the world outside dance may be calling.

Associate professor at Fordham University, Linda Hamilton, Ph.D., is a practicing psychologist, a former dancer with New York City Ballet, and author of the book Advice for Dancers (Jossey-Bass).

Question? Write to me, Dr. Linda Hamilton, Dance Magazine, 33 West 60 St., New York, NY 10023. I'll do my best to provide you with useful information.