I was taking my kids to gymnastics class at the community center one night, and a woman in the bathroom with me was wearing a shirt that said "I started dancing at 40." It turned out she's the dance teacher at the community center. I was 39 at the time. I have written and repeated that phrase over and over, even though my dream isn't dancing. I will forever be grateful that I saw her back walking out the door at that moment. For what it's worth, I was published for the first time at 42.

@mak_inthebox4817

8 ай бұрын

Thank you 😭 I’m 28 and have spent the past 6+ years already feeling like I’m behind/too late. I really needed both this video and this comment today. 😭💙

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

I'm so glad you're here.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

THAT'S the power of following your heart at any age. Not only does it change your own life, it changes the lives of so many others.

@isadoraog

8 ай бұрын

That's so amazing

@sophiaec2607

7 ай бұрын

This story reminds me of an experience I had with language learning! I'm 25 and was already doubting my ability as a monolingual to be able to ever learn a second language to fluency... I still remember when I first heard Steve Kauffman say he'd learned 10 languages AFTER the age of 60. I think about that all the time now in my language learning

I started ballet at 55! Taken RAD discovering repertoire and got merit! Now 61 doing RAD grade 6!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

THAT'S AMAZING!!! Go you!!!

@psychedelicyeti6053

8 ай бұрын

Wow! This is inspiring 💕

@shadn

7 ай бұрын

SO PROUD OF YOU

@angelicrobles6292

7 ай бұрын

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 To you!

@sherryjackson8474

7 ай бұрын

@chiarabay9364 What is RAD?

I can’t stand how this world allows rich children to have opportunities and looks down on the rest of s who didn’t grow up with the same. As a figure skater ⛸skating well into adulthood (who started at 14 and was told right away that I was “washed up”) I subscribed 5 minutes into the video. Thank you for sharing your story 👏🏻💕 🩰

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Thank you for being here! I'm so sorry to hear that you were told something so horrible at such a critical age, it seems to be that's when we really start to receive those messages hardcore and it's the WORST, most confusing time to hear that when your creative identity is so delicate. I'm so glad you found the courage to do what you love despite that

@nikolajagaczewska5222

8 ай бұрын

thats the sad reality of artistic sports that you need money and it has to be your parents hobby first, im really jealous when i see those 10 year olds flying around the world for very expensive summer 8ntensives at operas

@Lililayla719

7 ай бұрын

I started artistic roller skating at 19,def it’s never to late

@nikolajagaczewska5222

7 ай бұрын

@@Lililayla719 it is too late in ballet if you want to go principal ballerina lvl high, for fun its never too late but as a job most dancers retire around 30s

@brendalima5292

7 ай бұрын

​@@Lililayla719i started artistic roller skating at 28, after having thought that my dream of figuring skating would never be possible because we don't really ice skate in my country. It's my passion, I'm so glad I found an option that works for me, I've never been happier. ❤ Also, it's good being able to skate anywhere in the city

I started at 63. Still going to class 20 years later... Very lucky to have moved to an area where there is an amazing Dance centre: and there is no ageism!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Congratulations on having the courage to GO FOR IT! You're a major inspiration!

I started figure skating at age 25 after dreaming about it for years but always felt it “wasn’t for me”. It’s been a hard journey, learning as an adult is so much more difficult but also very rewarding! I’m 30 now and am part of a competitive skating team. I have a lot to learn still but I’m loving the journey. Good on you for pursuing your dreams despite it all :)

@sleepyleaf1998

8 ай бұрын

I am 25 and just started ice skating classes 2 months ago. I have always loved figure skating but could never afford it until now with my own money. I was so excited at first but the insecurity and self-doubt is so real. Especially when my knees started feeling wonky ever since I started classes 😅 like what, I thought I still had young knees 😂 reading your story is so inspiring & relieving to know that I’m not alone & I can do it too :) I’m waiting for my skates to come in the mail, and altho I can’t completely rule out the insecurity, I’m still so excited for my journey on ice!!

@wickeddance93

8 ай бұрын

@@sleepyleaf1998 reading your comment made me so happy, I love that you are also pursuing your goals in skating and yes you absolutely can do it too!! Keep trying, don’t give up, even on the hard days ☺️

@offsheadventures

8 ай бұрын

I love this so much!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Good for YOU! This is the kind of extremely inspiring story people really need to hear. I'd love to feature it on my blog if you'd be open to chatting more about it! Please contact me at hello@veronicaviccora.com if you would be!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

YES! Congratulations on betting on yourself!

I'm 27, and I started ballet when I was 18. People always said to me "Oh, so you started late". Honeslty, sometimes I would feel less than the ballerinas or my friends who started dancing when they were kids. I reminded myself that they don't know my story, I feel in love with ballet before starting college. Many people ask me if it's too late to start ballet, and my answer is always "no, it's never too late". Thank you for this video. ❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Omg you're so not alone there! Thank you for being a much needed light in the ballet world

@wintersprite

8 ай бұрын

You can learn anything at any age. While I’ve never done ballet, I learned a little bit of tap in my 20s and I also began learning violin in my 20s, and starting violin lessons in my 30s (I’m 37).

@Trenchant468

8 ай бұрын

Yes, my first ballet class was age 15. The teacher afterwards asked me who else I’d studied with, and I told her it was my first class. I started taking more classes with her then, but my father told me that ballet dancers start when they’re 5. When the teacher asked me how old I was, I assumed she was writing me off. There’s more to the story as to why I didn’t train as much as I wish. But I did become an amateur advanced social dance competitor, and in my mid 30’s trained again and did some really challenging lifts.

@juscrashin

3 ай бұрын

i’m 18 and have been thinking abt getting back into it but told myself i’m too old now. hearing this and other stories are so encouraging, ty for sharing.

I wanted to take Ballet lessons as a child, but could not get my parents' buy-in. I finally started at 38 and ended up dancing for 13 years. I Loved the way Ballet made me feel! I'm glad you're sharing your story and inspiring others. Along the way, I was involved in a movie called 'Divertissement: Everyday Dancers Stories', which chronicles the struggle of five of us ladies that really wanted to do Ballet as adults. We all did it, and so can anyone reading this. I agree, it's never too late to get started! Best of Luck on your journey, Veronica. :)

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

WOW!! I need to look this movie up! Thank you so much for sharing this!

@bballeverules

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!!! You give me so much hope ❤

I'm 72 & started ballet at 69 for strength, balance, grace & for the love of dance. I have no delusions but inside, in my heart....I "feel" like a dancer & on my own level, I am!! I love it, it makes me feel strong & feminine and Ballet gave me confidence🩰

@VeronicaViccora

Ай бұрын

You ARE a dancer, and a very inspiring one at that. Thank you for sharing this 💕

I am 48 years old and started ballet class again after 28 years. It is hard! But not impossible! You should be so proud of yourself for continuing to chase your dream!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Right back atcha! Thank you so much

@MichaelErnest666

7 ай бұрын

Amazing 😍

I started at 22 and I currently dance in classes with 11 year olds and I don't care! I work hard and I want to be there to learn and seriously improve and I dont think its too late for me even though there is definitely a priority for the child dancers who started from 3 years old.... determination and passion can get me there.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

I LOVE THIS!!! You're doing it the Ice Princess way haha! Thank you so much for sharing this and encouraging everyone else!

@katsuyafeather1309

8 ай бұрын

@@VeronicaViccora Thank you so much!!! We got this!!

@katsuyafeather1309

8 ай бұрын

@@VeronicaViccora I also do figure skating as well as ballet so that a wonderful compliment

I just realise i have the same story. I started ballet at 32. It’s been 3 years and i have no stop dancing since that day. I thought no one is as crazy as me until i happen to chance upon this video. 27 is still early.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

thank you sooo so much for sharing that! That will go a long way to help inspire so many other people too. Glad to be a part of your "crazy ballerina club" haha ;)

@pascie12

8 ай бұрын

Same, this literally my story too 😂 moved to London and went to ballet full time at age 22! Any chance you're a INFP on the Myers Briggs personality? It's like I need to be dancing, it doesn't even feel like a choice. I really got you when you said you had become so far away from the. Person you once were.

@mari_hase

6 ай бұрын

I started ballet at 32 too. Now I am 42, I go to ballet lessons regularly since then (with some breaks because of injuries) and I love it.

@Strassenkaetzchen

5 ай бұрын

32 Club here too 🩵

@marina_vtq

3 ай бұрын

​@@pascie12 same and I'm an INFP lol

This comment section fills me with so much joy! I started dancing again at the age of 24 and then I wanted to sing again ✨ reading everyone’s story gives me hope that it’s never too late ❤️

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

It really is the greatest comment section. All the stories are so inspiring

I started at 12 and I’ve been so self conscious that I would not be able to go professional because I started to late so thank you for this 😊

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

ohhh my sweet friend!! 12 is FAR from too late. You have so many beautiful dancing experiences ahead of you

@LindseyKing-jx4yv

8 ай бұрын

Misty Copeland started around that age too! ;)

I'm very happy to hear these kind of stories. As a professional ballerina and ballet teacher myself, I always encourage people to give ballet a try, regardless of age, size, shape or gender. Congratulations on your determination, Veronica! 👏🏼

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thank heavens for teachers like you

@victoriapilates

7 ай бұрын

@@VeronicaViccora 🥰

I’m so happy for you! It’s so refreshing to hear someone say that they went back and forth with their hobby so much and that they still don’t know what their goal is! I’m a very hesitant person too! I started dancing ballet at 17 y.o., have quit and restarted so many times. I don’t know what my goal with ballet is, I just really enjoy it and it makes my life make sense. My very best wishes to everyone who is in a similar situation ❤❤❤❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

OOOOH what a beautiful way of putting it "it makes me life make sense." When you're a dancer deep down, that's just the truth! So much love and luck to you! Thanks for listening to my story

@SandraGacic-zt1gf

8 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤ FROM BALKAN !!!!!!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Love from NYC!!!❤❤❤

@SandraGacic-zt1gf

8 ай бұрын

THANKS!!!!!!

I’m 56 years old and started ballet and dancing Burlesque, just because …

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Ballet and burlesque is the BEST combo! Congrats!

To give you all some more motivation - I started as a teenager/young adult, and I also thought it was too late. Now, 10 years later, I’m studying Dance at University! Some of my classmates are in their 40s, and they dance waaay better than me. They just gained a lot of experience over the years by consistently going to recreational classes, and learning good technique. It’s never too late to start! Also, if you have an active lifestyle or do other sports, you’ll have a huuuge advantage when coming to dance “late”. Strength, Stamina, and Mobility/Flexibility are really important. I often find “non dancers” have greater natural abilities than me, although I have danced for years. And that’s because I never did sports in my life. I only started implementing strength training now to help with my dancing…

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

This is EXTREMELY helpful and inspiring. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

I love ballet, but I'm not a dancer at all. This past June, I took my first ever adult ballet class at the Houston Ballet Academy at the young age of 54 and it has changed my life! I absolutely love it! I'm taking the beginner class again, well, because I'm old and I'm not ready to move forward, but it is an adventure that I truly enjoy! Thanks for sharing your story.

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for having the courage to try new things at any age. I'm CERTAIN you inspired so many people just by being in the room!

I started ballet two years ago at the age of 35! When I was younger, I had always wanted to be in ballet, but my parents could only afford the violin lessons that I had. During covid, I decided that I would start ballet when the world "opened up" and thankfully found a studio nearby that has adult beginner classes.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

This is GORGEOUS!!! thank you for sharing, it's never too late! And I admire you for making it happen

@katherinemurphy2762

8 ай бұрын

I'm very thankful that I have a studio that not only offers adult classes, but the studio owner firmly believes that the adults should have instruction that is as serious as it is for children. Ballet is a lot of work. I wasn't totally invested for the first couple of months. In fact, when I came back for my second class the following week, my instructor asked if I had had fun the last week. Fun? It was challenging and overwhelming! Even now I don't characterize ballet as being "fun", but it pushes me mentally and physically.

It’s never too late! I started learning guitar just a few months ago at age 31 and people are telling me I sound professional! I’m hoping to join a band next year. I’m a musician, but I had not performed or done anything in over a decade and this has been such a blessing for me!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

That IS a blessing! Congratulations!

I started ballet at 35 and always want to get involve with ballet. Beside adult ballet classes, the most rewarding thing I found last year was going to adult ballet camp workshop in France and get to be in full costume and in a theatre. I will continue to pursue that this 2024 with a couple Adult ballet camp workshop in Paris or France in general to fulfill my dream.

I restarted ballet 1 year ago after an 18 year gap. I'm 31 and loving it ❤ this video has helped me deal with feeling too old to try and reach a professional level!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing that and inspiring so many other "late" starters

I started climbing at 25, remembering at the point of burn out from simultaneous work and writing my master thesis that this is what I always wanted to do as a child. 1 year later, I can say that climbing was a major part of my healing process and continues to be an essential of my life. I don’t do it because I want to be better at it than others. I do it because at work my job is to focus on the macro perspective, and I realised that to be a happy and grounded human being, I need to focus on the micro things, ie do something for myself, too, and now (vs the intermediate/long term projects at work). So many people dismiss the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with a soul, not just go to the gym. And I personally found myself in climbing because it combines the aspects of strength, technique, coordination, strategy - much like ballet. It is never too late, as you say.❤

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Beautifully said!! Thank you for sharing this - I'm so glad this story has become about so much more than ballet. It's about, as you said, the need for adults to move our bodies and engage in a sport with soul!

I'm 17 and I'm starting ballet in January. I'd done ballet when I was 5 and performed at a few recitals, but at the age of about 14 or 15 I wanted to get back into dance again. When I told them I wanted to do ballet specifically, everyone told me that I should do contemporary or jazz. Basically just that I shouldn't do ballet. Because it was too late and it wasn't meant for me (because I didn't, and still don't have "the look" - the body type that ballerinas have). But I only ever gravitated towards ballet, and I never really felt connected to any other dance style other than ballet. I'm so excited to just start. Thank you for sharing your story. It's so important to feel a sense of belonging and I feel like a lot of older dancers are excluded from that. Wishing you all the best in your dance journey :)

I'm 23 and just recently started falling in love with acrobatic and circus arts. I don't think I'll ever pursue it but I commend you. Congratulations and keep living your best life ♥️

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Wow! that sounds so interesting! Thank you so much for the support

@gigitijarain

8 ай бұрын

Same but when I was over 30 and started contortion when I was 35yo

Good for you! It’s never too late, a friend of mine began ballet in her mid thirties and was in the Nutcracker last year. Never give up a dream!❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

this is the greatest comment ever! Thank you for giving me that hope, I've always dreamed of being a part of that ballet!

Such a great story! I did ballet as a child but unfortunately when I was 16 a nasty dance teacher told me I would never make it as a professional dancer. She said I was Not good enough, no turn out, wrong body type and some other nasty comments relating to my abilities. Ballet was my first love. I admire you. It’s never too late!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

I'm so so sorry to hear that. Some people can be so unnecessarily cruel. Wishing you all the best.

I have wanted to do ballet my entire life but never really got the opportunity to. I am 20 right now and in college- my college offers ballet classes! It didn't fit into my schedule for this semester, but next semester I'm taking the beginning class and I cannot wait :)

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

THAT'S INCREDIBLE!!! I'm so so happy for you!! Keep us posted on your journey!

Hi Veronica, I almost never leave comments, and this is the first video I've seen from you, but it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I grew up in dance from age 4-17, including going to an arts school as well as a studio too after school and on Saturdays, so in that way our stories are really different. However, between physical burnout (my knees hurt, my hips hurt, my skin splints hurt, etc), emotional/mental burnout, and some very real imposter syndrome, I told everyone I was quitting dance upon high school graduation. In college, dance crept back into my life in the form of first a student showcase, then dance team, then dancing and being featured in faculty works. However, I still considered that dance wasn't for me - I wasn't good enough, and I wasn't healed enough either. I graduated (during COVID what fun) and went on to, like you, pursue other passions, work I cared about and then moved to a little town on the Oregon coast where I knew no one. There I found a little local studio, and I started to teach dance classes for them. As I taught, I started to discover/admit how much I love dance, and how it feeds me in ways nothing else does. In Feb of this year, during a month of transition, I moved back to Denver (my hometown) and took all the classes I could get my hands on (like 10 a week). I LOVED IT, and it pushed me to do the scary thing and like you finally say out loud "I want this." For me, the dream is to dance professionally, I have a list of companies both in Denver and beyond ranked from safe scary to SCARY SCARY to think of auditioning for. The kicker is that right now I'm a peace corps volunteer in Guatemala, and I'm here until May 2025. I guess I say all this to say two things: First of all, thank you so much for sharing. I feel like hearing your experience gave me a new kind of permission to say I want it and I can actually pursue this. That instead of listening to all the negativity and comparison, that I can run after this in May of 2025 and I'm not "too late" (I'll be 25). Second of all, I wanted to validate and affirm that adult beginners aren't the only ones who struggle with imposter syndrome! I'm so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunities for dance training growing up that it sounds like you wanted so badly (I'm thanking my family all over again tonight). And. I struggled (and still do) SO much feeling good enough. Many of the other dancers I went to the arts school with went on to arts conservatories and are dancing professionally today, and it makes me feel so insecure that if I didn't measure up to them 7 years ago and have danced a heck of a lot less than them in said 7 years, why the heck do I think I have a shot? But listening to your story makes me want to remind me and remind you that imposter syndrome isn't confined to one set of people, nor should it limit any of us. If you end up reading this small dissertation, thank you. I am so appreciative to you for sharing your story and for creating this amazing space where I can hear so many other similar stories. With love, molly

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Molly, I read every. single. word. TWICE. Thank you soooo so much for sharing your story. First of all, I love your audition options: safe scary and SCARY SCARY haha! That's so great! And also, wow. You sound like a truly incredible, caring person! Teaching for a small studio, being in the PEACE CORPS! Thank you so much for the encouragement too. You're so right about what you said (beautifully might I add) about imposter syndrome. I feel so blessed to have someone like you leaving a comment on my video. Please keep me posted on your journey!! (P.S. this is the EXACT type of message I'd like to feature on my blog. If you'd be willing to chat more about it, could you e-mail me at hello@veronicaviccora.com so your story can inspire even more people that just the comment section?)

Wow, what an amazing life you have led! Thank you for this positivity. I am learning ballet in my early 30s. You are so inspiring, subscribed ♡

YOU ARE SUCH A PHENOMENAL DANCER!!!🩰SO INSPIRATIONAL, SPECIAL AND UNIQUE!!! CONGRATS ON YOUR JOURNEY AND KEEP GOING!!! FREE FALL INTO THE FUTURE💖

I’ve grown ( still living ) in a country where there isn’t such a thing as ballet classes & I honestly felt so much sadness growing up & not being able to do that my heart always beat for it . This isn’t just any normal love , it’s passion & devotion to ballet . now that I plan on immigrating to study abroad ,I know I will have access to adult ballet classes but I thought I am too old to start professional ballet , it’s just a dream that’s destinies to remain a dream , too late for me . I have never seen you before , I don’t know who you are but I know that your video didn’t pop up on my phone just like that . This is my sign to do it as well . Thank you endlessly for doing this , you have no idea how much it means to me 🤍 .

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

That is BEAUTIFUL! You should be soooo so proud of yourself for taking the big leap to go after your dreams

@sonjak8265

8 ай бұрын

I took dance classes when I was in graduate school at the age of 27. I got in great shape.

Thanks so much for sharing your story!! Getting back into dance is so fun and cool 😎❤️❤️❤️

You and all these other people sharing their stories in the comments are such inspirations, I hope everyone here achieves their dreams

You are such a gem! So excited I found your channel. You keep going!! We’re cheering you on, and love getting to follow you on your journey!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness, that is so sweet of you! Thank you so much, I feel very lucky to have someone like you here

Thank you so much for this video! As a 16 yr old who has loved dance ever since I was little but has never been able to take dance classes, this gives me hope for myself. I really want to do ballet and won’t give up on that thanks to you 💗💗.

Thank you so much for sharing! Coming from a similar background without much privilege and kept getting discouraged, your story is empowering and inspiring! ❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I hope you're out there following your dreams too

This is such a beautiful story! I can totally relate to the not feeling good enough and its definitely life changing/freeing when we stop listening to the insecurities about not being good enough and just start believing in ourselves and go for it!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

EXACTLY! Getting your mind right is half the battle, life feels SO much freer when you realize you have so much of your own power!

Thank you so much for this!!! Such a heartwarming video and story❤❤❤❤ I started dancing at 3 years old , went on pointe at 9 and by 13 i quit because i was mentally drained. The ballet academy i used to atend was very psychologically abusive and we were kinda broke so i had to stopped. Im almost 19 now and i have been wanting to get back to ballet and dancing but i dont know how or where i can go. This really encourage me to start next year so im really glad i found it❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

I'm so sorry to hear that was your experience with ballet. The psychological abuse is SO unnecessary and yet all too common. I really hope you'll find a space that's safe and welcoming and allows you to rediscover the TRUE beauty of dance

Hi Veronica, thank you for sharing your story! I can relate in many ways, even though my story is different. Isn‘t it amazing how all the negative talk we are exposed to impact us on so many levels? Like you, I started to follow my passions late - actually in my 30ies and 40ies. The good thing I found is that all the knowledge and experience I gathered on the way help me with my passions now. Also, you passion might manifest in a new way. For example I was sad that I never auditioned for an acting school, but now that I‘m a trained theater teacher, I feel that this is actually even more me. I started taking ballet and contemporary classes in my mid-40ies. I know that there are some things that I‘ll probably never achieve because of my age. But I celebrate the little progresses and every dance class that made me feel happy (because I know the ones that leave you utterly frustrated, too). Also, I feel I take the classes more seriously than I would have when I was younger. So I absolutely want to support your point that it‘s never too late, because we are on a journey, and the journey is always in the now.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

omg absolute POETRY! I couldn't agree more that the journey IS always in the now and I LOVE what you said about taking the classes more seriously now than you might've when you were younger. That's the case for so many of us late bloomers. You're an absolute inspiration and it's an honor to have someone so determined and courageous here, thank you!

Beautiful and inspiring story. I wish you immense success and thank you for sharing.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

That is sooo so kind of you

This is one of my favorite videos ever! You are super positive and life has rewarded you for it. I too am on my dance journey, at 26. cannot wait to hear more about your life.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

You don't know what this comment means, I've been thinking about it since I read it. Thank you so much, wishing you ALL the best on your journey and that life will reward you TOO!

wow the music notes you found gave me chills. the universe really is so loving and encouraging of our dreams and purpose. I hope we all have the courage to follow our dreams and live our most beautiful lives

such a beautiful story!! Thank you for sharing

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

thank YOU!

i love your story! Its so cool that you did so many things though! But I'm glad you were able to come back to dance!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thank you so much! you're very sweet

Thank you so much for this amazing video! A message I just needed to hear. I am so so so rooting for you!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

You're so kind and so welcome

I saw your short video a few days ago and felt so inspired. But this video is another level! I just love to listen to stories like this because I can relate so much! This is one thing I love about youtube and the internet. I'm sitting here in switzerland, drinking my morning coffe and listen to a woman on the other side of the world talking about things that motivate me so so much. Thank you so much 🙌

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

ugh this is so so beautiful, and you're so right. The internet can cause some trouble but I'm so glad it gives us a chance to connect, (also SO wishing I was in Switzerland right now!)

Your story is so inspiring. Thank you a lot for sharing. I needed to hear this❤❤❤

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thank you so so much, I'm so glad to hear that!

Thank you for that inspirational story. Felt like you were talking about my life. Nothing will compare to dance for me either. ❤

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

that's so beautiful

Oh gosh I loved the synchronicity of the music notes, your spiritedness and animation is beautiful too.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Gosh I just love you so much, thank you!

this video is so precious, you’re so strong and brave i admire you : congrats girl, i believe in you 💖💖💖

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

omg YOU are so precious and kind! thank you!

Very inspirational story. I am lucky to have started dancing in high school, but I still feel like I started "too late" sometimes, especially when I take class with people my age who are miles ahead of me. This video is fantastic

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

YOU are fantastic! And you're so not alone. Many of my friends have been dancing for 20+ years and still feel that imposter syndrome. It's part of life and creativity, but it's something that can be overcome. Keep dancing friend!

Thank you for sharing your story! I also was told I wasn't good enough after taking musical theatre classes. It affected my creativity as an adult. I'm trying to take that power back now through social media and possibly community theatre in the near future. I'm proud of you for finding yourself again through art.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

That is SO kind of you to say, thank you so much. And I'm so sorry to hear that you've experienced something similar. I can't wait to hear more about your journey too! Please keep us posted!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!! 🥰I hope you continue dancing and pursuing your dreams!!💕 I can really relate your story! I'm currently 27, I was doing ballet as a child, then stopped. Then started again at 17-18 because I MISSED IT and I LOVE IT SO much, change a few ballet schools, stopped again a few times but this year I'm really committed to it and it feels great. Age shouldn't be a limit when doing something you love!!!🥰🥰

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

You're 100% correct- age should never limit us! Thank you for your lovely encouragement

This is so inspiring! I definitely feel validated in wanted to come back to dance after 8 years of stopping. Thank you so much for sharing your story

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

YES! Go for it! Wishing you the best!

Thank you with all my heart. Please keep sharing your story, you are incredibly inspiring. I wish I was as brave as you. 💕

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

Thank YOU first of all. And if there's anything I've learned so far it's that bravery can be learned. I was never a confident or daring person until like... 6 months ago haha

Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Veronica! Came at the right time 😢

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful! Keep going for your dreams!!

You are brave. As a fellow long islander! I cam appreciate you and your desires! You go girl!

I needed to hear your story today it touched my heart I’m 38 years old and I started taking things seriously with musical theater at 26 I have a callback today and all the anxiety from the past was getting to me and your story was right on time so healing and inspiring and it helped me remember what this is all about. You are an absolute champion and I wish you the very best in you stage career

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

I'm not sure how your call back went but congratulations on getting one AT ALL! That's huge! Wishing you all the very best right back

Dancing brings you so much joy that you radiate beauty through your genuine happiness….keep stuntin & inspiring lady👏🏽🥰

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Omg you're the GREATEST. Thank you so much friend

Thank you for sharing, your story sounds like my figure skating journey (adults not being taken seriously, training with the kids, coaches saying that is not worth for an adult to have any competitive dreams). Good luck with everything!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

it's bizarre to me how many coaches are some of the people doing the most damage to out creative psyche. Are you still figure skating now? I hope so!!! Thank you so much

It's great to hear about your journey, and don't give up.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much

Thank you so much for sharing! I'm in a similar situation so totally understand the disappointment when they tell you "it's too late". It never is! The older you get the more you become in tune with your body and know it's limitations. I wish you so much luck on your dance journey! 🩰💕

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

so so true and beautifully said, thank you for this

Thank you so much for this story! I am a former music student who has always dreamed of being an opera singer but life took me off that course. It’s amazing how strong that little voice is right? That one that keeps telling us to keep going. Your journey sounds so similar to mine I’m amazed. Your video has really encouraged me! It’s never too late.

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

You're absolutely right, wishing you all the best on your music journey!

Tony’s classes are the best! I wish he still did some virtually 😫

omg i needed to hear your story soooo much as a late start dancer!! thank you so much, you are so pretty🥺🥺

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

awww thank you so much! You don't know what that means to me, I'm so glad this video found you!

You narrated your story so beautifully. You're a true artist!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

wow, thank you! You're so kind!

this was so inspirational to me! i danced for so many years & was constantly oscillating between my love for it & my feelings (sometimes realities) that i didn’t belong. this reminded me that i belonged there because i wanted to be there 🤍 wishing you the best on your journey! i am here cheering for you 💐

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

You're not alone! So many of us know those feelings all too well. Thanks for being here, sending you so much love!

This is the story I’ve been looking for my whole adult life ❤ thank you!!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

now go make it yours!

This is such an inspirational story. I’m currently a business student, and I’m creating a business plan for a dance studio that provides training for precisely the issues you had to experience as an adult dancer! Adult dancers should receive excellent training and attention, just like younger dancers!

@JMA864

7 ай бұрын

This is great! Here’s a pain point for you to consider in the business plan. As a new adult beginner, I already see a problem: getting enough classes. I’m in a major metro area and the schools I’ve found have only one adult class a week. That’s not enough to see progress in an adult time frame. Enrolling in more than one school isn’t a solution because you’re likely to get inconsistent advice/training.

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Bless you for doing this!!! The world needs you.

New follower! I was apart of a classical ballet company until I was 18. Was told my entire childhood that ballet is only a hobby and could never be a profession for me. Anxiety and doubts led me to miss auditions and not follow up with dancing through college. I shut off dance completely until recently. I’m now doing barre work and trying to find a studio that holds adult classes in hopes to rekindle that love. Very inspirational!

YOURE AN INSPIRATION AND REMIND OF A LOT OF MYSELF!! IM ALSO OUT OF THE TRADITIONAL BALLET AGE BUT WANT TO GET BACK TO IT. I USED TO BE PRETTY GOOD BUT STOPPED AROUND AGE 22. BEEN WORRIED ITS TOO LATE. I HAD NATURAL TALENT AND LOVED BALLET SO MUCH. NEVER HAD SUPPORTIVE PARENTS. STARTED PAYING FOR MY OWN PROFESSIONAL BALLET SCHOOL TRAINING AT AGE 16 WHILE STILL IN HS. HAD SOME AMAZING TEACHERS. IF I HAD STUCK WITH IT COULD HAVE GONE PROFESSIONAL EVEN THOUGH I STARTED LATE (AROUND AGE 12/13.) BEEN OUT OF THE STUDIO AND CAME ACROSS YOUR VIDEOS AND IS GIVING ME HOPE. ITS SOMETHING IVE ALWAYS WANTED SO BAD.

Omg love this and love your story!!! Glad you’re still pursuing this🙌🏾🙌🏾

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thanks a million friend! Hope to dance with you again soon!

Girl... you have NO IDEA how much this video just inspired me! I needed to hear this exact message right now, from someone so gorgeous and clearly healthy and happy and fulfilled, for me to trust it! Thank you so much for making this. I can't wait to start ballet again! My childhood passion, and for a year now ive been pulled back to other forms of dance like bellydancing and ballroom just because "i can't do ballet again, im too old..." but it's been in the back of my mind! i miss the elegance! yay!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

you're clearly a very kind and lovely person and I'm honored you're here. Thanks for all your encouragement

U r a great story teller! I loved this (and I am not a dancer or anything: this just came up in my feed). Just really interesting - people’s journeys r so different. Thank u!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I really appreciate this!!

thank god or universe or whatever that your video showed up in my recommended! i barely writing any comments but i just wanna say thank u for sharing your inspirational story. i always wanted to sing and i did but i never was taking this serious cause i always felt i'm not talented enough, my voice is weak and i always thought no one ever wanted to hear me, so now i'm 25 and almost giving up my dream to start a career in music. i think your video is going to be a kick in the ass for me and i finally gonna believe in myself. thank u and good luck on your jorney🤍

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Good luck to YOU friend! What made you feel like you weren't good enough- and what does good enough even mean to you? SOOOO many of us feel that way, you're totally not alone! So please don't give it up! If singing is what you love to do, no one has the right to take it from you

Good luck with your journey. I took ballet 50 years ago. I’m 69 now and just discovered videos of beginner barre classes. I’m completely terrible, but who cares. It’s a blast!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

exactly! We ALL start out terrible, but we continue for the love, thanks for being the inspiration you are.

subscribed so quickly! I took a few months of ballet when i was like 8 but my parents couldn't keep paying for it so I had to stop. all my friends were dancers but we never had the money for it. I did acting my whole life and I did a little bit of cheer my senior year. I started taking some dance classes each semester at college and decided to do a dance minor because I wanted to be a triple threat! I joined the cheer team at 18 and did cheerleading while continuing to take a few dance classes from 18-23 when I started having some health and mental health issues and was told I could not come back to cheer until I was fully recovered. I was devastated and wanted to still be able to do something, that same week I found out about auditions for the spring dance show and my mum was able to convince me to go. I thought there would be no way I would get in, especially because i literally cried at the audition lol. but I got in! about a year later I decided to change my major to dance and now I'm 26 and ill be graduating with my bachelors in dance in May. Your video made me cry, I often have moments of feeling like I am too late but my heart knows that nothing makes me feel the same 🤍

Wishing you all the success and happiness on the rest of your journey!!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

right back atcha! Thank you!

This is so beautiful- thank you for sharing❤

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Thank YOU for being here!!!

hello! I'm glad that I clicked on this video today! I can really relate - I started my musical theatre degree at 27 too! Faced a lot of self-doubt and also learned similarly that it's okay to make mistakes. It's lovely knowing that people out there are also daring greatly and going after their dreams :) Thank you for sharing.

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Good for you! Keep going, we're born to create

This was totally inspiring. Not all of us get the opportunities or have the resources to do what we are passionate about. That doesn't mean we can't seek to try to work on what we love later on. Thank you for sharing your journey. Rooting for you. Whatever it is, you are pursuing your dream on your own terms.

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thank you so so much

This is so inspiring! As someone who is just starting ballet at 30, I love your story of never giving up!

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

Congratulations on the start of your journey! Best of luck!

I'm 28 and have always wanted to learn ballet! You're inspiring!

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

thank you! I hope you'll give it a try! I'd love to hear about it if you do

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

You're a kind soul, thank you

The minute you started to tell your story, I instantly subscribed ❤ your journey really touched something in me and I identified with it so much. I fell in love with ballet at a very early age too. I think I must’ve been 3 or 4 years old. I was never in a dance program at that age and truthfully I can’t remember what sparked this interest and borderline obsession with ballet. It might’ve been a movie I watched at the time or something along those lines. But I knew all I wanted from then on was to be a ballerina. But similar to your story, I also couldn’t afford it. It didn’t help that I lived in a very rural area at the time and there weren’t even any ballet studios near me. But when I was 8 one did open up and it was close to my house. Unfortunately I was never able to sign up because even though it wasn’t super expensive, it was expensive enough that my family still couldn’t afford it. After I hit puberty and my body started developing I too convinced myself it was too late. That I would never be a ballerina because my body already changed, because my muscles wouldn’t develop properly, all sorts of things. But I still loved ballet. I would spend hours and hours watching ballet KZread videos, ballet documentaries, anything I could get my hands on. In middle school I even did theater hoping to get the same feeling ballet gave me because theater also seemed fun. I enjoyed that when I did it but it didn’t even come close to how alive I felt with ballet. And finally, when I was around 14, a free after school program opened up near where I lived. It wasn’t just dance, they had all sorts of creative stuff like painting, singing, etc. I wasn’t confident enough in myself to audition for the ballet program, so I did singing for a year. I liked it, but I knew it wasn’t really where my heart was. So the following year when we had to re-enroll or change programs if we wanted to, I pushed myself into making the switch from chorus to ballet. And being in that program, dancing and finally getting to experience ballet in a real studio was the happiest I ever was in high school. We even got to perform on stage and I absolutely loved it (though I definitely had stage fright as well XD) I even still have the costume and props I used for the performance. Sadly I didn’t get to it for long because I soon got really busy in my school life and had to quit. Flash forward, I moved to a city, went on to study photography because I always loved that too and was still convinced it was too late to be a ballerina. So I settled for the next best thing. I didn’t finish my degree either because I realized just how much I didn’t want to be there. After I quit, I basically kept settling for creative jobs that were based on things I loved, but that I knew I was just settling for. Because in my mind, what I really wanted was something I couldn’t achieve. Until I saw your video. I’m currently 26 and at this point, I have been looking at ballet like a hobby. I recently found a studio that offers adult classes and was planning on taking a few but I was looking at it so defeated. Like it was just to fulfill my love for ballet, but that it could never go beyond just a fun hobby that I did on occasion. And then I came across this video. And my heart was just filled with so much joy for you that you’re following your dreams and so much inspiration for myself. And I’m really sorry for the very long message. But I just wanted to say that you’ve really inspired me and I wish you all the luck in the world as you continue your dance journey 😊

This is so inspiring thank you! I went to my first ballet class a few weeks ago at 36 years old :-) it’s so difficult but I’m so happy I’m giving myself the opportunity to truly learn how to dance, I’ve wanted to learn all my life!!

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

Walking was a challenge for all of us at some point too! The difficult things are often the most rewarding. Best of luck to you

Thank you so much for sharing your story it’s so inspiring and empowering I’ve always felt like i was “too late” to start any of the hobbies I enjoyed and this video reminded me that I have time

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

You have SOOOOO much time!

Wow I'm so happy I came across your video!! I started ballet when I was 18. I fell so in love that I decided to become a dancer at 18. I moved to New York soon after to dance. But ten years in, I got stuck in a rut, and became a physical therapist. I lost my connection to dance, and it wasn't until I was at a low point that dance found it's way back to me, and changed my life. I now dance in heels 6 days a week and it makes me feel alive and connected in my bones. I use what I learned from PT and Pilates to condition. Every day I walk into the dance studio I feel like I can breathe and am so grateful. Thank you for sharing your story! You have a beautiful energy!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

Omg heels dancing is SO much fun! And it's so wonderful that you have a pilates and pt background because soooo many of those skills transfer over to dance so beautifully. Thank YOU for being here, I'm so grateful for your beautiful energy as well!

This video randomly popped up on my home page and I feel like you spoke directly to me. I studied a dance program at 18 for 3 years full time and loved it, but life got in the way (and then covid) and here I am at 27 wondering why I quit and thinking it’s too late to go back. Well this is the sign I needed to get my ass back into a dance studio! Lol thank you for sharing your story 🫶🏼

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

it IS a sign friend! It's never too late. Life gets crazy and tries to distract us. But you can absolutely do this

ive always wanted to do some sort of dance (ballet, hiphop, jazz, etc). ive always been drawn to it more than anything else but felt like it was too late since im almost 18 but this helped me gain motivation to keep trying so thank you ❤

I love this! I started figure skating at age 20 and a year later competed in my first competition. It’s never too late!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

WOW! That's incredible, you don't hear that everyday!

Your story is so inspiring! You were so brave and persevering. And you still are. I used to dance and I stopped for many years ago. Now I need to find myself and dance again in some way or another and watching your video was my last sign. So thank you very much ❤ and congratulations for pursuing your dreams. I wish so much success !!! ( sorry my English a I’m Chilean) ❤❤❤

@VeronicaViccora

5 ай бұрын

You’re English is fantastic, no need to apologize! Thank you so much angel, pleaseeeee keep following your dreams, the world needs more happy, FULFILLED humans

I started ballet at the same time you did! I had two or three classes before covid but thankfully they went online so i was able to keep going at that studio. I started at 14 and now Im 17 and taking advanced classes and in the nutcracker! It's never too late to start!!

@VeronicaViccora

8 ай бұрын

That's INCREDIBLE! What a dream!! Keep going! You're such a wonderful soul

I love this so much

your story is soooooo similiar to mine! I'm glad we found our way and that I'm not the only one 💟

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

so glad to hear you're not giving up!

I love this ❤ I started ballet at 31, I’m 33 now and I’m so in love with it. I do 8-10 classes a week. I’ll probably never go pro but ballet is my home ❤

I loooove this video! Thank you so much for sharing 🤗. From a dance lover and dance chaser at every age and stage of life ❤

@VeronicaViccora

6 ай бұрын

thank YOU so much for being here

Wow, I can relate to your story SO Much, down to the teachers saying, "It doesn't matter for you guys", after all, we were only adult dancers. I was so desperate to be treated seriously and improve at 28 years old. I hated when the teachers would stop and talk when I wanted to learn. Once in a very small point class, the teen girl had an injury so the teacher said we'll just do something else, I felt like saying, "I'm able to dance though, does that not matter?" I found an amazing teacher who treated us like we really matter and our dancing correctly was so important and then, the "pandemic". I'm so happy for you that you're following your dream 😊

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

I know this all too well and I'm so sorry to hear that. thank you for your encouragement and I'm wishing you all the very best

So inspiring to hear your perspective, Veronica!! Thank you for sharing

@VeronicaViccora

7 ай бұрын

Thank YOU!!! And congratulations on following your heart, that's HUGE!