Is 19 too old to start dancing?

I danced when I was little but that was cultural dancing. I read on my own and watch videos on every type of dancing. I really want to learn all the different dances also.

Is it also too late to compete?

It's not to old to start dancing and competing at 55.

It all depends on how committed you are, what your goals are, how good your trainining is, what your natural talents are, and how hard you work.

If you want to do this as a hobby, to enjoy dancing, to learn how to make your body do new things, to meet people, and to enjoy friendly competition, then it's never too late to start. There are amateur competitions for all age levels and proficiency levels. You can do it as a hobby, practice a few times a week, and have a great time.

If you want to get really serious, and strive for being a high-level amateur (like someone who competes nationally and internationally), then it's a lot more work, but it's still possible -- depending on what you've got naturally and what you're willing to put into it. One of the top amateur Canadian couples started when they were in college. They've worked very hard, and are beautiful dancers.

If you want to do this as a pro, like the teachers on "Dancing with the Stars," then you've got a lot more work in front of you and frankly starting at your age might be a drawback. Ashly and Cheryl, for example, were dancing well before they turned 10. However, that doesn't mean it's hopeless -- supposedly Jonathan started in his 20's, and he's developed into a great dancer through many years of concentrated full-time hard work.

The main thing is to get started. Once you get started, and learn what you're getting into and how you feel about it and what your aptitude is, you can set your goals. It's never too late to get started, because everyone starts from pretty much the same place, and you've got to start somewhere. The great thing about competitive dancing is that there are different levels and age groups so there's a place for anyone who wants to participate.

Not at all.

I started when I entered college at age 20. Now I am in the national amateur standard quarter final (and I'm getting better every day). But I had two very helpful things: I had ballet training when I was younger and I worked my butt off. It all depends on what you put into it.

My hint: Don't think that taking with mediocre instructors is better when you are strting out. Learning from the best people will save you time and money in the end.

Best of luck!

Always remember, you are NEVER too old to start something new.

age its only a number! i just started and im 52 .... i think your just fine !!! dance away!

Hi Avila
Before i answer your question, let me tell you a story.
I learnt to play piano starting at age 7 and kept learning till i was about 12. Never took it seriously or worked hard at it.
I stopped at 12, but came back to it at age 40. I noticed 2 things
1)i returned to a reasonable skill level very quickly
2)I had a weakness with fast fingering in my left hand, and i 've been working on it diligently for many years, but still (after more than 10 years!) it's not as good as my right hand, which developed the skill between ages 7 and 12 with much less effort. But i still love playing nevertheless.
I also started dancing at age 45ish and still love it
The moral of this story? It's never too late to start, but it IS much harder to learn as you get older and it takes longer. I will never be as good a dancer as a 25-year-old doing a quarter of the work i do. But i've no aspirations to be a national champion, just to enjoy the challenge and learn and enjoy.
19 is still young (sigh....)

Have a amateur friend 68 years old. He has been dancing for about 8 years. He has a very good coach and takes about 2 lessons per week. He has two dance partners one for Am. Smooth (no open work) and one for Int. Standard. He competes about 3 or 4 times a year and usually wins or comes close in Sr. USABA events. His movement, posture and musicallity is very good. His routines are nothing fancy, but with excellent technique--and he is still improving. He does not look 68 when dancing.