I dont think anyone here would give you a "yes" or positive answer as to start ballet given your statment "serious neck injury" let alone that you find any instructors that would be willing to work with you with any type of serious tone.  Right there I would say dont do it unless you have medical advice to do so as ballet for as graceful as it is, is actually very strenuous and until you learn to use plies and work properly most of the center floor exercises is also out...similarly so is any port de bras.  Sadie, I cannot believe a Doctor would give you such advice as to start Ballet given the location and seriousness of your injury.  Maybe he doesnt understand the kinesthetics or physiological requirements of ballet on the human body.

The best course of action for you is to find a physical therapist who specializes in dancers who can tell you which exercises you should do and not do when working at ballet.  I dont know where you are from, but in most US and European cities there are trained medical professionals who work for the larger ballet companies, colleges and universities, and with private practices who work with dancers.  They would be the best person to give you advice as to whether you should take ballet or not.

The one thing I can understand about your physicians advice is ballet has a lot to do with strengthening your core.  When you work your deep core muscles, especially your deep traverse stomache muscle you also strengthen all the muscles from the tip of your tailbone to the bottom of your skull.  Working this deep muscle is the only way to really engage and isolate the muscles of your spine as well (it happens automatically, it isnt something you need to think about or concentrate on).  But to really work the deep core muscle would require pilates which puts a lot of strain on your upper back and neck.

On a side note: If you do get good information on how to move forward with dance given your condition I think you will be really amazed at how much Ballet correlates to horse riding, especially if you ride Dressage or English.

>Hi I'm 18 and am currently recovering from a serious neck injury that has left many muscles under developed or over developed down my back, neck and shoulders. My physio suggested ballet would be a good way to strengthen my muscles again and imporve my posture. >Even though I am 18, i am still very flexible (i'm hypermobile) and i have a good strong arch in my feet, as well as fairly strong ankles from horse riding. My only concern is any stress or strain on my neck and surrounding area. >Do you think i should go for it? I have found a couple of nice beginner classes, and there is a dance shop just down the road from me! I don't want to be a pro or anything, just want to get back to normal life and do it a nice pretty way! >Many thanks, Sadie>PS: When i was a little girl i got told i was too tall for ballet! I was very tall for my age i think, and im 5' 10" now.