I can't tell you how to make friends because I'm EXCACTLY the same was as you. There's never been a place I fit in. Every single job, I was the outsider, only invited to after work stuff if it was one of those "everybody' things sponsored by the firm.

Being particularly good at stuff, in your case ballet and animal care, in my case, other stuff, puts some people on edge. We're conditioned to compare ourselves to others, to weigh our worth against our peers. Women are particularly prone to this. Hell, I've had coworkers, classmates, just women at the dog park or whatever hate me on sight just because of how I fucking look. So sorry I'm thin and pretty (well, formerly pretty, now middle aged and more "looking good for my age"). So sorry I run faster or whatever the fuck it is.

I alternate between sadness and fucking rage. I'm not supposed to judge others. I'm supposed to give them a chance, get to know them, look inside for the real person. But I don't warrant the same courtesy?

I've had to just get comfortable with it all. I'll always be an outsider. People can't handle who I am. They can't handle my honesty. They can't handle how I look or what I excel at. I think it makes them feel inadequate somehow. The few friends I do have are secure in themselves. Most people are not.

I think you're in the same boat. Your excellence, candor and strong moral compass from which you refuse to stray causes a metaphorical mirror to be held up to others, they don't like what they see...They don't see you, they see what they lack and that's why they pull away. It's easier than fixing themselves.

You may be an outsider, but hey, so am I, so welcome to the Excellent Exiles Club.