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  1. Yesterday
  2. PlainJane

    Miami City Ballet School

    PlainJane replied to Allegrodancer's topic in Pre-professional Schools/Residence Programs

    My DD was offered year round during spring break. She went to another program for the summer, but started at MCBS a few weeks ago and loves it.
  3. brittma brittma joined the community
  4. dancemaven
    Gentle Reminder: We do ask that information and recommendations on these threads be based upon first-hand information and experience. It is one thing to know of schools in an area and offer those names to be checked out. And it is another to go further and offer second-hand experiences and impressions not directly experienced. We seem to be going afield in several of these threads. :wink:. So this reminder is directed at no one in particular, but a reminder to all of us as to the purpose and the basis of the value of these threads. Thank you all for being so helpful to us all.
  5. KMBH
    Another thumbs up for Draper. I know several current students there and a few alum. They offer separate boys classes starting at their Level 4 (of 5, I believe). There is also the Professional Training Program for NYS Ballet which is through Ballet Prestige, on the outskirts of Rochester. I also know a student in that program. It does run 10-2, so academics need to be creatively solved. I don't get the impression that school has a lot of boys, however, and I only see one male on the faculty listing.
  6. squirrel
    Ah, passe, you them all? Do you think the barre and center DVDs are good for practicing in addition to my lessons at school? Are there exercises you can follow like on the preparatory DVD (I´ve got that, too).
  7. mln
    Hi, all, I just found Barry Karollis's recent podcast on the topic of "Toxic Masculinity in Dance." He recorded in mid-September. it in response to the NYCB suit, but he used it to address a general problem rather than to critique any specific company, and that's why I think it might be especially pertinent to our discussion here. I know that I can't link to it here, but the link was posted by a moderator on the sister site, Ballet Alert, and I'm hoping you won't have trouble finding it. It is part of his Pas de Chat series on Premier Dance Network. It's a 40 minute commitment, but I think you might find listening to his discussion very illuminating. Karollis used mostly personal experience in studios, at summer intensives, and as a new member in a company, and he discussed problems male dancers face in a thoughtful and real way. He is able to articulate first hand something I have also been observing and worrying about---that the social prejudices that male dancers face can lead to a defensiveness that isn't always positive. I think he understands that the prejudices have to change! But he is also encouraging more conversation about how to recognize and maybe discourage a kind of masculinity that is defensive. He believes that there can be a positive masculinity in dance. I don't want to say that he had a lot of answers--but he really defined for me what I'd like to teach my son to recognize and avoid. I'd love to know what others think.
  8. Bavalay
    Rain, I'm with gasguzzler on your dilemma. It's not your responsibility nor can you manage the emotions/feelings of another parent. Selecting roles is the job of the AD, not parents or students. I understand feelings are hurt and you want to be gracious and also "fix" the sadness. But how wonderful that the other student showed maturity and good sportsmanship towards your daughter. That's the important thing. I can also imagine both you and she want to celebrate and be happy...but at the same time not feel like you're rubbing in the victory. Proceed as you normally do. No one can see how you feel on the inside (just don't let it show on your face). In time the parents of the other dancer will be fine too. I would also not assume that the parents will continue to watch the rehearsals or are even thinking about it anymore; or that drama will continue. The show (and life) must go on after all. Encourage your DD to focus on her training and not who's watching the class. Congrats to her for role as Clara. Enjoy💕
  9. Kalashnikov

    Ballerinas who are movers

    Kalashnikov replied to dancermom5's topic in About Professional Dancers & Companies

    I thought the terms "mover" and "dancer" were used in the area of musical actors to say something about their focus. A "dancer" is someone who is really a good dancer who doesn't have to be a great singer. Where a "mover" should not be given a dancing role and has to be a good actor or singer to compensate. Isn't it? So in a dance company you wouldn't find a mover by that definition.
  10. Bavalay

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    Bavalay replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    ...I just read on Sunhwa Arts Academy and it indeed requires the highest academics besides ballet artestry; interviews and such. It's not a simple ballet audition for acceptance.
  11. Bavalay

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    Bavalay replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    Fraildove I don't know David, but from reading his post it looks like what he is trying to say is that those ballet schools are linked to the education system that not only has physical ballet requirements but also academic test scores to be a part of those schools. For example one must be accepted to attend ballet and academics all in one... I could be wrong but that's how I took it😊
  12. Fraildove

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    Fraildove replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    Hi David Malcolm, I’m slightly confused. Are you looking for a pre-professional training program for your daughter or a recreational program? If you are looking for a pre-professional school that would prepare your daughter for dancing professionally after turning 17/18/19, VRS has given you two wonderful schools. I’m not sure what you are referring to about the Korean Education System. Both schools use the same curriculum that most professional schools in Russia use. After all it was developed there. This method is also taught in Europe and the US (modified). I do not think it has anything to do with SAT scores but would require an audition to make sure that your daughter has the right physical facility for ballet, that at age 14 her technique is at the correct level, as well as looking for musicality, artistry, flexibility and natural coordination. It would be the same in any pre-professional ballet school regardless of the country. If the school is full time, again like most major ballet schools are then perhaps if you are not satisfied with the academics you can use an international curriculum as opposed to Korean. Each country would be different on their educational requirements anyway and most dancers at this type of training program would have the makings of a professional career. If your child wants to dance professionally the most important part of that is getting the best possible training available. As said in other posts, Korea has some of the finest ballet programs in the world. If your dancer isnt wanting to become a professional dancer and is planning to attend university after high school then it isn’t as vital that the training be world class. I guess that is where I am confused.
  13. mom2
    I haven't taken classes there myself (being as I'm an old mom and all). That said, teacher bios are good and I know a couple of folks who have taught classes there in the last year. Teaching credentials seem good, but perhaps the schedule isn't ideal for a pre-pro? I'm asking my contacts for suggestions - will let you know if I hear of anything beyond what's been suggested on this thread.
  14. Chasse Away
    Mom2 have you ever attended classes there? I was just wondering what it was like personally, because I like to branch out and try other teachers from time to time. However, I don't think it is a pre pro school. Their highest level of ballet is only 3 hours a week and only offers pointe once a week. Unless they have a pre pro program that I am unaware of?
  15. mom2
    I would also check out Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts: Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
  16. OHmom started following Indiana University
  17. gasguzzler

    Casting drama- what would you do?

    gasguzzler replied to rain's topic in Parents of Dancers under 13

    If I were in your shoes I do not think I would say anything for fear of making things worse or seeming insincere. Anyway I wouldn't want to talk to that mother because she made my daughter uncomfortable by watching her so much. (My daughter was in a similar situation when she went to a new school once. Another mother would watch my daughter during parent watch days instead of watching her own daughter and it made my daughter very uncomfortable. Especially because my daughter had heard from others that this student would say mean things about her right in front of the mother who allowed it to go on.) The bottom line is that your daughter was the one who was chosen. She is the one who they want for the role, regardless of whether or not the other girl is more mature or stronger or has better technique. Maybe they don't need more mature or better technique for that role. Maybe they want a younger Clara. Maybe your daughter has the look they want. Or a certain spark. Maybe she's super cute when she smiles or endearing or a great actress and that is what they want for their Clara. Whatever it is let her have her moment and don't let these other people take it away from her. Tell her not to let this mother make her nervous. Tell her that mother is just watching her because she's so good at her role.
  18. dancingjet

    Casting drama- what would you do?

    dancingjet replied to rain's topic in Parents of Dancers under 13

    Congratulations to your daughter. Since you don't really know what the other mom and dad are thinking, I'd suggest just going along as you have been. Be friendly, do your volunteer gig, support your dancer, be kind in your words and deeds regarding other dancers, and let it go. My DD faced something similar when she was cast as Clara and another dancer and her mother were less than gracious about it. It just takes time, and either the other person gets over it and deals with their own issues and insecurities, or they reveal who they really are. If they're jealous there is nothing you can say that is going to change that. You can't fix their feeling of disappointment or their judgment that your DD is not as deserving of the role as their DD. I always encouraged my dancer to be kind and inclusive and to not say or do anything outright to hurt someone else or give them reason to be angry with her. That said, I also encouraged her to dance for herself, work hard, and do the best she could. If that made someone else feel bad, that wasn't hers to control.
  19. rain started following Casting drama- what would you do?
  20. rain
    DD auditioned for Clara at her dance school. Only two dancers wanted to part. The other dancer (let's call her Jane), is in the same level as DD, but Jane is couple of years older, more mature, stronger and have better technique (in my opinion). I thought that Jane was going to get the part, or the best would be that they double cast. So, I was quite surprised that DD was chosen. Jane and her dad looked crushed. I felt I want to say something to them but afraid it would come out insincere. She congratulated my DD and they hugged briefly. Her dad and I were friendly and we both volunteered for the production, but he had not said a word or even made an eye contact with me since then. I went to pick up DD after the next rehearsal, Jane approached DD and told DD not to feel bad for her and that DD would be a good Clara! I was sitting right there so, I told Jane that she is an amazing dancer (I really think so). After we left, DD told me that Jane's mom came to watch the rehearsal (unusual for our school). She kept looking at DD appraisingly and made DD nervous. I think the parents are acting quite strange, while the daughter is a very good sport. I am wondering if there is anything I could do to ease the tension with the dad, since we have to work together pretty closely for another 3 months. Should I ignore the elephant in the room, act the same, not bring it up and hopefully he will get over it? If I am to say something, what should I say? I wish I could tell them that their daughter is a wonderful as a dancer and as a person, but I really don't know if they would want to hear it from me. Would really appreciate your thoughts. I have terrible people skill and I hate drama! Thanks so much!
  21. vrsfanatic

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    vrsfanatic replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    I wish you and your DD the best.
  22. Last week
  23. Chasse Away
    I'm glad I could help! I hope it is what you are looking for 😊. Also ask about Nutcracker, we are already a few rehearsals in but we could use another guy. I know you live far away though so it might be too far for a Sunday rehearsal. Best of luck for Tuesday!
  24. passe
    So true! I have all of her Character Dance DVD's and I think that boy on Essential Preparatory level is her son, but I might be wrong. He looks a lot like the boy on her Character Dance DVD Center work, and I think he is also appears on her last DVD for Character Dance Class Barre work.
  25. passe
    I have level one barre work and center work, for Vaganova Syllabus. Also for Character Dance class: syllabus for level1, Barre work level 1 and Center work etudes for level 1. She has another new DVD for Barre work looks like level 2 for Character Dance CD included. I like it a lot, lots of explanations.
  26. David Malcolm

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    David Malcolm replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    Those two schools are geared for aspiring Korean ballerinas. They probably follow the general Korean educational system which we haven't been part of (eg. very competitive Korean SAT). We are aiming for DD to only train in an after-school ballet academy. We plan for her to complete university study abroad (US, Canada, Russia, Germany, Australia). We don't want her to be trapped into the ultra rote-learning/competitiveness of Korean educational system. She has studied English educstional system since kindergarten but does speak Korean.
  27. PointyToes
    Thank you Chasse, we have scheduled a class on Tuesday so DS can dance and meet Max. Melania suggested that DS would most likely train with Max and take the classes starting at 2:50. DD was excited about the Flamenco class,too. She can't take pointe anymore but misses dancing. Hopefully this will work out well. We are hopeful and can't wait for Tuesday!
  28. Penny Joy Penny Joy joined the community
  29. vrsfanatic started following Ballet Schools in Korea
  30. vrsfanatic

    Ballet Schools in Korea

    vrsfanatic replied to dancypants1's topic in Finding a Pre-Pro Ballet School

    David Malcolm if you in or near Seoul, some of the best training in the world is available in Seoul. look at the Sunhwa Arts Academy and the KNUA. These are two very good places to begin your search. Neither school is RAD. Both are based on the Vaganova program of study. Your DC will most likely have to audition for entrance. Both programs are highly professional.
  31. Chasse Away
    I checked the rules and it there doesn't seem to be any rules against answering 'if I am a current student', which I am, but I was told not to post where I go to school a few months ago so mods if please delete this if I am not supposed to answer this question. Before there was a private day school it was just called Hamilton City Ballet, when the implemented the school (HAPA) I believe they had to pick another name because it was a separate business for legal reasons. HAPA is also a full preforming arts day school, I know they put on a musical every year in March, and have music lessons where everyone has to study an instrument. I am not in the pre-pro program of HAPA (the private day school) but I am a student at HCB, I am a university student at a near by university. I train with the HCB teens (good classes but not necessarily pre pro) and the HCB adults (ranging from hobbyists to ex-professionals), but I dance with all the students (HAPA and HBC combined) in the Nutcracker and end of year recital, and like I said most HAPA students take HCB classes to get more dance in, so I know mostly everyone from HAPA as well. The point I am trying to make is that I 'know what is going on here' so feel free to ask if you have any more questions.
  32. Bavalay

    When do I address bullying in the studio?

    Bavalay replied to GingerMomma519's topic in Parents of Dancers under 13

    Nice Eligus. Very helpful perspective. Thank you for posting this.
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