Ideal schedule

[Guest alliecat93]

I was sitting her trying to map out my ideal schedule for next year, but I would really appreciate some input form the moderators. My goal for this year is to perfect every single step and get as good as I can. I want to be able to go to SAB or Harid for their SI and then year round. Of course, if I don't get accepted to either of those places, I know there are lots of other good schools, so it won't be the end of the worls. That's just what I'm aiming for.

 

I was going to go away to a pretty prestigious school where I could take many classes a week, but I have decided that it would be best for me to stay at home this year. My parents said that I can take as many classes as I can and I can also take some private lessons. I do cyber school at home, so I would be able to take a private lesson or pilates class in the middle of the day if I wanted to.

 

THis is what my ideal schedule would be for next year. Keep in mind that I could take some of these private lessons during the day. If you have any helpful input or if you know of a more ideal schedule for a 15 almost 16 year old who hopes to make it professionally, please let me know.

 

 

Monday: 90 minute technique

90 minute technique

60 minute private lesson (pointe)

 

Tuesday: 45 minute pilates mat class

90 minute technique

90 minute pointe

60 minute private lesson (technique)

 

Wednesday: 90 minute technique

90 minute technique

60 minute private lesson (pointe)

 

Thursday: 45 minute pilates mat class

90 minute technique

90 minute pointe

60 minute private lesson (technique)

 

Friday: 90 minute technique

90 minute technique

60 minute private lesson (pointe)

 

Saturday: 45 minute pilates mat class

90 minute technique

90 minute pointe

60 minute private lesson (technique)

 

Sunday: 60 minute private lesson (pointe)

[Victoria Leigh]

Allie, you asked for our opinion, so here is mine. Your "ideal" schedule is excessive.

 

First, I believe that one day off from dance a week is needed for the body to recover, so classes 7 days a week would not be ideal, IMO.

 

Secondly, too many technique classes, plus the intensity of daily private lessons would be self-defeating, or "over-kill". ONE really good technique class of 90 minutes, or two hours at the most, followed by an hour of pointe should be quite adequate. A private lesson once a week if you like, plus maybe some modern or jazz here and there, and pilates, would be fine too. You still have academic work to do, and probably rehearsals as well.

 

I believe the body can benefit most from working hard and well in one technique class, and that added classes can put too much stress on the same joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Overwork can make the body very vulnerable to injury.

 

This is just my opinion, of course, and there are places where much more work in technique is stressed. However, I feel that 3 hours or so of really good work is worth more than 5 or 6 hours of stress on the same body parts, especially for a young dancer who is still in school.

[Guest alliecat93]

Thank you for your opinion. I really value what you say, and I will take this into consideration when making a new 'ideal' schedule.

[Guest twinklehooves]

I know I'm not a moderator, but:

 

Keep in mind that you might get sick of doing all of that for 360 days...... Just a thought.