Mel could I have your advice

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

I heard back from Neglia Ballet, I was told that the teachers are Sergio Neglia, Heidi Halt, and Sherri Campagni, they rotate their classes with the teachers. I found out Sergio hand picks the ones he wants to train privately. I wish I had the money to go the summer program they have because they will have all those teachers I mentioned above then they will also have 2 male guest teachers. How does a teacher hand pick the ones to teach privately? I have a feeling its like this.... He privately teaches the ones who have potentail and leaves the ones who have no hope alone. Correct me if I am wrong. I was also invited to take a class whenever I was in the area, I am trying to find out when they will be open for class so I can set up the date and time. Also who was that Male teacher in Rochester you were telling me about?

[Mel Johnson]

How a teacher picks a student for special training is something very subjective and varies from teacher to teacher. Suffice it to say that there's something about training that student that appeals to the teacher. I have no idea what Mr. Neglia finds appealing in students.

 

In Rochester, there was Tim Draper, but he's passed away. I don't know why you should be in such a frenzy to study with a male teacher, though. Women know enough about the basics to get you to a point where you'll then be able most to benefit from male technique classes.

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

The frenzy is because I read in books the male teacher can give the student the male perspective of ballet, a female teacher can give both but I don't want to lack in any area. A will send them a video of my performance in June or July whenever I get the dvd or video tape. I hope from there they can see me from their perspective and have a slight idea of what to do with me. I am sorry to hear about Tim Draper passing away. I can't remember if you or Citibob told me about him.

[Mel Johnson]

Ernest, look, that's fine, but for heaven's sake, essentially you're a beginner. Get the basics down, then worry about the details. Place yourself in some competent teacher's hands to give you the grounding, then work on male technique! A girl doesn't start on pointe or variations right from the get-go.

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

Ok, so I give up on the male technique for now. But would it be a better idea to go there and learn the good and unlearn the bad, like you told me before? It seems like a good school to get my Ballet education and experience. I am just confused I am sorry Mel, Its just that I don't want to be unlearning a lot of bad things. I hear nothing but good things in newspapers, reviews etc on Neglia Ballet. Im just afriad to join up at the wrong school and have my learning in the end to be useless.

[Mel Johnson]

Tell you what - go to the Draper School in Rochester and try to get classes with Jaime Leverett. She's a good teacher, and had a male student place very well in a recent ballet competition, much as I don't like competitions. Ms. Leigh and I have been conferring offboard about this, and we concur that this is probably the best place for you.

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

I can't find nothing about that school? No online site I've tried anything I can think off even googled it up. I found out very little of anything.

[Victoria Leigh]

Draper Center for Dance Education

320 Goodman Street North

Rochester, NY 14607

585-461-2100

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

Should I write a letter, if so what should I say? Should I also apply for RIT for college and do Ballet when I am not in college? I am already in ECC for becoming a teacher but I want to be a fashion designer instead. I dont' know what to do its so very confusing.

[Mel Johnson]

Give 'em a call on the phone! That's the quickest and easiest way. As to the higher education choices you make, they're up to you. RIT is a fine school.

[citibob]

Should I also apply for RIT for college and do Ballet when I am not in college?

 

You need to study ballet consistently, during the school year as well, if you wish to dance professionaly.

 

I am already in ECC for becoming a teacher but I want to be a fashion designer instead.

 

I might be mistaken, but RIT does not seem to have a program in fashion design. If you wish to be a fashion designer, I suggest attending a school with a fashion design major.

[Mel Johnson]

I don't think you've quite understood the question, bob.

 

RIT and ECC are two widely separated schools geographically.

[Guest Until The End Of Time]

I will find something to major in. In life you need two plans, to back up the first one if it does not succeed. If I don't make it dancing Then I can go on to something else. But as I am not dancing and not training I want to do something besides sit around all day. I am not limited in what I can achieve in life. I can do hair, make up ( thanks to my sister), I can cut hair also, FADE EXPERT HERE!!!! I give the flawless fade.

I was told to go to a cosmetology school and get my lincense to cut hair by many places. I can do the productions for my friends. Ghost writing. I am not limited as I said. ECC is going to be knocked down anyways Joe Giambra wants to take all the ECC's and put them down town Buffalo suppsosivly its 12 mintues to get there no matter where you are. sure thing buddy!

 

Citibob I highly doubt I'd have a chance in professional career I am 21 in case you forgot. I had my chance when I was younger, now I only have regrets on not starting sooner, but im learning fast. Well its time for bed for me.

[citibob]

I don't think you've quite understood the question, bob.

 

I see, I didn't understand the question. I didn't realize ECC was a college. Now I looked at ECC's website.

 

I think I'll say the same thing I said before: if you want to be a fashion designer, then you should go to a college that will give you an education in fashion design. I could not find any such program at ECC or RIT. You're doing yourself a grave disservice if you have dreams but you pursue an education in something you don't really care for because it's the "acceptable" or "easy" thing to do. I know far too many people who did that, and they all regret life even before the age of 30.

 

I know very little about fashion design, how one goes about getting an education or career in the field. But you might start out by looking at the SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology

[Mel Johnson]

Yes, I agree; it doesn't get much better for fashion design than FIT! And besides, it plunks you right down in NYC where you can find all kinds of ballet class!