SFB2b Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 I really wanted to go away for ballet next school year (I'll be in 9th grade) but for many reasons, mainly my mom doesnt want me to, it looks like I'll most likely be at home. I'm not sure though if I should stay at my current school or switch to another school in my general area. The other school is about a 45 minute drive (1 hour and 30 minutes with traffic), and my getting there would take a great deal of public transportation and walking since both my parents have to work full time to be able to afford living in our area. It would definitely put a strain on our family life since I would not get home until 8:30 or later most weeknights. My current school is a good school, and I had a good audition season... I got into School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Universal Ballet Academy. I'm pretty happy with my current school, the teachers are great. The only thing is they only offer 4 technique classes a week for my level. I know this is inadequate, so I usually make it to 2 open classes a week. The other school has more classes, and I've heard they're more "hardcore." Is it worth it to go to the new school for just 1 year or 2 years at the most or should I stay at my current school until I go away? Thanks so much (in advance ). Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted May 30, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 SFB2b, that's a really tough question to answer from here, since we cannot see quality. While quantity is good, quality is even better, and if your school is high quality, then perhaps that is the best for now. If the other school is actually better in terms of quality of training, then that would be the way to go, if you can. However, and that is a BIG however, you cannot depend on word of mouth from other people. You MUST explore the other school yourself, see their classes, their concerts, find out where their graduates are now, and preferably take a few classes to know if there really is enough difference to justify the travel to get there and back. Quote Link to comment
Guest live2dance115 Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 I almost have the same problem as you. I also really want to switch schools because I think that I will get more out of being in a more professional enviornment. But the problem is that the school I am in now loves me, and the teachers are great, but i really want to pursue my dream in becoming a ballerina. Does anyone have any suggestion for me, I would really want to know what to do. I have to start making the decision really soon!!! -Thanks!!! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted June 1, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Hello live2dance115, and welcome to the Young Dancers' forum here on Ballet Talk for Dancers! Getting the very best training you can find is absolutely essential if you plan to try for a career in classical ballet. Being loved is nice, and we all certainly want that, however, it's just more important to get the training. And it's certainly possible to be loved in the larger schools too Quote Link to comment
Guest live2dance115 Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 But Ms. Leigh, how should I tell them that I would like to switch schools, and do you have any schools that you would suggest? Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 The best way to tell them is to tell them straight out. "I feel I need more of a challenging class." or words to that effect. You may certainly choose any of many fine schools in the DC area, such as the Universal Ballet Academy, or the Maryland Youth Ballet in Bethesda, and how do you feel about Rockville? Too long a shlep or not? Since Ms. Leigh is understandably modest about her own fine institution, the Washington School of Ballet, let me be the one to suggest that you try to make an appointment for an evaluation from the teachers there, and if you like it (it's very nice!), study there! Quote Link to comment
Guest live2dance115 Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Thanks, I really apprieciate it!!! I told my mom to call the washington ballet for the info!!! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted June 2, 2004 Administrators Report Share Posted June 2, 2004 There will be an audition at Washington Ballet for fall students on June 19. There will be more in late August, but I don't have the dates on those yet. Quote Link to comment
SFB2b Posted June 2, 2004 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2004 Thanks for all your help, Ms. Leigh. I do know that the other school is a bit better, qualitatively. In fact my best friend went there for a semester before moving to DC to go to UBA. I don't know if this makes any sense, but it's not so much the technique training that is better, because it is only a bit so, but that the other school is better at raising proffessional dancers while the vast majority of seniors form my school choose to go to dance colleges or pursue something entirely different. The other school has alumni now with SFB, regional companies, and there are a few students at SAB year round who came from that school. I also feel devoted to my current school- I've been going there since I was 4 years old. Also, many people are graduating or quitting after this year ends (in 2 weeks), so my class will be quite small, and the fact that I'll get lots of personal attention in class and lots of parts in performances if I stay is something to consider. Quote Link to comment
Guest live2dance115 Posted June 20, 2004 Report Share Posted June 20, 2004 I audtioned yesterday, June 19th! Ms. Leigh was teaching the class! I really hope I did well!!! Quote Link to comment
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