Guest LovetoDance Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 I'm a late-starter in ballet and I think the teen beginner class at my studio isn't really a beginner class. For example, its open to everybody, any time they would wish to join. Normal classes have a set regestration time that students must register by for the semester. Also, my very first class they were telling me to do fifth position and things like grands battements and pas de chats! Aren't I supposed to learn the basics first like the five positions? And most of the students in the class are already pretty advanced, so the teacher only pays attention to them and if I can't do a move, she ignores me. But there are no other teen beginner class at the studio. Do you think it's possible that I take beginner ballet with the younger children? I'm only 13. Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 7, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Hello LovetoDance, welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers It does sound like you must be in the wrong class...or, perhaps the wrong school! One would not put a 13 year old beginner in a class like you describe. Yes, you would be better with younger children if there is no teen beginner class. Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Thank you Ms. Leigh! Do you think the directors of the school would allow me to join a beginner class with 7-year-olds? And when do u think i could register for the class? Do I have to wait until next fall? Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Oh and another thing. You suggested that I might be at the wrong school. I thought about that but my studio is the best studio in my area. The director went to SAB on a scholarship. There is another studio that offers teen beginner classes but their teachers are not as good. Do you think its better that I join the children classes at a better studio or the teen classes at a slightly worse studio? Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 7, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Are you sure that one of the other schools might not be good too? Have you checked them out? Is there anyone in town who has been a professional dancer? I think you need to do some exploring. In the meantime, talk to your current teacher about a different class. Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Do you know how I can find a professional dancer in my area? Or a private instructor? Quote Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Oy! This is tough. While I respect SAB for many, many things, I know that they do not prepare their students to be teachers, but must rely upon the time-tried route of oral tradition. It's a fair and foul way of passing knowledge, but it's the way of ballet nonetheless. There are no systems of universal accreditation for ballet schools in the US, and the enforcement of standards in the RAD and Cecchetti Council of America seems to me spotty, at best. You have been thrust into a "sink or swim" course. Ask to be "put back" into a more elementary class until you have learned the rudiments. Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 7, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 What is the nearest large city? Is there a Professional Ballet Company anywhere near? Call them. If you can't get to their school, as for their recommendation. If there is no company call one of the major University Dance Programs, like SMU or TCU. We can't help you without knowing where you are. Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 Thank you guys for replying so fast! I really need to know how to get out of this situation as soon as I can! Ms. Leigh, I live in Dallas, Texas. It's not as big as Houston but I think it's pretty big. Do you by any chance know of the academies here? And I'm familiar with SMU, so do you think I should call them and ask for advice? And how can you find professional companies in the area who have schools open for teen beginners like me? I asked my director if I can be placed in a younger class but she hasn't replied yet. Thanks soooo much! I appreciate it! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 8, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 There is a professional company there in Dallas, and I would contact them. I believe there is also a school. The company is directed by Ben Stevenson, formerly director of the Houston Ballet. I'm blank on the name of the company...Dallas Ft. Worth Ballet?...or did it change when Mr. Stevenson took over? Help someone! Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 OH MY GOD would you contact them for me??? Oh my god you are the best person ever! I love you so much and thank you from the bottom of my heart! If you're too busy however, I would gladly contact them myself if you can give me their contact information. Thank you so much for your care and time Ms. Leigh! I wish all ballet teachers could be like you! Keep up the good work! We always appreciate it! Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 8, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 LovetoDance, I can't contact them for you. You are there, I'm not. Hopefully I will come up with the contact info for you, or we will come up with it right here. We have people in Dallas who are members, and others around the country who will remember the name of the company and hopefully know about the school and where they are located in Dallas. Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 8, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 Here is the website for the Ballet...which is now called the Texas Ballet Theatre. http://www.fortworth.com/01visitors/0105pe...rthballet.shtml Quote Link to comment
Guest LovetoDance Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 Oh darn it, Texas Ballet Theatre is way too far from where I live (it would take me more than an hour to drive there). However, I found another dance academy that seems to offer teen/adult ballet classes that's near me. If it doesn't bother you, could you perhaps take a look at the website and tell me if the studio looks good to you? Thank you! The website is: http://www.sheenasdanceacademy.com/default.asp Quote Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 8, 2005 Administrators Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 Nope, sorry, but this one does not look good at all. Try calling Texas Ballet Theatre or SMU for a recommendation. Quote Link to comment
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