I just want to be the best dancer that I can be

[Guest AidanM]

Lately I'm finding that I just don't have enough ballet. I only have 2 classes a week, and they add up to about 3 hours and 20 minutes total. I wish I had a 2 hour class every day, because I love it. I'm going to try to get more ballet, but that's not what this post is about.

 

I want to know if it seems reasonable to pay the tuition and everything to go to a residencey if you have no plans of going pro? What's the likelihood of getting accepted if you've started as late as I have? (17) I've heard that boys can start later, but all the same. I just want to get the best training I can get, but I don't know if a residencey is the best way to do that or not.

[vrsfanatic]

The decision to go to a residency program or not is one to be carefully considered by a family. There are differing residency programs. some are geared toward a professional career in ballet, while some are boarding school programs with an emphasis on a many aspects of education.

 

17 is late to begin serious training as a dancer, however sometimes for some, if there is a will there is a way.

[Tuesday]

Aidan,

 

My son dances in Eugene, OR. and has a male teacher. I know Eugene is quite a trek, and I have no idea if you are able to travel for ballet classes, but if you are, I think his school might be a good fit for you. His teacher has done well with boys who have started ballet late.

 

His name is John Grensback, he runs the Oregon Ballet Academy. You can google their site to find out more about him and the school.

 

Portland might be another option that would work for you.

 

Good luck!

[Guest AidanM]

Portland might be a good idea, I'm applying to Portland State University.

Edited January 22, 2006 by K8smom

[K8smom]

AidanM, it's not necessary to quote the entire post that you're responding to, especially if it's directly above your post - it uses up bandwidth. It's better to use the addreply button instead of the "reply button. Thanks!

 

If you haven't already, check out both Pacific Artists Dance Center, here, and OBT school, here in Portland.

[Guest AidanM]

Oo, sorry.

 

Thank you for the links. OBT Does not have its adult classes lined up yet, but I will definitely be looking into both.

[K8smom]

No problem, AidanM, and you're welcome .

 

Good luck finding classes; I know that it can be a challenge here in Oregon.

[Guest AidanM]

I've been e-mailing with Megan Murphy at the Academy in Eugene. She suggested that I go in for a placement class next week. She also said that there is limited financial aid based on need and talent, which I will definitely ask for. Now I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of it all, and find a job to help fund it.

 

Thanks a lot Tuesday, I never would have contacted them without your reccomendation.

[Tuesday]

That is great to hear, Aidan!

 

I am always glad to be able to help. I hope things work out for you and I get see you hanging around the OBA studios.

 

--Tuesday

[Guest AidanM]

Just an Update: I'll be going this Friday or Saturday to take a placement class. I'm going to ask my instructor to come with me. I'm really nervous!

[Tuesday]

You'll be fine, Aidan!

 

Everyone at OBA is very nice. Try not to worry!

 

--Tuesday

[Guest AidanM]

I'm definitely going tomorrow for a class at noon. I've already applied for a job, and will be applying for a few others so that I've got some way to pay for all this. Now I just have to figure out if I'm going to be driving back and forth each day, or if I can find some place to stay Friday night and just drive back Saturday morning.

 

I'm super-excited!

[Tuesday]

Aidan,

 

I hope your class with John went well and that the job and commuting will work out for you.

 

Best wishes,

 

Tuesdsay