Problems with classes

[Guest pointe_shoes]

I have been dancing for 13 yrs of my 15yr life. This year we have our annual recital. Recently i have been more dedicated to my ballet then ever before, so i wanted to take a additional class. Problem is, that since our recital practices have started, we aren't allowed to sign up for classes again until summer. Do you have any ideas as to how i can improve my technique etc. without having to wait till summer?

 

Ashley

Edited February 12, 2006 by pointe_shoes

[dancerwithwings]

What is your schedule like now?

 

I'm assuming that your school is more of a recreational program, rather than a pre-pro program? Most of the schools I'm familiar with, in the higher levels at least, you pay by your level, and are required to take all classes at your level. I'm guessing that your school is not like this?

 

If this is the case, then perhaps you should reevaluate what studio you are going to. But, if you are truly happy where you are, then talk to the studio director! I can't imagine any teacher or director holding you back from signing up from additional classes. I assume that you cannot just jump into a class because they have already started rehearsing in class for the recital? If that is the case, then tell the director that you are not interested in performing in the additional classes' pieces, but rather just want additional class time. Get your parents in there as well, and tell her about your goals.

 

If this does not work, then I suppose you'll just have to wait for the summer. You can always stretch on your own, do a little bit of strength toning, and ab work, theraband exercises, etc. I wouldn't recommend giving yourself class/barre unless you are at an advanced level.

 

Maybe look into other local studios that will allow you to take an additional class once a week.

 

But imho, it sounds like you may really need to reconsider your studio choice, especially if you are interested in becoming a professional, as your profile suggested.

 

Good luck!

[Guest pointe_shoes]

Thanks!

[Victoria Leigh]

Definitely time to find a new school. No classes between now and summer is totally absurd! That is not a school, it's a recital factory. There is no training taking place.

[Guest pointe_shoes]

Well, it's a good place, like i love all my teachers, it's just that they don't accept new students until after recital because we have already ordered costumes and stuff like that, and choreography has started already so it would be hard to have new people join at the present time. I am looking into joining a pre-proffesional class at the Ballet theater of New Mexico, pointe-included. So, while hopefully taking the new classes, i will balance the whole recital thing too.

 

My schedule is:

Mon: Jazz

tues:intermediate ballet 6 with pointe

wens. nothing.

thurs: ballet intermediate 5 with pointe

fri. nothing

sat.nothing

sun; nothing.

So hopefully i want to replace all these NOTHINGS, with additional classes.

[baa_ram_roo92]

Do what Miss Leigh said and look for a new school. I'm in the highest level at my school and I'm at dance every day except Sunday (other then during Nutcracker Season and the Spring Performance). We are allowed to take any classes we want as long as they don't interfere with our regular classes. Be very careful and investigate the classes offered and the scheldule ect. before deciding.

[Victoria Leigh]

pointe shoes, with only two days of ballet and pointe a week, this is NOT a good school. There is no way you should even be on pointe with only two ballet classes a week. Find a new school now, if you are serious about your training.

[Guest pointe_shoes]

Thanks for the advice guys. While I am searching and taking placement classes at several different schools, I will continue to take classes there until i find the right school. Is that a good idea? And plus i really can't leave that school until after recital because my mom already paid for costumes. So I probably will continue to take classes there until after recital is over. Good news is that I am trying a new class at Dance theater of the Southwest tommorow (wens.), and another on Saturday for Ballet Theater of New Mexico. Yay ! I am so excited!

[Victoria Leigh]

Sounds good. Maybe you will be able to add some classes at one of these other schools during the time between now and summer. Are you going to a Summer Intensive program?

[Guest pointe_shoes]

Like the kind you audition for? I don't know. I hope so. Some of those are really expensive. i was going to try out for the Joeffery workshop but its 2,600,90 dollars. I can't really afford that.

[Victoria Leigh]

Yes, the kind you audition for. They are all expensive. But, if you are going for a career in classical ballet, they are essential. How old are you? If you are 14 or older, and have not attended any Summer Intensive programs, you are already behind in the area of students on track for a professional career.

[class_act36]

Hi Pointe Shoes,

 

I personally know both the schools (and directors of) in NM that you will be looking at. Both wold be good choices for you if you are interested in furthering your ballet training. Both of them are the highest quality of training that you will find in the Albq. area. As a matter of fact I am a guest teacher for Ballet Theatre of NM every year for their summer intesnive program. May you might try to do their program this year. It would be a start.

 

Miss S.

[Victoria Leigh]

Thank you for this information, Miss S., however, I must direct you to the information that this is the Young Dancers forum, and no one is allowed to post here except teens and the Moderator/Teachers. Sorry! I will leave your post this time, as it contains helpful information.

[class_act36]

oops...sorry...no disrespect. just new here...thank you.

[Guest pointe_shoes]

I will need to check out that sumer intensive. Thanks for the info i actually found out about the summer intensive at Dance Theater of the Southwest, and they have one you don't have to audition for.