Richmond Ballet Camp levels

[Trying_to_improve]

Hi to all that have attended this camp before

 

I'm thinking about attending, and I'm trying to work out what my expected level might be.

 

I've never done any graded exams so I'm finidng it difficult to weigh up the different levels. I know the indication is not binding, but I'd like to get it at least somewhat right.

 

I'm a rebeginner, having danced for 10 years when younger I had a 10 year break. By august I will have done classes 4 days a week for a year.

 

I was hoping that those of you who have been could give me some pointers to gauge the different levels like,

Do all levels do multiple pirouettes or just some?

Do all the levels or just some do a lot of work on demi pointes?

which jumps, step cominations will be done at one level but not another etc.

How is pointe work proficiency weighted?

 

I hope this makes sence

 

Thank you in advance

[ashatNYU]

Hi there trying_to_improve

 

From what you are telling us, I would put you in either level 2 or 3A, depending on your proficiency. The level 2s are mostly working on single pirouettes (though they are not learning from scratch) and the pointe work is a lot of bourees and pirouette preps (not too many, if any, full out pirouettes). The level 3As are definitely doing doubles and working on pirouettes on pointe. It is ok if you do not know what level in which to place yourself. On the first day, Heidi (camp director) will sit down with each camper and discuss your abilities. It's all very relaxed!

 

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

Ashley

[Trying_to_improve]

Thank you Ashley.

 

It is what I thought I'd be.

[buglady]

Keep in mind too, that you may be in different levels for technique class and pointe class. There are always people who are in a fairly advanced tech level who are beginners at pointe due to injury, lack of pointe classes available for adults, or just never took pointe for some reason.

 

There is also a placement class at the beginning of each session, so if your estimation of your ability level is way off, the teachers are able to see for themselves where you belong and correct your class level. It also has to do with the mix of people at each session. For instance, if there are no real "beginners" attending at that session, then the level I classes will neccesarily be taught at a higher profeicency level than if there were a number of people who had taken only the requisite year of training.

 

These teachers are really good and I think one of the best things about the experience is the fact that the instructors are so good at recognizing and teaching to a level that challenges but does not overwhelm. I have attended when I was in good shape but a beginner to technique and terminology, and also when I had recently had a baby and was in lousy physical shape but had a much better grasp of the terminology and what a step was supposed to look like (not that I could do it you understand! But I knew what the muscles were supposed to be doing!) I always found the instruction to be valuable and never felt I was totally out of my league or way beyond what was being taught.

 

Have fun!!!! I won't be going this year again, but since I have been practically living at the ice rink, I think I may try out the adult ice dance camps this summer. It will be interesting to see how they compare to Richmond. I can't imagine they could measure up. Heidi set a pretty high barre for all other adult camps to live up to! (Pun intended!)

[buglady]

Keep in mind too, that you may be in different levels for technique class and pointe class. There are always people who are in a fairly advanced tech level who are beginners at pointe due to injury, lack of pointe classes available for adults, or just never took pointe for some reason.

 

There is also a placement class at the beginning of each session, so if your estimation of your ability level is way off, the teachers are able to see for themselves where you belong and correct your class level. It also has to do with the mix of people at each session. For instance, if there are no real "beginners" attending at that session, then the level I classes will neccesarily be taught at a higher profeicency level than if there were a number of people who had taken only the requisite year of training.

 

These teachers are really good and I think one of the best things about the experience is the fact that the instructors are so good at recognizing and teaching to a level that challenges but does not overwhelm. I have attended when I was in good shape but a beginner to technique and terminology, and also when I had recently had a baby and was in lousy physical shape but had a much better grasp of the terminology and what a step was supposed to look like (not that I could do it you understand! But I knew what the muscles were supposed to be doing!) I always found the instruction to be valuable and never felt I was totally out of my league or way beyond what was being taught.

 

Have fun!!!! I won't be going this year again, but since I have been practically living at the ice rink, I think I may try out the adult ice dance camps this summer. It will be interesting to see how they compare to Richmond. I can't imagine they could measure up. Heidi set a pretty high barre for all other adult camps to live up to! (Pun intended!)

[thekboose]

Hi there T-T-I:

 

ADC is a great experience, last year was my first time and I loved it. As far as the levels go - one of the best things for you is that you will have taken class 4 days a week for the year leading up to camp. During the meeting with Heidi, she asks about total dancing experience, knowledge of steps and terminology, and how much work you've done in the past year. That information plus her observation of the technique placement class are used to determine the level. As "buglady" indicated, it's perfectly acceptable to attend different levels for different classes, your technique might be a 3A, but your pointe and pirouette level might be a 2. At a certain point it's important not to get too hung up on the level, all the attendees are there ostensibly for the same reason: to learn, dance all day, every day, experience the opportunity to perform on the last day, and have fun!

-K

[Trying_to_improve]

thanks all

 

You've stopped me panicking about the level, and I'm going to go if there are still spots.

 

I just need to decide which of the 3 sessions now.

[BarreTalk]

It is always so cool when someone crosses the Atlantic to come to Adult Dance Camp! Ballet is truely an international activity.

 

My advice would be to not over-stress about choosing the correct level. Placement class will either confirm your initial choice or offer you the opportunity to move up or down to get the right fit for the rest of the week. While you are taking that class, you will be observed by several teachers peeking in through the glass and they are pretty skilled at matching up technique levels.