I've been accepted!

[cecchettiballetgirl]

I just got back from Quinte Ballet School's summer program and I've been offered a spot in the year round professional program. I was very excited to find out because I'm a late starter so I didn't think I would ever get an opportunity like this. Unfortunately, my parents aren't letting me go because they say the chances of making it as a dancer are very low and it is really expensive and they don't think they can afford it. I loved the summer program- the teachers, the training and the other students- and I want to go more than anything else in the world. I'm fifteen and I know that if I don't go, I won't really have a chance at making it. My mom doesn't think that it will be worth it to go for two years though, and she's said that she's heard from others that the school isn't very good anymore and it isn't worth it to send me there.

 

I just don't know what to do or how to convince my parents that I need to go. They keep saying that this isn't the only way...but isn't it?

 

[Victoria Leigh]

This is interesting, as it leads one to think that, since you were offered a year round position, that the either the training you have had is very good, or, you are exceptionally talented, or, possibly both! Your problem is to decide if the training at home is as good and if you have as much of it as you would have at Quinte. If the answers to that are negative, then you will have to find a way to convince your parents that you DO have a chance in the ballet world, but only if you get to a place where you will receive both the quality and quantity of training that you need to do that. Quinte is not the only school out there, however, so, perhaps there is somewhere else you could look, or perhaps your own school is good for another year or two. No way we can know that.

[cecchettiballetgirl]

Well, I think that the training I'm getting right now is very good but I'm not sure I'm getting enough. I live only about an hour away from Quinte so I can't think of a better place for me to go. My mom is saying that that thing she is most concerned about is that the school's reputation isn't as good as it used to be and that their dancers graduating now aren't finding many jobs? I don't know or understand where she's heard this from but she seems to think it's the truth. She also thinks I've started to late to have a chance at a career in ballet and that if I go to Quinte I won't be able to get a job in any other form of dance but ballet (such as modern which I also love). I'm trying to find some more scholarship information at the moment because money is also a concern for my parents. Hopefully that will help at least a little.

[kellyisthebestintheworld]

Cecchetti, I hope that you and your parents work something out, it seems like you'd do really well there and like it. good luck with scholarships

[dancemomCA]

Cecchetti - you will get good, solid, intense ballet training at Quinte - maybe ask you mom to call the school and talk to the Director, Ms. Witkowski - I was at the show yesterday and saw you perform, even though I don't know who you are! And there are grads that were offered contracts this year, and some have gone on to post-grad training, some have opted for university, some have decided to return for another year. But your parents are right - it is costly - there are scholarships and bursaries available - you must contact the school however. Good luck!!!!

[sballetgrl]

Well your parents are right. It is not the only way. There are TONS of places to go!