Not enough classes?

[NHBnutcracker]

I am worried that I am not taking enough classes. I am 13 in Pre-intermediate and I am taking 3 classes a week.

 

2 are 1 1/2 hours and 1 is 2 hrs, 1/2 of it is pointe. I feel as if that is not a good amount of classes for me, but my parents can't afford any more. Do you have any suggestions? Is this enough?

[Victoria Leigh]

As a Pre-Intermediate, I think that is all that is available, most likely. When you get to the Intermediate level, hopefully the number of classes will increase. By next year, if you are serious about ballet, you should really be having daily classes.

[ElphieBean]

I have that trouble too. I only do 2 45min ballet lessons a week. I'd love for the lessons to be longer though. 2 of my frieds do 4 45min lessons a week, but they're higher than me.

[Victoria Leigh]

Elphie, I really, seriously, think that you should find a better school! It's just not even possible to teach a full ballet class in 45 minutes! You should be at the barre that long, or close to it, and then still have an equal amount of time for center work.

[Guest pointeshoesrox]

i am in the advanced level of my studio and i have 3 1 hour and 15min ballet class a week ( one of wich is pointe) and 1 2 hour repratory class. I also take 2 and half hours of jazz and 1 hour of modern a week as well as an hour of pilaties. I also help assistant teach 4 of ballet classes a week. if that enough ballet? I know i should be doing more but i don't think there is anyway i fit it in with what i am already doing. I really want to be a ballet major in collage. I am really condisdering changeing studios but I really love my teacher. what do you all think i should do? thank you sooo much for all the help!!

[Victoria Leigh]

The problem is that if you are considered "advanced", with only 3 one hour and 15 minute technique classes a week, I'm afraid you are in for a bit of a shock if you go to a more professional school. You will be placed in a considerably lower level than you think you are. If you are willing to accept that, in order to get the training you will need in order to be accepted as a ballet major in a good program, then do it.

[SugarPlumFairy1]

I have 2 Intermidiate Ballet classes and 2 Advanced Ballet classes and one pointe class. All are and hour and 15 min.

 

On thursdays and fridays I work out at the gym one day arms the other legs and I do the elyptical both days.

On weekends I do Pilates.

 

Is that an ok sceduale? I took the advanced ballet classes because I wanted more ballet training with my teacher, its not much different from intermidiate its just slightly easier.

 

I would really like to go for a dance major also. My sceduale is not that big because a lot is going on with my family right now and my parents needed to take break from all the driving me to auditions etc. Next year I am going to get more involved. I will do company next year for sure. I will do Nutcracker. Im so mad I did't get to do it this year.

[Victoria Leigh]

If you are still 13 or 14, it's 'okay', but not great. I just don't like anything less than hour and a half classes, because it's simply not possible to get a full class done. And where is the pointe work?

 

However, if that is all you can do this year, and there is no choice, then it will have to be okay. I just guestion any program that has "advanced" classes, or even intermediate, that are under an hour and a half.

[balletdancecm]

Last year at my old studio i was also an "advanced" student placed in the highest level. Taking 3 ballet classes and one pointe {plus other kinds of dance} and this was the most they offered. This year i switched studios and it was such a huge change for me, not being anywhere near the best. I think it was a really good thing for me though, beacuse I am improving tramendously! Im now dancing 20-26 hours a week. You can't even be in the intermediate level with out taking a minimum of 9 hours a week. I'm also already 15 so i guess it's a little different, but you would be suprised the improvment you make when your taking ballet everyday.

 

<3 Cali

[Ballet Obsessed]

Just wondering, but right now, I am taking 13.5 hours a week, 6 days a week of technique, pointe, and repertoire (I have just turned 14) and I want to take more classes... extra classes are available at my studio, and I want to take them, but my parents feel that the amount of classes I'm already doing is enough. Any suggestions on how to convince parents about such things?

Edited September 17, 2006 by Ballet Obsessed

[Victoria Leigh]

That is better than 2 hours per day, 6 days a week. Sounds pretty good, actually. What did you want to add?

[Ballet Obsessed]

I want to add an extra 2 hr repertoire class and a 1 hr jazz class... (and maybe a pilates class?)

[Victoria Leigh]

Sounds like a lot, but it is doable if you are really well organized and know how to handle priorities. If your teachers are encouraging you to do this, have them talk to your parents.

[Ballet Obsessed]

That sounds like a great suggestion Ms. Leigh... And I'll get right on it! I'll definitely think of a plan to organize my time if my teachers can successfully convince my parents! (I guess organization will be key if I am able to take these classes) THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

[ElphieBean]

The trouble is, there are no schools in my area which offer more lessons. There is a "professional" school nearby, but they only offer 1 1hour class a week & plus one of my friends went there but she wouldn't wish anyone to go there!

I still do 5x45 mins dance classes a week, but only 2 of them are ballet.