Quite the Dilema

[emma_tutu]

I'm 14 years old and spent my entire dance career at one studio. They have been so good to me for so long. A lot of my friends are there, I like the teachers for the most part, and the studio has provided me with wonderful lyrical, jazz training and good ballet training. So my dilema is that I don't feel as though I'm taking enough ballet. I only get 1 or 2 ballet/pointe classes a week. Ballet is my favorite style of dance, and whether or not I choose to do ballet or modern as a career I know ballet is the most important training a dancer can get.

 

I don't know what to do about this situation. Should I ask my teachers to give more ballet, should I take private lessons at my studio, should I switch studios all together, or should I take up classes at other studios but stick with this one as well? Thanks

[Mel Johnson]

Whatever works. I'd counsel against private classes, they cost too much for too little return, unless you have a specific goal in mind, like a solo variation, or an exam preparation. I'd lose the lyrical, as that doesn't actually turn into anything on the professional stage, and use the time for more ballet class, whether at your present studio, or another. In fact, I think I would advise you to try another studio, one that doesn't teach "lyrical". Get the best training you can, and plenty of it!

[Victoria Leigh]

Find a studio that would not even think of allowing once or even twice a week students to go on pointe.

 

And welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers, emma tutu!

[emma_tutu]

Thanks for the advice!

I'll really take it into consideration.