Ballet Quad Cities

[Grishko Girl]

Does anyone know anything about the apprentice program, or anything about Ballet Quad Cities?

 

Thanks!

GG

[balletgirl22sk]

My oldest dd was offered a contract recently but she just got another offer so will probably not take Quad cities. She auditioned in Milwaukee so didn't see the studios or the area.

[Clara 76]

If you were my daughter, I'd be concerned about having you become an 'apprentice' dancer for relatively unknown companies. I'd be concerned because there is no union to protect you. I'd worry that you would be overworked. I'd feel much more comfortable if you were either accepted to a good college, or accepted an apprenticeship with a company that I knew more about.

 

I'm sure you're happy that I'm not your mother , but I have to be honest with you.

[Grishko Girl]

I was actually accepted to the Oklahoma School of Dance, but I begged my parents to let me send DVDs out to companies..... I just wanted to know if anyone knew much about their program, or knew if they had a good apprentice program. Do you guys know of any other good apprentice programs?

 

Thanks!

GG

[Clara 76]

Most ballet companies have Apprentice programs! Start trying places near your home, like Los Angelos Ballet They have a school where they accept dancers aged 10-20, and train dancers to work in their rep.

 

Or California Ballet

 

Start closer to home so you have the support of your parents, friends, and family. Being a professional dancer is not an easy life in any way, shape, or form, and the best way to do it is to develop yourself as a human being so that you have the strength to say 'No' if faced with an unhealthy situation.

 

You are a very smart girl, I can tell that from the fact that you're researching. You're already one step ahead of many. Don't be afraid to follow what your 'gut' tells you is the best path for you, be it college, Oklahoma Ballet School, or another direction. But listen to your 'gut' when it tells you something isn't quite right.

[balletgirl22sk]

The director is an ex Joffrey dancer who has been AD for his 2nd year. Sorry I can't tell you more- my dd was offered a salary and pointe shoes, but no other benefits.

[Clara 76]

And with only 7 'pros' who all teach in the school so they can't be fulltime, that would tend to mean that the apprentices are really worked.

[balletgirl22sk]

As I said in another post, my dd was offered a contract here. She just heard from the AD that he has been fired by the board. I am very glad she has another contract with another company!

[Momof3darlings]

I moved the last two posts which aren't specific to Ballet Quad cities to a new discussion on the Trainee General boards. I'll provide a link here when I'm done.

[davidb]

grishko girl,

 

I am very surprised to see this posted on here. I am a recent grad of the OU school of Dance and I will be dancing with ballet quad cities in the fall. I just finished a season with Eugene Ballet. I must tell you, going to a university dance program DOES NOT hinder you from getting into a company in any way. It is actually much appreciated. The way you grow and mature as a dancer is better than any "professional dance school" I could have gotten into. and if your worried about connections or networking, OU has some of the best. The connections it has with NYCB, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Joffrey, Ailey and other companies around the US will help you in many ways. It helped me, believe me. anyways, I hope this helped. If you have any other questions, please feel free to email me.

 

Email address removed by moderator from post. New poster, not enough history with BT4D. Sorry!

Edited June 5, 2008 by vrsfanatic

[Grishko Girl]

Davidb -

 

Thank you so much for that information - all I've really needed is someone to tell me that going to a dance university will help me - thank you so much! What other companies would you recommend auditioning for after school?

 

Thanks,

GG

[davidb]

i think that when looking at companies, you really have to look at yourself. companies dont really hire out of HS anymore. for one, they really need mature people because in reality, time is money. its really impossible for me to suggest a co. for you because I have never seen you dance, although, if you auditioned for OU, you have definately seen me dance. Im in the video they have the audition kids watch. anyways, have a look at regional, small co's THAT PAY! if you want to be a professional, start demanding work as one. if i could answer anything else for you, please let me know!!!

[Grishko Girl]

Hey davidb

 

I actually have some questions about OU - but I need to ask them on the OU thread..... I'm going to post them.

 

Thanks!

GG

[AmaG520]

Any updates on the new AD?

[Guest GemMetta]

I don't know much about the company, but I have taken from the past artistic director (Matthew Keefe). He came and staged a piece on us this year, and he was simply GREAT. Great sense of humor and great choreographer. If the company is still going the way he set it, then it should be good!