Ballet at 2 studios?

[Sewlinda]

My 11 year old dd made the switch to a pre-professional school last February, and we are very happy there. She is still taking a couple of classes at another studio with a dear teacher she has known since she was 3 - basically just for fun. Last year, I didn't feel it was a problem because the fun classes were tap and jazz. However, this year because of scheduling problems she is actually taking a ballet and a variations class at the "fun" studio. Here is her current schedule:

 

Monday - Fun Studio Ballet 55 minutes, Variations 45 minutes

Tuesday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes (sometimes add a lower level ballet class for 60 minutes)

Wednesday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes, Jazz 60 minutes

Thursday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes, Intensive 60 minutes

 

Dd loves the fun school. She is the youngest in her classes and feels very competent there. They have hired a new ballet teacher who did study at her current Pre-Pro school and they are working at improving their ballet program.

 

So, my question is should she continue to take classes with a semi-Dolly Dinkle, or should she only take classes at her Pre-Professional school? She could pick up another 90 minute class there on Mondays at one level lower if that would be helpful.

[angiered]

If the training is good at the fun school, and doesn't conflict with the training given at the pre-pro school...I can't find a problem.

 

BUT....I would think that your best bet would be to talk to her teacher at the more serious school and find out from them if she's picking up any bad habits from the other studio, or if it's fine with them.

[Sewlinda]

Thanks for the advice. I mentioned that she dances elsewhere, but not that it is ballet. I should probably be more specific.

[vicarious]

Two technique classes (Tuesday)in a row is discouraged, especially at her age. The lower level on Monday at the pre-pro might be a good idea because she can really work on the basics that she may not have gotten down as well at the fun school. Although, she has a pretty heavy schedule with the non-tech classes added in. Also, at that age my DD enjoyed having Sunday and a day mid-week off, rather than having all her classes on consecutive days. As far as staying with the fun school, Angiered has a good idea, particullarly considering the new teacher.

[Guest pink tights]

Monday - Fun Studio Ballet 55 minutes, Variations 45 minutes

Tuesday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes (sometimes add a lower level ballet class for 60 minutes)

Wednesday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes, Jazz 60 minutes

Thursday - Pre-Pro Technique 90 minutes, Intensive 60 minutes

 

 

So, my question is should she continue to take classes with a semi-Dolly Dinkle, or should she only take classes at her Pre-Professional school? She could pick up another 90 minute class there on Mondays at one level lower if that would be helpful.

 

 

I don't see how or why she would benefit from an extra class at a "semi-Dolly Dinkle". I would think that the instruction would not only confuse your DD and also lead to or encourage bad habits.

 

What is considered "Intensive" at the pre-pro??

[Sewlinda]

Dd had her first "Intensive" class this evening and really enjoyed it. It is about 8 girls mostly at her level, and the teacher seems to be focusing on specific corrections that need more work. Tonight, they worked quite a bit on turns - the alignment and placement of everything. Sorry that I am not knowledgable enough to explain further. It was not a physically strenuous class like her regular technique classes.

 

She can't have a mid week day off because the pre-pro school's structure - that class is not optional. It would have been a nice break though!

 

Thanks again to you all for your advice. I am still a newbie when it comes to ballet at this level.

[vicarious]

The intensive class sounds like a really good thing. I know when DD's teachers have taken a class to really work on one specific thing she has gotten a lot out of it.