Normal Timeline?

[R.B.]

Just wondering, is this a normal timeline for a pointe teacher to have for her 13-year old students?

 

September- First 30 minute class en pointe

December- Full 120 minute class en pointe (if possible)

May- First performance en pointe

 

I think it seems very normal and good, but I was wondering.

[Victoria Leigh]

This is not about shoes, it's about technique. Moving it to YD.

 

Okay, first, are you talking about student just beginning pointe in September? If so, I would say no, that is not a normal timeline. I would not have a first year pointe student performing on pointe, nor would they be doing full classes on pointe in 3 months.

[R.B.]

Yes, these are beginning students.

[Victoria Leigh]

Rayne, I need more information on your classes. How many classes a week, how long are the classes, and how long have you been studying ballet?

[Victoria Leigh]

Sorry, wannabe, but this is the Young Dancer forum. Please take your question to the Parents forum.

[R.B.]

Rayne, I need more information on your classes. How many classes a week, how long are the classes, and how long have you been studying ballet?

 

 

Well, we take one thirty minute class a week, and both beginners have been studying for two years. (This being our third.) Two older girls in the class have taken four or five years en pointe. Since there are only 4 girls in the class, we do get a lot of individual attention.

Edited October 16, 2008 by R.B.

[Victoria Leigh]

You have studied only two years of ballet, or two years on pointe? I'm still confused. And how many total ballet classes do you have and how long are they?

[R.B.]

Mrs. Leigh,

 

I have been studying ballet seriously for two years. I take four classes a week. My ballet classes are one hour each, my pointe class is about 35 minutes, and my jazz class is 45 minutes. This is my first season en pointe.

Edited October 17, 2008 by R.B.

[Victoria Leigh]

Okay. I seriously think it is time for you, IF you are serious, to look for another school. One hour ballet classes, and pointe after two years of one hour ballet classes, and then talking about performing on pointe and taking 90 minutes classes on pointe??? None of this makes any sense at all to me. I'm sorry, Rayne, but this school does not sound right to me.

 

If you want to be a choreographer, you are going to need a whole lot more training than you are getting now.But, you also have to realize that with only two years of training, in a pre-pro school you will not be a level where you can get a lot more right away. It will take a little while. But, you would be getting quality training, and there should be an opportunity at any good school for you to get more classes if you really want them. I have a HUGE problem with one hour ballet classes beyond the very beginning level. It just cannot be done right.

[R.B.]

Thank you for the concern, but I like my school. I trust my teacher and I don't believe that she'd push me farther that she thinks I can go. There are only four girls en pointe in our school, and I think that's because the studio director trusts that we are advanced enough to do what our teacher tells us. And if we can't, we won't.

 

I will keep my eyes open, though, and if anything happens to make me feel differently, I will think seriously about switching schools.

 

Thanks!!

[Victoria Leigh]

Rayne, it's lovely that you are happy with your school and your teacher, and that is totally fine if you are studying ballet only for fun. But, if you seriously want to be a dancer and choreographer, you are going to have to think about making changes.

 

Are you in a small town? Are you in the most advanced class at your school? It sounds like a very small school, with only four students in your class. And I think you said that two of those students have been on pointe 4 or 5 years and they are in the same class with two of you who just started pointe?

 

Is there a professional company or a pre-professional school anywhere near where you live?

[R.B.]

There is, but I don't think that's something I can afford. It's a beautiful school, and thank you for the encouragement. Maybe after this season I'll apply for a scholarship.