Dance Schools?

[petit-parapluie]

Well, I wasn't entirely sure if this belonged here or not, so please feel free to move it. Anyway, at the moment I am in all of the most advanced classes at my dance studios. I love my studio, and there are excellent teachers and good classes. However, I feel that if I remain there that my growth will stunt because of the lack of more advanced classes. There aren't really any other quality studios in the area. Do you think a residential program would be the solution? I've already auditioned for Walnut Hill, but there is no chance that I got in. That presents a difficult problem as well: What if I am not advanced enough for most dance programs? Most programs that offer all level classes are not as intensive as I would like. I have looked into St. Paul's, but this is not the right school for me. Thank you in advance for your advice.

Edited March 28, 2011 by petit-parapluie

[Victoria Leigh]

Hello Sarah Alice, welcome to Ballet Talk for Dancers!

 

First, I would like to say thank you for such beautifully written posts. I read your first one and now this one, and I am most impressed, as most young teens do not bother to use punctuation or even upper case, much less spelling correctly and writing out the whole words and not abbreviating. We really do appreciate this!

 

As for schools, I think you are very wise to start thinking about a residential school, if you are in the most advanced class at 13. Walnut Hill would be a good choice, so I would not give up on that if you don't know yet whether you were accepted or not. What other programs are you thinking about? Did you want to stay in New England?

[teeny dancer]

I understand what you're going through.. I seem to be in the same situation myself, though I'm a little older than you. As you're looking for different options to further your dance carreer, if the option is available, I find that attending different dance workshops can help expand your limitations dance wise. I wish you the best of luck in finding a new school though!

[petit-parapluie]

I have looked into quite a few programs. I have already mentioned St. Paul's, but I have also seriously looked into Nutmeg Conservatory and Bossov Ballet Theater. I have heard some iffy things about Nutmeg, but I am still very interested. However, my parents are against it, as their academic program does not appear to be very sufficient. Bossov Ballet Theater looks very interesting, and does remind me of the rather strict Russian training I had this summer. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an awful lot of information about this school, especially their audition process. If anyone here knows and could tell me about that, I would be very grateful. One other school I have looked into in Central PA Youth Ballet. A student who used to dance at our school went there last year, and had a bad experience. She no longer (to my knowledge) studies ballet. I understand that this is not everyone's experience, but it has made my parents very reluctant to let me go there. Also, I do worry a little about programs (like CPYB) that do not have housing.

 

And to answer your other question, I would very much like to stay in New England. I am willing to go elsewhere, though, but am not allowed anywhere that can not be reached by a car trip.

 

EDIT: And thank you for your advice, teeny dancer. I do try to go to as many workshops as possible in my area.

Edited November 30, 2008 by petit-parapluie

[dancemaven]

Bossov Ballet Theater looks very interesting, and does remind me of the rather strict Russian training I had this summer. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an awful lot of information about this school, especially their audition process. If anyone here knows and could tell me about that, I would be very grateful.

 

Perhaps this will help: Bossov

[DanaD]

This is EXACTLY how I am feeling.

 

I am also looking into residency programs for next year. Try looking into North Carolina School of the Arts.

[petit-parapluie]

Thank you for the link, dancemaven, it was indeed very helpful.

 

And I love talking to people in similar situations as myself, Dana. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to go to school in North Carolina, as it is too far away.

[DanaD]

Oh that is not good.

 

I totally am feeling you right now. It is frustrating being the youngest in my classes, yet one of the better ones. I also love my teachers, yet we have no partnering, advanced pointe, or variations.

[petit-parapluie]

And to answer your other question, I would very much like to stay in New England.

 

I'm sorry for nagging, but I feel that I never got a response. Do you know of any good schools here? Thank you very much.

[Victoria Leigh]

Sarah Alice, we have talked about Walnut Hill, Nutmeg, Greenwich and Bossov. What exactly do you mean by "here"? New England is a big area, but there are not a lot of residence schools there. In fact, there are not a lot of residence schools in the country. They are quite limited. There are a lot of good ballet schools, but not a lot of them are residence and academic schools. I don't think Bossov is either. So really only Walnut Hill and Nutmeg qualify, in terms of serious programs with dorms and academics, in New England. If you are looking for a better school that is not necessarily a residence school, then you need to look at the company schools, like Boston Ballet, and Festival Ballet in Rhode Island. There is also Greenwich Academy. What city are you close to? NY? Boston? Providence?

[petit-parapluie]

"Here" is just about anywhere that's not a plane ride away. I'm about two hours away from New York.

[Mel Johnson]

I wouldn't rule St. Paul's totally out, too. Even though they're an Episcopalian school, their diocese is quite amenable to making accommodations for the non-Christian. I'd go see what they have to offer. The operative advice, I guess, is "go see". Whatever choice you're making, you can't get a feel for the place just from websites or from written promotional material.

[greyhound]

Bossov is indeed a residence program. Students in the residence program live and attend school at Maine Central Institute. This is the High school that houses the Bossov Ballet Theatre.

[Victoria Leigh]

Ah, okay. Thanks, greyhound! I'm going to leave your post, since it is important news, but this is the YD board! Please next time send your information to one of the teacher moderators.

[petit-parapluie]

Thank you, Mr. Johnson. Funnily enough, I looked into St. Paul's again last night at a friend's advisement. It does indeed look like a very nice school, and may just make an appointment to visit.