YAGP

[boymom2]

I've seen some posts on YAGP and wanted to get some opinions.

 

When do you know if your ds is ready for this type of competition? I think it would be nice for my son to see other boys his age performing ballet but I'm not sure if he is ready yet.

 

What has been everyone's experience on YAGP? Does anyone have a son who has entered this competition? How much time preparation is required?

[Albini]

Has your sons school ever sent anyone to YAGP?

 

They would know best if he is ready. We dont do competitions so I cant help you much more sorry.

[nymom]

I would also be interested in hearing from anyone whose son has competed in YAGP. My son, age 12, who has studied at a company-affiliated school for 5 years, is now interested. We are in ny. curious also re what is involved. Do plan to ask school, but interested in any 1st hand experience.

[superchauffer]

I think it really depends on what the school says as far as their level of training and the category they will be in. When my DS competed, he had only been studying a few years and our artistic director felt it would be more appropriate for him to be part of a pas de trois. He was 14 at the time an I felt like it was a good introduction to the stage and environment for him. He felt confident, performed well and enjoyed the classes. Plus, the judges' feedback was invaluable.

[nymom]

Thank you. Good points.

[gcwhitewater]

Our school has attended YAGP on and off over the past 5 years. I say on and off since we don't always have students we feel would benefit from the experience. Just because a student is ready technique wise doesn't mean it would benifit him/her. Whether or not he's ready should be put into the hands of your school's director. It can be an enjoyable experience but be prepared for some exceptional competitors. Also, the difference between Regionals and Nationals is night and day!

[nutmeg]

So much depends on your son's personality--and it's hard to know in advance how he will react to the competition. I took my son to watch a regional competition when he was 14, and he decided to compete the next year. The advantage was the individual attention he got in preparing for the competition, and the chance to dance a solo--something he had not done before. The down side is that he works hundreds of hours to prepare for one little 2 minute solo, that may or may not go as he would like it to. And the competition can suck the joy out of dance for some people. My son was terribly critical of his performance the first year. He was very upset after he performed. And I worried that I had made a mistake in letting him compete. But he came back very motivated to work harder and compete again the following year. He competed three years in a row--and I always had mixed feelings about the process, but he loved the performance opportunity, and I do think that having something to strive for motivated him.

 

If you can attend the competition before your son actually competes, I think that is worthwhile.

[nymom]

You've given me a lot to think about. We may speak with his school's director and see what he says.

[Guest coupe66]

The advantage was the individual attention he got in preparing for the competition......... he loved the performance opportunity, and I do think that having something to strive for motivated him.

 

For dh and I, the points Nutmeg stated above were key in our decision to allow our dancer to compete in YAGP. Go to YAGP for these kinds of benefits, but don't let it become all about "winning" - very few dancers who compete at YAGP actually "win". While those who do win are obviously quite talented, many competitors who do not win are also very talented and should not let their lack of a YAGP win diminish their love for ballet or their desire to study it further.

 

One other thing, take into consideration how old your dancer is. If he is close to high school or college age, your better investment may be good SI experiences or saving the money for a college dance program instead of YAGP. Just some thoughts

[finallykf]

Just wanted to thank everyone for this post. I'm still learning about the world of serious ballet so the YAGP thing is new to me. I checked the website and discovered that the competition will be in our town this winter! My 8 year old is obviously not ready but is excited to be able to get to see a competition in person and not just watch clips on YouTube!

[nymom]

I think that my DS would benefit from the YAGP experience. He thrives on the process of training and performing. For us it would not be about winning, but about the total experience. I have also noticed that many kids (some of whom do not win or 'place,' necessarily in the competition) have the opportunity to be seen by different schools and to possibly be offered scholarships for SI's or year-round training as a result of their participation in YAGP.

 

A lot to consider.

[its the mom]

DS competed as a junior and then years later as a senior. The highlight for him was, of course, the one-on-one coaching. The preparation is really the prize. In addition, he loved being around other male dancers and being motivated and inspired by them. It's a great experience, winning or not.

[arabento]

I think that my DS would benefit from the YAGP experience. He thrives on the process of training and performing. For us it would not be about winning, but about the total experience. I have also noticed that many kids (some of whom do not win or 'place,' necessarily in the competition) have the opportunity to be seen by different schools and to possibly be offered scholarships for SI's or year-round training as a result of their participation in YAGP.

 

A lot to consider.

That's what happened to my son this year. No awards on stage, but was offered a scholarship to the Bolshoi SI in NYC based on his YAGP performance. That SI was worth it's weight in gold for him. We will continue with YAGP, especially since a regional is in our city this year. We go hoping to place but know the reward is in the process of the training. However, trying to soothe a disappoined teen can be difficult. Generally, competition (and we only do YAGP) has been a good experience for him

[nymom]

Arabento: My DS is 12. Can shed any light on how much training/rehearsal is needed for regionals? I will, as stated, earlier, probably talk to the director of his school about this, but am still curious as to any information other parents can provide re the time commitment/costs etc. needed. Thanks.

[Guest coupe66]

The registration fee for a solo is about $90.00 for each variation your dancer may want to perform. If your ds wants to attend the workshops, that is extra (can't remember what it was this past year, but was about the same cost as the registration for solos). Costuming would be extra, and can be as simple or as ornate as you wish. Your ds would attend private coaching at least 1x per week from his home studio at the going rate for your studio, and if his teacher travels with him to the competition, you will most likely be expected to defray the travel costs for her/him. As you get closer to the competition, coaching sessions will likely increase in frequency up until the competition date. So, a lot will depend on what the private coaching fee is for your studio, how many variations your ds will be doing, and whether or not his teacher will travel to the competition with him. And of course, don't forget travel expenses for your self and your ds!

 

Hope this helps!