number of classes

[Guest alliecat93]

I was reading some of the posts on the Ballet Mom and Dad's board, and there was one about how many classes an advanced level 15 year old should be taking. I am 14, almost 15 and I started ballet kind of late, so I'm not yet at an advanced level yet, but I'm like int/high int. I take 6 technique classes per week and 3 pointe classes. I also may be taking 1 private lesson soon. I take at two different studios, so the scheduling doesn't allow me to take jazz or modern. Would you say this is an okay schedule for me right now? I plan on auditioning for a residency program this winter and I want to be a professional ballet dancer. I would greatly appreciate your input!

[Victoria Leigh]

Yes, alliecat, it sounds just fine

[Guest alliecat93]

I forgot to say that the technique and pointe classes are both 1 and a half hours.

[Victoria Leigh]

That's excellent, alliecat! Have you decided which residency program you plan to audition for?

[Guest alliecat93]

The ones I seriously considered are: Alabama School of the Fine Arts (ASFA), Harid, VSA, NCSA, Nutmeg, Idyllwild, Interlochen, Bossov Ballet Theatre, Walnut Hill, and Kirov. I don't think my parents will let me audition for all of the schools because they want to visit the campus before making a decision, so I will probably have to pick 4 or 5. So, it will probably be NCSA, ASFA, Interlochen, and Harid, although I'm not quite sure yet. It's good to know I'm on the right track with my training. Your reply makes me feel a lot better, because I wasn't sure if that was enough. Thanks so much!!!!!!

[Victoria Leigh]

Alliecat, I didn't know that Alabama had a residency program. Can you give us some information on that school, like location, faculty, academic program, dormitory, etc.? Or perhaps a web site where we can look at it?

[Guest alliecat93]

I think it would be better to go to the websit than to have me lsit things about it, because I don't want to post any incorrect information. The address is: http://www.asfa.k12.al.us If you have more questions I might be able to answer them.

[Victoria Leigh]

Very interesting, alliecat. I wonder why this school has never been brought up or discussed before, and I was totally unaware of it's existence. I see that they are partly residential, and there is a dorm. I did not find anything that told me about the students day, in terms of academics and numbers of classes, and if the academics are right there on the campus. Since it is also a math and science school, I would assume that they would be.

[Guest alliecat93]

All of the academic classes are offered on campus. They require 5 technique classes, 5 pointe classes, 2 character classes, 2 pas de deux classes, 2 men's classes (only for men of course;)) and 2 variations classes per week. Also, you have rehersals, dance composition, dance history, jazz, music, and a few other things that aren't coming to me right now. I'm not sure why this school is not mentioned much on this board, bucause it seems like a pretty good school to me. Also, according to the Princeton Review Guide to Performing Arts programs, only 10% of females who apply get accepted. That's the same as Harid and NCSA, but then again, maybe less people audition for it. I hope this info helps!!

[Victoria Leigh]

Very helpful, alliecat! Thank you, and I'm glad to know about this program.