Description

This article is from the Ballet and Modern Dance FAQ, by Tom Parsons twp@panix.com with numerous contributions by others.

10. If the students and instructors don't habitually use French balletterminology, go somewhere else.

Schools range all the way from professional-track schools (where the
emphasis is placed on eventually becoming a professional dancer) to schools
for triflers (where, as Amy Reusch puts it, the emphasis seems to be on
recital photo-opportunities for the parents and grandparents). In some
circles, schools of the latter type are scornfully known as "Dolly Dinkle"
schools. In larger cities, there's a broad spectrum from which to choose.
Any professional-track school should welcome serious recreational dancers.
Such students are more numerous, and, as someone posted here once, they're
the backbone of the support for ballet in this country. And if you're
forced to a choice between the two extremes, the professional-track school
is the one to go for, because your child is more likely to be well trained
there.

Once you've selected a school, trust the teachers there and trust their
judgement. Don't hover and don't try to second-guess the teachers.

 

Continue to:

• prev: 3.15. I don't know a thing about ballet and I'm trying to select a schoolfor my child. Where should I look? And what should I look for?
• Index
• next: 3.16. What is this "Dolly Dinkle" business, anyway?

Share and Enjoy

Tags

ballet, modern dance, books, dancewear, positions, ballerina, male dancer, choreographer