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Young dancers often make the important decision about where to study ballet during the summer based on locker room gossip rather than on a careful study of the options. Summer programs are as varied as the students they serve, and these are some factors to consider when choosing the one that's best for you or your child.
Location: Some students are comfortable with the urban setting of programs such as the School of American Ballet (SAB) or the Boston Ballet, while others may prefer a smaller town. Even though all programs provide dorm supervision, there is still a certain amount of free time during which the students are free to explore the area. If this is a concern, eliminate the big city programs. There are plenty of other options.
Program Size: Students coming from small ballet schools with small class sizes may be overwhelmed by the larger programs. Ask about the class sizes of the programs you are considering. Especially for the student's first summer away, large classes (which usually translates into fewer corrections) can be frustrating.
Your Training Plans: If you are considering a move to a full time, academic year, dance program in order to receive more intensive training, you should consider taking summer classes at a school that offers such a program like the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre or the North Carolina School of the Arts. You will be able to get acquainted with the school, the faculty, and the community during the summer program before making a commitment to spend nine months of your life there.
Company Affiliation: As students progress, it becomes more important for them to participate in programs affiliated with professional companies. The artistic directors, ballet masters, and other members of the company's artistic staff often teach classes in the summer program so it is an opportunity to have these people see your technique first hand. Many dancers have gone on to become members of the companies which sponsored the summer programs they attended.
Program Focus: Ballet programs have different philosophies, and you should know what to expect before you enroll. For example, a school teaching in a different style than your home program may help you become more flexible in your technique and training, but only if you are able to adapt to the different expectations. A summer program which includes twenty or more weekly classes may be too much for you if you have been taking class only three or four times a week. And a school which offers a large percentage of non-ballet classes (jazz, modern, tap, etc.) may not be a good fit if your interest is primarily classical ballet.
Performance Opportunity: Almost every summer program offers some type of "performance" at the program's end, but they vary greatly in the amount of time given to preparation of the event. At some schools, the program ends with nothing more than an opportunity for parents and friends to observe classes, while others include a full blown theatrical production. Decide how important the performance aspect is to you and how much of your summer training you are willing to devote to rehearsals.
Cost: Unfortunately, someone has to pay the bills for summer training, and that is usually the parents. Check into the scholarship options of the schools you are considering. Most offer at least a few scholarships and some provide complete scholarship assistance to all students who are accepted into the program.
Whatever your choice, carefully consider these elements to find the one that is right for you and not the just the one that is the locker room favorite.
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