Devin King (Age 10)
Youth American Grand Prix Top 12
McKell Norton-Duren (Age 10)
Youth American Grand Prix Top 12
Tiare Keeno
NYCDA – National Teen Outstanding Dancer 2009 Youth American Grand Prix – Hope Award youth Grand Prix Winner
Classical Ballet Academy’s Competition Program
Competition Program
Youth American Grand Prix International Ballet Competition
World Dance Ballet Competition
Ballet Competition Information
The first and foremost element of preparing a young student for a career in ballet is training. A student’s training and mastery of basic ballet technique by taking the recommended classes for their level is the most important part of a quality ballet studio’s mission. We do recognize that other outlets, such as community performances and the ever growing popularity of ballet competitions, can offer additional benefits to a student’s training. At Classical Ballet Academy, we see the growing interest and benefits of ballet competitions and would like to promote them in a guided way. We would like to relay our philosophy on ballet competition and the opportunities for our students.
First, we do not prepare students for competition so they can “win”. The process of the preparation — working privately with an experienced coach, learning classical and contemporary repertory, and the actual performance opportunity – is what makes competition worthwhile. If we feel a student (or parent) is focusing too much on the “award” or “score”, we will advise them to step away from competition. The very nature of competition can lend itself to becoming an obsession and creating some negative effects. It is our goal to allow competition only for its benefits.
That being said, we are happy to help any student who is ready to attend a competiton. Students starting at age 9 are eligible for most competitions. We may approach students who we feel are ready for the experience, but we are also happy to address any student and parent who is interested in competing. We will advise each student and parent as to the student’s readiness for the experience as competitions can be very stressful and may not be the right choice for every student. Age, emotional stress, time commitment, and financial obligations may make it difficult for some students to attend competitions.
As for balancing competition with other opportunities and financial constraints, it is our philosophy that training should always come first. Therefore, if you are looking into summer study for your student versus putting money toward competition, we advise that money go towards the summer training first. If both are feasible, then we encourage competition given the student is ready in the other aspects listed above.
We look forward to helping our students as we develop more ways to supplement the training we provide.
Competition yearly cost and possible schedule
For those students competing in solos, weekly private sessions are recommended so that students can receive individual coaching and work on details of their pieces. One month prior to competition, group private sessions will be offered 2 times per week to help students prepare their stamina. In these sessions, less detailed correction will be given and the time will be mainly for students to “run” their solos. Group pieces will also be set for those interested in competing in ensembles. Ensemble rehearsals will be held Wednesday evenings and some Saturdays. Private sessions can be set up by making an appointment on the individual Private Sign-up Sheets located by the office on the metal table. Clipboards with instructors’ names and available times will be available so sessions can be scheduled at the beginning of each month.
Cost
Privates-
Periodic privates- $45
Regular Weekly Privates $35 per, paid in montly installements. Any cancelations will not be refunded but can be re-scheduled at the convenience of the teacher.
Ensemble Pieces
$200* per student for the year for the first piece, $100* for any additional pieces. This fee covers choreography fees and rehearsal time by the teachers. This amount may be higher if a guest choreographer is brought in to set a piece. The choreographer’s fee and travel costs will be added to this amount, divided equally among the participating students.
Travel Fee
Each student who chooses to compete must pay an initial $100 travel fee to cover any travel expenses incurred by the teacher who will be accompanying the dancers to the competitions. For additional competitions or Finals they may attend, an additional $50 per competition must be paid.
Note- Travel fees
When instructors attend competitions, we are not paid for our time while there helping the students. We often lose money or incur costs to have our regular teaching covered when we travel due to competitions. We must be able to have at least our travel and lodging paid for by the students in order to attend competitions. The travel fee only covers those expenses. We will plan to have only one teacher attend each competition, but if parents wish an additional teacher to attend, they may help with that teacher’s expenses in addition to the set travel fee which will cover one teacher per trip. Although instructors are not required to attend the competitions, parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms or back stage to help the students and they may need the help to perform to the best of their abilities.
Choreography for contemporary pieces
Any of the Classical Ballet Academy staff will be available for choreography for contemporary pieces. You may also use other choreographer. The fee will be set by the individual choreographer. A list of local choreographers will be made available soon.
Costumes
Costumes are not always required for competition, however, the students competing always wear costumes. Because of this, we advise wearing the appropriate costumes for the piece so that the student feels confident and can be seen at his/her best. Costumes are available for rental through Classical Ballet Academy and other venues and some on-line resources. They are also available for purchase online. Our staff will be more than happy to advise you on the most cost-effective way to obtain the right costume.
