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Special Events
Classical Ballet Academy's Competition ProgramCompetition Program
Youth American Grand Prix International Ballet Competition
World Dance Ballet Competition
This two day workshop will allow dancers who are interested in doing ballet competitions this year to come and learn various ballet variations that they can compete. Taught by Jennie Creer-King and Heather Fryxell, this workshop will start with a one hour class and 30 minutes on pointe, then we will begin learning variations. Friday, August 28th will be for dancers in levels 4 and 5, Saturday for dancers in levels 6 and 7. We will work from 10 am, break for a half hour lunch, and then work until 4 pm. Depending on the number of students who sign up, there may be two groups at specific times on each day. Although some students may compete a variation learned at the workshop, not all students attending may learn the exact variation they will compete. The workshop will serve to help Jennie and Heather decide which variation will best suit each student. After the workshop, decisions as to classical solos will be made and then privates are needed to continue the coaching process.
Cost for the workshop $40 per student
If you are interested in competitions but want more information before deciding, please e-mail Heather at heatherfryxell@yahoo.com. She will be happy to fill you in on all details pertaining to commitment, costs, and possibilities. A possible parent meeting may be scheduled for those interested in competition information- watch the boards and website for and details or changes.
Ballet Competition InformationThe 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 competitiions, 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-are 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 the 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 scheduleFor those students competing in solos, weekly privates are recommended so that students can receive individual coaching and work on details of their pieces. One month prior to competition, group privates will be offered 2 times per week to help students prepare their stamina. At these privates, 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. Privates can be set up by making an appointment on the individual Private Sign up Sheets located by the office on the metal table. Clip boards with instructors names and available times can be scheduled at the beginning of each month.
CostPrivates-
Periodic privates- $45
Regular Weekly Privates $35 per, paid in montly installemnts. 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 FeeEach student who chooses to compete must pay an initial $100 travel fee to cover any travel expenses incurred by the teacher who will be accompaning the dancers to the competitions. For additional competitions or Finals they may attend, an additional $50 per competition must be paid.
Note- Travel feesWhen 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 piecesAny of the Classical Ballet Academy staff will be available for choreography for contemporary pieces. You may use other choreographer, also. The fee will be set by the individual choreographer. A list of local choreographers will be made available soon.
CostumesCostumes are not always required for competition, but the students competing always wear costumes so 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 on-line. Our staff will be more than happy to advise you on the most cost-effective way to obtain the right costume.
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