-ASPECTS OF TRAINING-

Performance training is just as important as technical training in classical ballet. It is vital that both technique classes and rehearsal classes are a part of a student’s training plan throughout the season. 

This helps a dancer to develop technical and artistic skill at an equivalent rate. Focusing on one or the other in most cases develops an unbalanced dancer. Both technique and artistry are paramount to a dancer, and one cannot exist fully without the other. 

It is always recommended that dancers participate in productions and performance opportunities throughout the season. This not only ensures that we are developing a dancer technically and artistically, but it also creates balance in a dancer’s training. Without performance, technique can often feel like work to an unknown end. The performance is often felt as the “reward” or “result” of all of the hard work you put into your training, and helps to build confidence and resilience. Performance is just as important for a dancers’ mental health as it is for their physical development.  

As dancers progress in their pre-professional training, it is also important that they experience different types and venues of performance. Ensemble works are the most important type of work to consistently participate in as a young dancer, but at some point also participating in small groups, duets/trios, and eventually solos and pas de deux work are also important aspects and milestones of a dancer’s training path. It is also important that as dancers get older, they are performing in different types of venues (some of these may include theatre, dance festival, adjudication, or competition settings). Performing in different settings and for different types of audiences helps dancers to grow and gain confidence. 

Dancers that are interested in additional performance opportunities throughout the season are encouraged to audition for The Performing Company. 

This program provides dancers avenues to further develop as young artists, as well as  open doors to future opportunities in performing arts careers & higher education programs. 

It is of the greatest importance that your dancer’s main coach is well-trained not just as a dancer, but also as a dance educator. The United States unfortunately does not require any specific certification for its citizens to teach dance. 

Learning from an instructor that has taken the time and made the investment in educating themselves on not just what to teach, but also on how to teach it, who to teach what to, and how to care for young dancers’ bodies is extremely important.

The responsibility of guiding a young person on how to conduct their facility and achieve these technical skills & performance opportunities in a safe & healthy way is something we take very seriously here at TBC. 

TBC’s Director Ms. Jill is fully certified in ABT’s National Training Curriculum, has a BA in Dance from UCSD, is a Perfect Form Physiotherapy certified Instructor with specializations in Pointe training and Flexibility / Hypermobility safety training, and holds instructor certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique and Progressing Contemporary Technique. 

One-On-One training can be an extremely valuable tool in any dancer’s training. This gives a dancer, coach and parent(s) time to maintain and implement a highly individualized training plan. 

Areas of focus can include:

Technical & artistic skill

Physio based training

Injury prevention, How to return from injury safely, Body Awareness & Care 

Private Rehearsals / Coaching 

Featured Roles, Competition

This time spent alone with your coach accelerates training and is often the most rewarding aspect of whatever it is you are training for. The growth that happens during this special time tends to be quite considerable.

Private training should be discussed with your director prior to implementing so that all aspects can be considered (Area of focus, Schedule Commitment, Financial Commitment).

Please reach out to us if you would like some more info or to set up your first private training session: 

admin@theballetcompanysd.com

Off-campus training can come in a few different formats, and at different times in your life, depending on your areas of focus. Your annual training at your home studio is always your most important piece of your training, and should be treated as such. However, there can be advantages to accepting certain opportunities off-campus if you are seeking a performance career as a ballet dancer or other career within the performing arts field.

Summer Intensives 

It is always suggested to attend your home studio’s Summer program if possible. If you are interested in attending an additional intensive off-campus, parent(s) & dancer should reach out to your Director / Coach for support.

Summer is a great time for dancers to really focus on their training without the distraction of their school studies or regular daily schedule. 

Your annual training instructors know you best and it is important to have their guidance and continue training in your school’s curriculum during the summer. 

As dancers get a bit older or develop a serious interest in ballet, they may become interested in attending an off-campus SI. Many of the larger ballet companies host dancers from across the globe for summer training. Dancers that are interested in exploring summer training opportunities should reach out to Ms. Jill for more information. We have a list of recommendations we can provide you with, which includes audition dates and information to help guide you in this process. Dancers in The Performing Company also have access to RDA’s National Summer Audition process - this is one audition that allows you to audition for many programs all at once and for one audition fee.

Dance Festivals 

Dancers in The Performing Company that are ages 10+ are eligible to attend Regional Dance America's annual festival each Spring. Company members ages 12+ may be selected to participate in special works that will be auditioned to perform at the festival, and featured in our annual Spring production. All dancers in attendance enjoy 3 days of Master classes, Seminars and events all geared to supporting young dancers achieve their goals in higher education and/or performance careers. Scholarships & Recruitments to university programs and annual training programs with ballet companies occur throughout the weekend.

This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is seeking a future in the arts or just loves to dance!

Proficiency in classical ballet technique is not just a required element for students wishing for a performance career in ballet specifically, but is also needed for manyother career paths in the performing arts; musical theatre, acting, choreography, teaching.

Here at TBC, we believe in the importance of helping dancers to find which areas of the performing arts are of interest to them. Every student will not become a professional dancer. Only a small percentage will truly pursue and be eligible to purse that route. However, many students go on to become amazing dance educators, choreographers, costume designers, stage managers, artistic directors, lighting designers, set designers, etc.! 

If your student is interested in learning about some of these programs, please reach out to us: 

Student Choreography (Level 3A & up) 

We hold an annual choreography course, where students create an original work throughout the season.

Teacher Apprentice 

Dancers who may be interested in becoming a teacher (dance or other subject) in the future are encouraged to apply for this program. 

Students in levels 3B and up are eligible to apply. 

Production / Costume / Props & Sets

Dancers interested in any of these areas should reach out to Ms. Jill so we can help get you involved in our productions in more ways than just performing!

Registration information for the above programs will be released @ the beginning of each season, and is always available upon request.

We always encourage parents to consider all of the valuable life skills and training associated with classical ballet training. 

SOME of the tools Dancers Develop: 

Grit, Stamina & Focus

The ability to work well in groups

Problem solving skills

Confidence & Stage presence 

Social skills

Time Management skills 

Discipline!

Self care & Body Awareness

Tools to help find balance between different areas of life

Most importantly - 

Dancers learn how to truly invest in themselves in a skill over many years’ time.  

In our ever changing world, this is something that continues to feel further and further out of reach. These days, you can find information and get many things done instantly, or very close to. In general as a society, our patience has thinned and our expectations have increased. 

Classical ballet is something that you cannot get done instantly. 

You HAVE TO put in the time and dedication. 

This is the art of ballet, and the way that it benefits people of all ages and walks of life, regardless of their goals or future endeavors. The skills, grit & stamina developed in dance training will undoubtedly help you to achieve whatever it is you set out to. 

If at any time you have questions about your dancer’s training, please reach out: admin@theballetcompanysd.com