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Did anyone's kid audition for School of American Ballet this year who did NOT get in? We know four kids who auditioned, and they all got in. What are the chances of that?
22 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]Ballet mom here--they don't look for talent, per se, at that age. It's more about turnout, leg length, shape of foot, flexibility. It's impossible to spot talent at age 6. Have a much older dd who dances beautifully and at 6 there's no way anyone could have predicted it. But something important to know is that those lower levels are a factory. The kids accepted at that level are never the ones who make it through to the company. They push them too hard and too fast at a young age--too many injuries in the middle years. So if it's convenient and you want to do the 2x a week thing, it's a great start for dancing but it is NOT the be all, end all until you get to be about 16 years old.
[ Reply | Options ]op- ok thanks- Was wondering if this year they are just accepting everyone due to the economy.
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NP--I agree, weird, passive-aggressive post. Historically, I think they only take 20-25% of the girls. And, as Ballet Mom wrote, the selection is largely based on body type. I don't think anyone should be discouraged by not getting in, there are so many good programs in this city.
[ Reply | Options ]More from Ballet mom--and fwiw, body type at 6 is not even indicative of later body type. My dd's teachers never, ever thought she'd reach 5'4" (minimal height for ballet dancers) or have long enough legs. And guess what? Though her turnout isn't perfect nor are her feet, she is incredibly musical, graceful, and talented. My daughter is now studying with one of the best-known teachers in NYC and has all kinds of interesting offers to dance so go figure.
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like ballet mom said, it's all about body type at that age. she didn't mention that professional schools are also looking at the parents to get an idea of the child's physical development. short legs, long torsos are definitely not professional material.
[ Reply | Options ]Not true==my daughter has gone to many audtions and not once has ANYONE looked at me (thank god, she'd be booted right from the start)
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Years after the fact, Mr. B was quoted thusly for turning away some potential students, he looked at the parents and determined the child was not going to have the proportions he considered ideal for his company. Look at the students in the upper divisions, little pin heads, long necks, long legs, nary a long torso and definitely no short legs.
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