Dance class concerns - ballet modern and tap, advice needed please

lorraine

Hi just after some advice please, my SIL has been dancing since the age of 2 1/2, she is now 10, her dance examination board is ISTD. In ballet she only has her pre-primary, modern she has primary and tap she is at grade 1. Is this right, The whole school seems very far behind as they have not done any exams for 5 years and has 3 changes of hands in that time. I have heard that in ballet for someone of her age she should be in a minimum of grade 2. MIL is thinking of changing dance schools but if she it at an average grade she would stay but is a bit concerned she is falling behind and will not reach her full potential.


Advice greatfully recieved

Lorraine

Savvy_Sue

IMO, the question is does your SIL enjoy her classes?

If her heart is set on being a dancer, then she may well be in the 'wrong' school, given that they haven't taken exams regularly for a while. But I'd only ever encourage a child to dance for fun and enjoyment ...

I suppose another question is whether they do shows and performances regularly. If they don't, and your SIL would enjoy that, then a change might be good.

lorraine

She is getting bored of her classes, and as I'm paying over £1000 a year I would like her to get something out of it, even if it is just a piece of paper. Because she has been stuck on the same grade for a number of years she is getting bored.

Madmel

It does sound like really slow progress to me. My DDs have been dancing since the ages of 3 and 2 1/2. DD1 (age 7) is in the grade 2 classes for both ballet and tap. Her teachers would have liked her to progress faster, but the RAD (ballet) have age limits on the grades prior to grade 2, and she has always had to wait for a birthday to be able to take the next exam. The IDTA (tap) are a little less stringent as far as I know.

DD2 (age 5, 6 in April) is in Primary for both ballet and tap, but is taking her exam for tap at the end of April and her ballet exam in July, after her 6th birthday.

I'm a bit concerned about the costs you seem to be paying. Our lessons are paid for on a weekly basis, and a 45 minute group lesson is £3.50. Their dance school is open about 45 weeks per year, so I make that less than £160 per dance style per child.

I agree with Sue's comments, but think that there should be some evidence of progression for your SIL. The IDTA have a rosette scheme where you can do 2 small dances and still get a rosette. It's a great way to start younger children, but I would have thought it's a fairly easy way for a dance school to show parents that their children are making progress.

Can you ask around other children in her class if anyone recommends a dance school? Or could you book a private individual lesson where the teacher can assess what your SIL needs to do to move on? Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you want more info (I'm not a dance teacher!)

Beamish

Have you thought about a change of direction for her, perhaps she might like something a bit more up beat/disco/street dance etc.

A good site to look at is Farenheit Studios, its full of information which might be useful and you might well find something similar in your area.

My neice is into street dancing/hip hop and line dancing and is doing really well, she joined Farenheit in Cardiff a year ago and is now competing and getting golds! she is loving it and also making loads of new friends.

HTH

Beem

Beamish

Have you thought about a change of direction for her, perhaps she might like something a bit more up beat/disco/street dance etc.

A good site to look at is Farenheit Studios, its full of information which might be useful and you might well find something similar in your area.

My neice is into street dancing/hip hop and line dancing and is doing really well, she joined Farenheit in Cardiff a year ago and is now competing and getting golds :T ! she is loving it and also making loads of new friends.

HTH

Beem

lorraine

thanks everyone for your replies, I will let MIL have a read. x x x Lorraine

hubblebubble

Hi
My DD who is now 11 does Ballet, Tap and Modern.She has been with the same dance school since age 3. Her dance school is keen to encourage exam taking when they are ready. She is up to Grade 3 in all classes now and is taking her Modern Grade 3 and ballet grade 3 next term. We pay £26 per term for each class (£78 for all 3) of 45mins each. Plus exam fees and extra exam classes of £73 when they are working towards an exam.
Hope this info helps you make a decision.

inkie

Altough a few years ago - I did ballroom, modern and latin american, and did an exam every year - sometimes two in a year, depending upon progress. £1000 is a lot of money.

lebly

I would say she is a bit behind by age of 11 i had grade1 in ballet studying for 2 grad 2 in tpa , grade 1 i modern and acro. started exams at age 7. I also had silver medals in ballet tap and modern and a gold in acro. If we werent doing exams or medals we were doing shows. i think it worked out about and exam or medal every term

I enjoyed every minute!