It's always good to try new things, new teachers, styles, etc. Good to get out of your comfort zone.
Town and surrounding area is pretty. Facility was clean.
liked that the program is offered after other summer intensives are over in order to keep in shape
The instruction quality and helpfulness of corrections
The technique corrections
Various teaching styles
The best aspect was how the staff drilled the basics in a way that the kids remembered, while also keeping it fun. Teachers have commented on how they could tell she was at CPYB based on the particular way she closes 5th, etc. Great foundational training.
Least liked about program
Very few personal corrections (maybe 1 or 2 all week)
Classes were very slow and the level was way below her year-round training. Very few corrections, and the ones that were given were elementary. Not a friendly environment with the other students.
the time of the start of classes. Dancer prefers classes start at 9am or 11:30 vs. 10:00am because she gets hungry prior to finishing
Placement class
The fact that there were only two classes a day. Would have preferred one more
No feedback provided upon completion
The location. Not much to do to stay busy for 2 weeks in the area with the downtime we had.
Suggested changes to program
More classes, more corrections
Longer classes. Full schedule each day instead of 10-1:45pm and 10-12:45pm. More pointe. More advanced technique.
partnering class
Longer breaks between class
Add an additional class of a different style of class
The option for additional class time each day.
Culture of program
This is probably a very good program for dancers who do not have great ballet training at home or who do not attend a ballet focused program. Otherwise your dancer is probably getting just as good or better training where they are. I would not travel for this program but if you are in the area it would be a good option.
Program seemed to be primarily geared toward competition dancers or dancers who are generally focused on other dance forms during the academic year. Advanced ballet dancers who take class most days of the week may find it too basic.
relaxed yet, intense
Focus on technique refinement
Seemed OK for a week.
Positive, friendly environment. My daughter loved it!
Other comments
Teacher kept the class over by 30 mins at the end of the day and threatened to keep them an hour instead when he was reminded of the schedule. Placement class schedule was published at the last minute and the class times for the week were sent out late the night before it started. There was little consideration for parents who need to make travel and transportation arrangements based on the start and end times, and little respect for the dancers’ time with not graciously adhering to the published schedule.
This program is a great program. It helps to refine technique by placing dancers according to where they belong. My dancer had technique and pointe daily. Three days of the week she had 3 classes (technique, pointe and 3rd class was pointe) and 2 days a week she had 2 classes (technique and pointe). The option to take privates is available for an extra fee.
Some instructors were more personable than others which my daughter appreciated. They really should add an additional class. We paid a lot of money as did others to attend for the week with all things considered. If they added an additional class of a different style I think I would have been happier at the end. I felt as though we paid for half days etc.
