6 levels: Levels 1-4, Intermediate homeschool division, Professional Training Division
PTD is the top level at the school. They do have level 1-5 in Ballet.
The Professional Training Division is the highest level provided.
The school has several levels, then a homeschool/intermediate group which is one below PTD. PTD is the top level.
Primary level up to professional development
Dancer Age
16
17
Gender
Female
Company Affliated?
No
Was Student Scholarshipped?
No
Years At School
1 year
Curriculum
Days Per Week
6
Classes Per Day
3
4
Weekend Classes?
Yes
Weekend Schedule
Half day
Students Per Class
10-15
Weekly Repertoire or Variations?
Yes
Pointe Classes Per Week
Daily
Live Music in Technique Class?
No
Dedicated Men's Program?
No
Yes
Boys In Level
Less than 5
Separate Technique Class for Boys
No
Techniques Taught
Balanchine
General Classical
Technique Teacher Rotation
The school rotated teachers on a fixed schedule
Did School Director Teach?
Always
Often
Classroom Corrections
Dancer specific: almost every dancer got specific corrections each day
Attention From Teachers
Very Little
1
2
3
4
5
A Lot
Quality of Instruction
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Did Technique Improve?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
5
Tremendously
Curriculum Comments
3 or 4 days a week the day starts with a Pilates or circuit class, after that or starting on the other days a 2-2.5 hour ballet class, follow by 30 minute lunch and then pointe/variations/rep and contemporary class 2-3 days a week 9-2:30 M-F, 9-12:00 Sat.
The day started with Pilates, PBT or a circuit class for a warm up followed by a ballet class and separate pointe class. After pointe was lunch break. The afternoon consisted of variations, contemporary and rehearsal.
Pointe Class, Pas de Deux, Ballet Technique, Men's Class, Repertoire, Modern, Contemporary, Choreography, Circuit, Pilates, and PBT are all offered throughout the week. There are typically 3-4 classes per day running from 9-2 Monday - Friday and 10-3:15 on Saturday.
2.5 to 3 hour technique to start the day, then one hour of pointe or rehearsal. Circuit or pilates or PBT on some days BEFORE technique class (1 hour). Afternoon was rehearsal, or 1.5 hour contemporary class.
Rotation of conditioning, PBT, contemporary, and daily pointe/techniqie/pas
Partnering
Frequency of Partnering Class
1x per week
Daily
No partnering
Partner Ratio
Everyone had to share a partner.
Who Taught?
Male and female teacher together
Male teacher
How Much Partnering Improved
No
1
2
3
4
5
Tremendously
Quality of Pas Teaching
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
How Were Corrections Given?
Attention and corrections were evenly distributed between the males and females
Description of Partnering Class
Partnering was done with Mr. Karel director of the program. Often times there would be other male students who would drop in to take classes for partnering. It depends on the year. The first year my daughter attended there were 2 male dancers and the second year she attend there were none. I do know this upcoming year 24/25 they have at least one male dancer joining their PTD program, which will allow for more partnering.
Karel Cruz was partnering most girls in the class which was amazing experience
Additional Comments
Karel Cruz is amazing, trainee in Cuba and former PNB principal dancer.
It is very thorough and offered time for everyone
Other Classes
Other Dance Styles
Contemporary
Horton
Jazz
Modern
Musical Theater
Other Class Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Contemporary Offered?
Yes
Types of Contemporary Classes Taught
Choreography workshops
Improv
Repertoire
Technique
Contemporary Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Master Classes?
No
Yes
Master Classes Description
A ballroom master came to teach a class.
Counseling, career planning, and floor barre
Strength & Conditioning
Physical Training Offered?
Yes
Physical Training Types
Body conditioning
Body rolling
Gyrotonic or Gyrokenisis
Pilates (mat or reformer)
Progressing Ballet Technique
Stretch class
Weight training
Yoga
Physical Training Schedule
Daily
Several times a week
Were Trainers Certified?
Some were certified and some were not depending on class
Yes
Physical Training Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Strength & Conditioning Comments
These classes were fantastic. An amazing start to the day for dancers.
Exercises were tailored to each dancer.
Thought it was very helpful with injury prevention.
Injuries/Health/ Mental Health
Are Doctors Available?
No
Yes
How Parents Notified?
Parent was informed same day, in person
School called parent
How Treatment Obtained?
Take my kid to the doctor
My daughter fractured her foot. Due to our insurance only being covered in state we had to fly her home to WA state. She was home end of February - first week of April to heal and do PT. However, other minor injures we were referred to a local PT clinic in San Antonio that was wonderful.
The school works with a PT and Orthopedist who are very accessible.
School offered to accompany student. Student also went alone at times - but the school always offered to accompany.
Worked with director as we are out of state
PT Available?
No
Yes, for extra fee
Was There a Recovery Plan?
No
Yes
Describe Recovery Plan
For us it was send her home to recover. The directors were awesome though. She was able to still participate in the end of the year show by choreographing her own contemporary piece. She choreographed it in a way that was honoring to the rehab of her injury.
My dancer had a metatarsal injury. During her time in a boot, she did floor barre and a specialized circuit and Pilates program each day. She also attended PT twice a week. Once she was out of the boot, she gradually came back a little more each week, integrating more of each class. Starting with just barre the first week back, to adding center, adding pointe to finally adding jumps over a multi week period. It was very measured and they checked in with her throughout each class to manage pain or discomfort. Their goal is always long term career and success and they took excellent care of my dancer. There was no pressure to come back too soon. They spent a lot of time focused on her mental health as well, during what was a very challenging time.
We were always in close contact with the school and our physical therapists.
All parties (doc, physio, director communicated with one another to make a solid plan)
Mental Health Therapists Available?
No
Yes
Were Students Given Fat Talk?
No
Staff Made Comments About Bodies?
No
Were Students Weighed?
No
Was "Coded Language" Used?
No
Additional Comments
Mental health and injury prevention is a high priority at the school. They have brought in a performing arts counselor to do a special class, a performance arts physical therapist available for extra cost but will come to the school and do a class occasionally, several times a nutritionist did a special class to talk about fueling well and protein importance, etc.
DeCruz ballet is one of the safest environments for dancers to train. They are extremely well rounded and care deeply for their students. They nurture mental, emotional, and physical. This is why we chose them. Could not have asked for a better place.
Decruz is excellent in their attention to all of these areas. Most dancers at the PTD level are completing high school online. The school understood the difficult balance and encouraged students to complete school work. They are very nurturing. They offer very professional and realistic advice and guidance regarding injury. The directors are very recently retired principal dancers. They both have a lot of applicable advice and expertise.
Performances: Winter Show/ Nutcracker
Performance Opportunities
2-3
4-5
School Winter Show?
Yes
Company or School Show?
School puts on it's own production and students dance all the parts
Cast in Winter Show?
No
Yes
How Chosen
Chosen by school director or the company artistic staff
Winter Show Role
Dancing part
Were You Paid?
No
Performance: Ballet Season
Cast in Company Productions?
No
Yes
Kind of Part Given?
Dancing part
How Chosen
All students allowed to audition
Students are chosen to audition by Artistic Staff
Was Casting Fair?
Yes
Did Rehearsals Impact School Schedule?
4
5
Perfomance Opportunities
Call Performance with Nutcracker suite Act2, several guesting performances for winter/Nutcracker, spring Show, ballet competitions, outreach performances
There were 2 shows/year a winter show and an end of the year show. We also had the opportunity be a part of the competition team where more performing opportunities were available.
Nutcracker, a few community engagement performances, competition opportunities, dance festival performance, spring ballet
Nutcracker, spring showcase, and festival demonstrations. Dancer was injured for winter show which is why she wasn't cast. Normally, all students are cast.
Were You Paid?
No
If Paid, Please Describe
N/a
Competition
School Does Competitions?
Yes
Competitions Required?
No
How Many Compete?
All are allowed
All if they want to. You just signed up.
Anyone who wants to participate is allowed.
By choice of student and approval of directors. Level 3 and above
Whomever would like to participate
% of Students Who Performed
100%
70%
80
Comp rehearsals held on Saturday afternoon separately from class.
Was not a selection process
How Chosen?
Level 3 and above allowed to choose to join comp with approval of directors
Sign up. If you are a PTD you are allowed to sign up for the DeCruz ballet competition team.
It is up to the students to decide to participate
You self identified if you wanted to compete
Whomever would like to attend
Competitions Cost Extra?
Yes. Fees are base fees charged by comps.. only attend UBC and ADC/IBC, there is a one time rehearsal charge for the group rehearsal for the year. You can also book private coaching lessons (30 minutes)
Yes
There is a separate program for dancers who want to compete, this had separate fees, cost for private lessons and the cost of the competitions, travel and costumes if needed.
Extra costs for rehearsal/coaching, comp fees
Yes
Separate Competition Rehearsals?
Yes
Competition Interfered With Training?
My dancer loves the extra performances and chance to attain scholarships to summer programs, chances to be seen by companies. Also the extra dance and coaching time has been beneficial.
No
My dancer enjoyed the extra performance opportunities and felt like the additional time was beneficial.
n/a
It did not detract from class time
Communication
Formal Orientation?
Yes
Handboook & Paperwork
Comprehensive and complete. I knew what to expect for the year
Fairly comprehensive but missing a few pieces
Quality of Communication?
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Who Received Communication?
With parents and students
Exams
Formal Exam?
No
School Culture
How Supported Did Student Feel By Staff?
Not
1
2
3
4
5
Completely
How Supportive Were Students of One Another?
Not
1
2
3
4
5
Completely
Describe School Culture
Healthy, supportive, technical, rigorous, fun
Uplifting, supportive, non competitive, family, engaging.
Nurturing, goal oriented, professional, kind, diverse
Placement Notification Timing
End of year
N/a
Spring
The spring before the fall.
We were offered a new contract at the end of the year.
Overall School Culture
Lord of the Flies
1
2
3
4
5
Warm & Inclusive
School Outcomes
Is Student In Upper Levels?
Yes
Highest Levels of School?
There are no bridge levels
How Many Promoted Internally to Bridge Level
There is no company. The PTD is the highest level with the goal for placements into company trainee and apprenticeships in ballet companies.
0
No bridge levels are available.
Unknown
NA
How Many Come From Outside to Bridge Level?
No bridge level
0
n/a
Unknown
NA
Where Graduates Who Do Not Get Bridge Level Go
All find bridge level positions at other ballet schools
How Many Left and Went to College?
1-2
50%
None
One this year, most have gone onto companies or bridge level positions.
Tbd - many acceptances to the top college ballet programs
Career Support
I was not looking for new placement; was staying in program
Received lots of help
Describe How School Helped
The director’s one on one film and coach class for video auctions, write recommendation letters, assist with photos, reach out to AD’s and directors they know in the industry (which are significant since both directors had long careers with PNB)
The directors helped my daughter navigate next steps and sort through companies that would be a good fit. She was able to get a position as a Trainee at Alonzo King Lines Contemporary Ballet for the 23/24 & 24/25 school years.
The school reviewed our audition list - they added companies they thought were a good fit for us. Directors choreographed and filmed all audition videos.
Took the time to help research options that reflect my dancers style/technique, opportunity for growth
Building & Surrounding Area
Security Around Building
No
Yes
Safety of Area Around School?
Not Safe
1
2
3
4
5
Extremely Safe
Studio Space
Cramped
1
2
3
4
5
Lots of space
Studio Cleanliness
Dirty
1
2
3
4
5
Spotless
Housing
Was Housing Provided?
No
Where Did Dancer Live?
Lived at home
Rented an apartment alone or with other dancers
Academics
How Did Academics Work?
Separate e.g. online, independent study, etc.
Academic Support
There were no formal study requirements. Students were on their own
Did the School Support Academics?
Didn't support
1
2
3
4
5
Definitely supported
Overall Program Grades
Overall Dance Instruction
A+
Career Support and Placement
A+
Emotional Support
A
A+
Housing & Food
A-
N/A
Performance Opportunities
A
A+
B+
Overall Comments
Program's Best Aspect
The directors are really talented coaches and truly care about the students
Well rounded - nurtured the mental, emotional, and physical demands of my dancer. My daughter became a well rounded dancer and person to be able to step into the next steps of the demands of this industry.
The training is truly excellent and tailored to each dancer. They are treated a individuals and truly supported and cared for.
The training is excellent and the teachers are very aware of what companies are looking for now. Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz are great teachers, and great people. Truly incredible knowledge and artistry. Lindsi text dancer before every audition, and after and was very invested in her post-DeCruz success. Very transparent communication - the directors were always reachable.
Professional teaching and nurturing support
Program's Worst Aspect
Occasional 3 hour ballet classes.
Would have liked more partnering opportunities.
My dancer would have liked more performance opportunities outside of the competition space.
Out of state but worth it!
What Changes Would Be Helpful?
A solid schedule that doesn’t change
Nothing. It’s amazing!!!!
Some years they have male students and some years they don't. More partnering work would be great.
Anything Else We Should Know?
As a mother of a 16 year old, I was very nervous to send my daughter away to begin her pre-professional training. However, I knew it was the next natural step for her to continue to learn and grow, and develop as a dancer. It was important to my husband and I, to find a program that would foster a fusion of both professionalism and an extension of family. Lindsi and Karel, owners of DeCruz, have gone above and beyond my expectations. My daughter thrived in both her training and learning basic life skills, and feeling known. She has learned to live on her own, advocate for herself, and create healthy patterns to set herself up for success. DeCruz Ballet is a place where dancers can experience having open conversations about their training, where they are heard and validated. It’s a place where each dancer is celebrated for their own strengths, and challenges individual growth! It’s a community of dancers who inspire one another, and cheer each other on. This is a community that has become a second family to my daughter, her home away from home, where she is thriving. I highly recommend DeCruz Ballet
You will be expected to work hard. Because it is a small group, your training is very targeted and you will receive a lot of very specific feedback.
Housing isn’t arranged by the school, but there are apartments behind the studio that are gated, and safe. The school has a physical therapist come to the studio for needling, cupping, massage and other treatment (PT is paid directly for these optional services). We had a great experience at DeCruz - highly recommend.
