Ballet technique was first, everyday, then pointe. On Wednesdays we had jazz or contemporary after pointe.
We started every day with an hour and a half technique class. Followed by 45 minutes of pointe, and then 45 minutes of partnering or variations. We would then do 45 minutes of conditioning before an hour lunch break. After lunch we had 2-3 hours of company or studio company rehearsal. If we were ever called to a company rehearsal, that took priority over our classes and we were excused from classes.
A few girls had to share but most had their own partner.
Everyone had to share a partner.
Most girls had to share a partner.
Who Taught?
It varied based on the week
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
Corrections were general and there was little attention paid to any specific person
The teacher focused on one or two couples and the rest of the students were on their own
Description of Partnering Class
It was beneficial as well as enjoyable. I feel I have grown in partnering.
Lifts, turns, poses and variations taught
Usually 2-3 girls to every boy. We worked on some partnering skills and lifts, and would do mostly combinations. Occasionally we would learn a pas de deux.
Partnered with trainee and second company men along with day program men
The male Trainees partnered with the upper level students so there was almost a 1:1 ratio.
The guys got tired because not enough of them. Some were injuried
Additional Comments
It was one of the most enjoyable classes.
Rotating teachers helped give clear perspectives
These answers are definitely specific to the 22/23 season. Partnering class quality greatly improved for the 23/24 season.
N/A
Not enough men
Other Classes
Other Dance Styles
Character
Contemporary
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
Guest or visiting teachers
Strength & Conditioning
Physical Training Offered?
No
Yes
Physical Training Types
Body conditioning
Body rolling
Pilates (mat or reformer)
Progressing Ballet Technique
Stretch class
Weight training
Yoga
Physical Training Schedule
Daily
Once or twice a week
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
My strength and endurance has increased
The PT on staff offers an individualized strength training program to the dancers for them to do on their own.
Injuries/Health/ Mental Health
Are Doctors Available?
No
Unsure
Yes
How Parents Notified?
My student did not get injured
Parent was informed same day, in person
School called parent
Student told parent. School not involved
How Treatment Obtained?
Through my private physician if needed
We found a doctor on our own.
Physical therapy referral - student did not require more medical attention than that
We have a company physician with Oklahoma City Ballet that specializes in both family medicine and orthopedics. So pretty much any issue someone was having, they could see her.
On campus PT, sport doc affiliated with OKCB
On-staff physical therapist
Insurance
PT Available?
No
Yes, for extra fee
Yes, it is part of fees
Was There a Recovery Plan?
My dancer did not get injured
No
Yes
Describe Recovery Plan
not applicable
PT recommend treatment plan and class participation. This was communicated to school staff and parent. My
Dancer was also empowered to have ongoing open dialogue with teachers about how injury was progressing and make choices for participation base on pain and progress.
In my experience, the recovery plan was established by the dancer. The school was very understanding and it was our job to communicate where we were in the recovery process. I think it depended on the injury how the school handled it, but for trainees and OKCBII, they trusted us to be honest about injuries.
No plan. School did not call parents/guardian. Completely ignored student.
Mental Health Therapists Available?
No
Unsure
Yes
Were Students Given Fat Talk?
No
Staff Made Comments About Bodies?
No
Yes
Were Students Weighed?
No
Was "Coded Language" Used?
No
Yes
Additional Comments
Mental health walks we common especially around performances.
Mental health walks are use when they don't have enough teachers. Comments about height and length made to some students (things they can't change). Toxic environment due to nepotism/cronyism. Nepo babies are not moderated but lean into their status, especially holding it over students. You have to constantly monitor what you say and do which adds to stress and anxiety.
Performances: Winter Show/ Nutcracker
Performance Opportunities
2-3
4-5
School Winter Show?
Yes
Company or School Show?
Company affiliated production and the students perform certain parts
Cast in Winter Show?
Yes
How Chosen
Audition
Chosen by school director or the company artistic staff
Winter Show Role
Dancing part
Were You Paid?
No
Rehearsal Impact on Classes
1
5
Rehearsal Hours
3-5
Performance: Ballet Season
Cast in Company Productions?
No
Yes
Kind of Part Given?
Dancing part
How Chosen
A few students are chosen by the Artistic Staff
All students allowed to audition
Students chosen for roles by staff - NO AUDITIONS
Was Casting Fair?
For some but not all
Yes
Did Rehearsals Impact School Schedule?
1
4
5
Rehearsal Hours
1-2
Perfomance Opportunities
I have had really good dancing roles in productions in which there are student roles - GREAT!
My student danced in the company's performance of the Nutcracker. There was a spring performance for the school. They performed solos and ensembles at YAGP.
Competitions, community engagement performances
For this season I was involved in 4 company productions: Ballet Under the Stars. Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Western Symphony. In all 4 of these I had dancing roles.
In our studio company rep, most of our performances were outreach. A lot of performing at elementary schools, festivals, events, etc. In the outreach shows we all got a pretty even amount of opportunities and casting was pretty fair. We also had a partnership with the philharmonic and got to perform on the main stage. Studio Company has a program performed in the spring called BCI which is all new works created by student choreographers. At the end of the year, we had a spring show. The studio company did swan lake act 2 and excerpts from other things we’d been working on throughout the year. That season was very good with performance opportunities, everyone felt like we were dancing a lot.
Company opportunities: Nutcracker and 1 other,
school opportunities: several community engagement programs
The Bridge Choreography Initiative where students run everything including choreography, casting, marketing, development, costume, stage management, etc.
1 end of the year showcase
Were You Paid?
No
Competition
School Does Competitions?
No
Yes
Competitions Required?
No
How Many Compete?
Quite a lot of participants; they are selected.
No set number, but they must be invited to participate by school faculty and administration.
Not sure - more than 15
As many as they wish
% of Students Who Performed
1/3
30%
50
50%
About 80 percemt
It's hard to know since some may decline.
How Chosen?
Students receive written notice of their selection for participation and are asked to accept or decline the offer.
Teachers and administration invite students to participate.
By invitation from school directors
Invitation only
Invitation to all in higher levels, some in lower levels
Summer intensive is required or you get invited
Competitions Cost Extra?
Yes: Fees, Workshop, choreographer, rehearsal
Yes, fees for coaches, choreographers, travel fees, costume rental fees, and studio rental fees
Rehearsal and coaching fees along with choreography fees for contemporary
Yes, choreography, training and entry feea
Yes. Very Expensive, could not afford
Separate Competition Rehearsals?
Yes
Competition Interfered With Training?
It added value. It helped me to focus more strongly on technique and artistry.
Adds! It is nice to have one on one coaching.
Add- especially the one on one coaching time
Added, the one on one coaching helped so much. I learned how to perform under pressure
Added - basically like a private lesson a couple times a week
Detract. They only care about was competition kids. You get ignored if you can't afford it. Also, they would hold class during ice storm/snows because they did not want to miss rehearsals before a competition.
Communication
Formal Orientation?
No
Yes
Handboook & Paperwork
Adequate but missing several key pieces
Comprehensive and complete. I knew what to expect for the year
No. It happens first day of class. March meeting if you get in for the next year.
How Dancer Was Notified
In-person meeting with school director/staff
Written communication via email or regular mail
Dancer Had Mentor?
No
Mentoring Details
None.
Nothing really formalized
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?
Trainee, Post- Graduate/Graduate, Second Company, Studio Company, Apprentice (only if it is not part of the company)
Trainee, Post- Graduate/Graduate, Second Company, Studio Company
Trainee, Post- Graduate/Graduate, Studio Company
Trainee, Second Company, Studio Company
Trainee, Second Company, Studio Company
Trainee, Second Company, Studio Company
Trainee, Studio Company
How Many Promoted Internally to Bridge Level
Unsure
2
The majority - would say 80-90 %
4/12
90%
20%
10%
How Many Come From Outside to Bridge Level?
Unsure
10
I don't know
8/12
60% is from outside
Where Graduates Who Do Not Get Bridge Level Go
All find bridge level positions at other ballet schools
Some find positions elsewhere and about half leave ballet
How Many Left and Went to College?
10%
I don't know
N/A
None
Several -maybe 15 %
Unsure
Career Support
I was not looking for new placement; was staying in program
Received lots of help
Received some help
Describe How School Helped
The school offered me a Trainee position there. I happily accepted. It was what I wanted.
Resume, cover letter and video were required so the staff could review and give feedback. All were encouraged to audition and use the summer for outside training and networking
They do make you write cover letters/resume. Not helpful. Most students do this already for high school program. Charge extra for teacher time and studio rentals. You have to have a teacher in the room to film your auditions. Again, another fee.
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
A+
B-
Career Support and Placement
A
A-
A+
B+
C
Emotional Support
A
A+
B+
D
Housing & Food
C+
N/A
Performance Opportunities
A
A+
B
B-
Overall Comments
Program's Best Aspect
The staff is excellent. They are easy to talk to and are not intimidating.
Performance opportunities with company , variety of very qualified teachers, School Director heavily involved in all aspects of program and invested in my dancer- as a dancer and human being .
The size of the program
The faculty and support.
Training
Some teachers were good
Program's Worst Aspect
Need more male students in the day program
Would love more boys for partnering .
Flooring in a studio caused shin splints in all of day program.
They can’t keep everyone who wants to stay
Nepotism. Director always away at competitions so staff are bullies. Nutcracker was awful with staff completely unorganized and on political agendas. We can't say men or women. We have to say pointe shoe dancer or flat shoe dancer.
What Changes Would Be Helpful?
Need more guys in the day program
Better communication with parents.
Housing added
Have the director of the school more.
More funding for more dancers
Reorganize the school and have staff with degrees in pedagogy. Too many administrative staff and not enough teachers. Parents pay for ballet, and we need to know what is going on in the school other than the pejorative messaging. Hold staff accountable for their actions or inactions. Transparency is incredibly lacking at all levels of decision making, funding and in communications. Staff will not sign emails so you have no idea who is sending out emails. The board needs to hold senior staff accountable for bad hiring choices and finances. Our neighbor is rougher than the PAC, but teenagers needed an arm escort to walk 50 feet to the car. The problems are in the building with company members and trainees being bullied and "too handsy' with students.
Anything Else We Should Know?
There is comaraderie among the students. The classes are very structured & professional
Rigorous training, but fair . Culture of the school committed to excellence without toxic body shaming and abusive behavior. High standards for work ethic - lots of support to find individual path to success.
Love it!
Go elsewhere if possible. They talk a good talk, but fail to deliver. Only took two students from the school this year and gave half hearted "maybes" to studio company members. They dragged out the decisions making until mid-March, so people took contracts with other schools and company's. We were forced to make escape plans when we started seeing the writing on the wall.
