out of 8 levels, then trainee is the transitional level into the company
Levels 1-8 and trainee
8 + Trainee
8 levels plus trainee
Up to trainee
8 levels plus trainee
1-trainee
Level 1-Trainee
Levels 1-8, + Trainee
8 levels plus trainees
1 - 8 plus trainee
Dancer Age
14
15
16
17
18
Hours of Dance Each Week
21-25 hours
More than 26 hours
Gender
Female
Male
Company Affliated?
Yes
Was Student Scholarshipped?
No
Yes
Please Describe Scholarship
All of the trainees were on full tuition and housing scholarships along with a 525 dollar stipend provided monthly
Partial tuition
My daughter was on a full tuition scholarship that was awarded at the general audition for the school year.
Tuition scholarship and financial aid for housing
Tuition only a few chosen dancers
N/A
Scholarship covered full tuition
Years At School
1 year
2 years
6 years
Full time or after school?
Full-Time
Curriculum
Days Per Week
6
Classes Per Day
1
3
4
5
Weekend Classes?
Yes
Weekend Schedule
Half day
Students Per Class
10-15
16-24
Weekly Repertoire or Variations?
No
Yes
Pointe Classes Per Week
2
3
4
5
Daily
N/A
Live Music in Technique Class?
Yes
Dedicated Men's Program?
No
Yes
Men Taught by Male Teacher?
Yes
Men Taught Batterie?
Yes
Boys In Level
11-15
5-10
Separate Technique Class for Boys
Yes
Techniques Taught
Balanchine
French
General Classical
Vaganova
Technique Teacher Rotation
Usually the same every day
Did School Director Teach?
Occasionally
Often
Classroom Corrections
Dancer specific: almost every dancer got specific corrections each day
Dancer specific: detailed but only a few dancers consistently got corrections
Occasionally dancer specific: mostly general corrections were given
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
French training
The technique taught is mixed. The AD teaches French style, the level 8is Balanchine leaning and level 7 leans vaganova
We only had one technique class per day then we had rehearsals for about 6 sometimes 7 hours with 1 hour usually for lunch. Usually the first 5 hours were just trainee rehearsals then the last 2 hours were designated for company rehearsals.
It was a covid year and SFBS was slow to return to the studios. They followed the same schedule as the San Francisco Unified School District which caused a lot of confusion and limited the number of classes offered. In addition, when students finally got back into the studios they only had a technique class and then all other classes were on zoom later in the day.
Full day including technique, pointe, pas, contemporay, music and corp classes. On satuday it was just one technique class
European style classical, technique class every day, separated into gender, Mat class, Batterie,or point for girls and either Corps de Ballet /pas de deux/ballet acting/contemporary /improv/ choreographic workshop depending on the day.
Classical style mainly French/russian style, technique class, batterie, body conditioning and alternating with classes in ballet acting, contemporary and music classes
technique, point or men's batterie, pas, variations, pbt
Morning technique, followed by either pointe, variations or men's batterie. The first half of the year included additional classes during the day with pas, Horton-inspired modern, PBT, conditioning, ballet acting. Some of these classes continued during the second half of the year, however much more time was dedicated to rehearsals. About half of the students were involved in these rehearsals. The other half ended the day early or experienced long breaks during the day.
Depends on your main teacher. Level 6/8 study more French/American style, while Level 7 goes more Vaganova. However, across the school, there are certain technical and artistic preferences that all teachers emphasize so the school looks uniform.
Technique daily, pointe 3 times a week, mat or conditioning daily, pas de deux weekly, modern weekly, character weekly, music weekly
Four classes per day starting with technique, followed by pointe (batterie for boys) or pas de deux on alternate days. A mix of character, modern, jazz, corps, conditioning, choreography and music in the afternoon. Typically 9:30am - 4:30pm weekdays. Technique class on Saturdays. Sometimes extra classes in the lead up to performances. But always given a rest on Monday if rehearsing Saturday and Sunday.
Partnering
Frequency of Partnering Class
1x per week
2x per week
3x per week
No partnering
Partner Ratio
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.
None, there were enough boys for every girl.
Who Taught?
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
Males were the main focus
Description of Partnering Class
Partnering was pretty basic and tended to be conservative. A lot of focus was on adagio and very little focus placed on lifts.
Very simple never any lifts
The teacher taught to the bottom of the class so it moves slowly and was very basic
Fun and popular with the kids
The students are placed with partners they keep for the majority of the year. The teacher provides general and individual corrections, they were taught pas from swan lake, Don Quixote etc
Very technical & detail oriented.
Taught by Russian master, worked on variation pieces, personal attention to each couple. Worked on partnering holds and lifts
There were 22 women and approximately 5 men. So, most of the time the women were waiting on the side, as they had to share the men.
This year, in level 8, there were 21-22 women and 5-6 men. The men were overused and the women had a great deal of time waiting.
In Level 6, it is a once a week, 1.5 hour class that focuses on building a solid foundation. It consistently challenges you, but never to an unsafe point. Level 7 and 8 do more frequent partnering.
90 min a week- spent a lot of time on each combination, usually four a class. There were a lot of groups and the teacher wanted to repeat the combos a lot to help the students improve.
There were two girls for each boy. Exercises were very challenging, but fun. Lots of lifts. My daughter found some of the boys were a bit judgemental and not as comfortable to dance with.
Additional Comments
The partnering class did not challenge dancers. My dancer was fairly behind on more sophisticated partnering skills when he arrived at his bridge program.
No
The class did not allow the students to grow and learn to the best of their ability
It was the first time my daughter had a specific class for this and she was eager to learn and absorb all the knowledge.
The teacher was mindful of dancer safety in lifts and if a lift required to be done too often we would ask them to mark it to limit the injuries to dancers
Outstanding men in program.
No
There used to be many more men in the program, however over the last two years the men's program has diminished.
The partnering instruction is strong, however there were too few men to allow for a positive learning experience. Men were often injured. Out of the 5-6 men, 1-2 would be injured. So, it would mean 21 women sharing a couple of men.
Other Classes
Other Dance Styles
but not the codified Horton.
Character
Horton
Jazz
Modern
None of the above
Once in a white they would teach a forsythe class or something like that
One instructor that teaches class that is a fusion on Horton-like and contemporary
There is a Horton-inspired Modern class
Other Class Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Contemporary Offered?
No
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
There were none and it would have been nice if there were master classes
Not many were offered
Nothing
We had a few guest teachers come in and teach for the trainees. We had artistic directors and other well known former dancers teaching on occasion.
Contemporary masterclass with visiting choreographer
There weren't really master classes taught during the regular year. Only once in about 6 years.
Approximately three master classes this year, taught by artists that were in town.
Level 7 and 8 dancers were offered opportunities to network and take class from visiting company directors.
Strength & Conditioning
Physical Training Offered?
No
Yes
Physical Training Types
Body conditioning
Body rolling
Gyrotonic or Gyrokenisis
Other
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?
No
Some were certified and some were not depending on class
Yes
Physical Training Quality
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Strength & Conditioning Comments
There was no weight training the years my dancer was there. That should have been offered as a complement to partnering classes. The strength and conditioning program at the school really needs to be improved. The classes that were offered were good. But, there needs to be more variety and they need to be more frequent.
Too intense combined with our other daily classes lots of injuries
The yoga and pilates were excellent the conditioning class was poor
The yoga classes were boring and the strength classes were taught by a ballet teacher who had no certification to be teaching them. Classes were held over zoom for the first half of the year and were not productive
A separate weight training class would be advantageous for the males
Adding yoga and weights to the curriculum would be advantageous
There is a class prep class once a week and PBT once a week.
We also did Floor Barre classes
My daughter really enjoyed these classes. There is also access to the gym in the school but it has little equipment and was often already in use.
Injuries/Health/ Mental Health
Are Doctors Available?
No
Yes
Yes, but not for my level
Yes, for everyone
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?
Students would have to go to the physical therapist who would then inform the office that a dancer needed medical attention. Then, someone on the administrative staff would make an appointment and dancer would be driven to the appointment. One note -- there is no clearly communicated process for how the school handles injuries. It was not uncommon for it to take weeks to even have the school schedule an appointment for a student.
Sort of it was always a complicated process
N/a
Yes PT was provided and they would take you to the doctor for any students who’s family could not come and take them.
We were on our own. We kept getting told the school would help but they did not
The RA in the boarding house took her to the Emergency for Xray immediately.
School and residential manager took student to appointments. The school advised the parent by email and phone
Yes
School arranged
Went to go to a doctor privately. Not sure if this was the case for other students.
They could sign up for physical therapy and if a doctor was needed the RA would take them
If required there would have been assistance from the dorm staff to get to a doctor through our own health insurance.
PT Available?
No
Yes, it is part of fees
Was There a Recovery Plan?
My dancer did not get injured
No
Yes
Describe Recovery Plan
There was no sort of plan when my dancer attended SFBS. In fact, it was required that injured students sit and watch class. I believe this policy may have changed and I hope that it did.
There was no recovery plan was always pushed to keep going
Rest for the summer
There was no recovery plan. My dancer was so afraid to tell the school that they were hurting that they kept dancing on multiple injuries
There was an recovery plan set out by the doctor. HOweber in this instance the time away from ballet was too long, so she was sent home to recover rather than stay away from family support.
A recovery plan was drafted by director- student took Mat pilates with company and did work in gym, and watched classes
Altered schedule and weight training
We developed our own recovery plan. Usually, dancers are sent home if they are injured.
Mental Health Therapists Available?
Yes
Yes, for everyone
Were Students Given Fat Talk?
No
Yes
Staff Made Comments About Bodies?
No
Unsure
Yes
Were Students Weighed?
No
Unsure
Yes
Was "Coded Language" Used?
Maybe
No
Yes
Additional Comments
My dancer struggled a lot in level 8. Based on what was happening, the fact that no teacher saw this and notified the administration is inexcuable. My dancer was having obvious mental health issues and not one person at the school alerted us to anything.
Not much mental health talk, not many opportunities to heal injuries, body shaming happened a lot to a lot of dancers.
The school is still very old school in terms of body image. Teachers feel very comfortable to talk about students' bodies in public. There is no time in the day built in for students to eat a proper lunch
Sometimes students are taken out of company roles for injuries.
There were a large number of injuries when the students finally got back into the studio due to poor conditioning classes while still on zoom
The rules are clear about being sent home vs staying but not dancing. This was very difficult initialy for my daughter, but ultimately she realised it was for the best and far better for her mental health to recover without pressure and recover slowly and safely.
The school worked with the student and parent, they were very supportive and offered position back at school including their scholarship for the next year as the student could not complete the year.
RA available to escort students to appointments or emergency visits.
The environment is toxic, between faculty and students, the administration and students, and among the students themselves. While the school offers mental health workshops, they seem more performative than genuinely supportive.
The school provides access to mental health professionals and hosts master classes. However, the overall environment is toxic, which makes these mental health efforts feel disingenuous and at odds with the messaging being promoted.
They were very proactive with mental health support.
My daughter used the PT for small niggles. Found it very useful but going to appointments meant missing out on classtime so she didnt go often.
Her teacher showed genuine concern for other students with health/eating concerns and the school seemed to take these seriously, sending students home for treatment and recovery when required. They were back in class very soon however. Although there was no body talk from the teachers, my daughter experienced some dancers regularly shaming their own diets and body image. Very few dancers would eat lunch in the break. This was the one issue we had with the culture, and came from the students themselves, not the school.
Performances: Winter Show/ Nutcracker
Performance Opportunities
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
School Winter Show?
No
Yes
Company or School Show?
Company affiliated production and the students perform certain parts
School puts on it's own production and students dance all the parts
Cast in Winter Show?
No, my level typically does not perform in winter show
Yes
How Chosen
Audition
Chosen by school director or the company artistic staff
Chosen by school director or the company director
Winter Show Role
"Standing around part" e.g. party attendant, royal guard, etc.
Dancing part
I had both types of parts
Were You Paid?
No
Yes
If Paid, Please Describe
Paid per company role, per show
paid per role
paid per role, approx. $8
Payment was $8 or $9 per show, depending on the role.
Per company role
Per role & show
Rehearsal Impact on Classes
4
5
Rehearsal Hours
1-2
3-5
6-10
Performance: Ballet Season
Cast in Company Productions?
No
Yes
Kind of Part Given?
"Standing around part" e.g. party attendant, royal guard, etc.
Dancing part
I had both types of parts
I wasn't cast
How Chosen
A few students are chosen by the Artistic Staff
Was Casting Fair?
For some but not all
Yes
Did Rehearsals Impact School Schedule?
1
3
5
Perfomance Opportunities
Company productions were largely standing around parts for the men. Women got a lot of opportunities to dance with the corps during the year my dancer was in level 8. But, corps opportunities largely depend on the programming for a particular season. The school's Spring Showcase was a bit of a dud. No one gets to dance very much other than the trainees. The school would be well-served by dramatically revamping the spring showcase. SFBS does not provide nearly enough performance opportunities for upper level students. In fact, level 7 women don't even do Nutcracker so they are limited to one or two school shows, both of which are underwhelming.
Choreography showcase, nutcracker, don q, symphony in c, swan lake, spring showcase
Performed corps roles in every story ballet SFballet performed last season along with trainee performances on tour and the two school performances.
School and company
Both school and company performances (corps de ballet with company)
Both school and company opportunities
Were You Paid?
Yes
If Paid, Please Describe
paid per role
Per company role
Per company role/ per performance
Per role, per show
Competition
School Does Competitions?
No
Communication
Formal Orientation?
Yes
Handboook & Paperwork
Adequate but missing several key pieces
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 dancers only. Parents not involved
With parents and students
With parents only
Exams
Formal Exam?
No
Yes
Written Feedback?
No
Yes
Exam Adjudicator
Internal
Exam Rubrics Clear?
Agree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly disagree
Who Attends Exam Meeting?
No
Yes and parents are included. The meeting was with Artistic Director and my teachers
Yes and parents were included. The meeting was with the Artistic Director
Yes, Dancer only. The meeting was with Artistic Director and my teachers
Yes, dancer only. The meeting was with the Artistic Director.
The culture at the school has become increasingly toxic this year. The school director appears to focus attention on a select group of students, while most others are dismissed or disregarded. Communication is poor or entirely absent, and disorganization—particularly around scheduling—has only added to the strain. This environment has contributed to growing tension among the dancers, fostering an unhealthy, “every dancer for themselves” mentality.
Mostly positive, depends on level
Non-competitive and pretty supportive in my level
Friendly, supportive, welcoming, a little competitive but mostly with yourself.
Placement Notification Timing
March-April
May
After the end of the spring school term
February
In the spring -- usually May
My daughter went home early due to injury but she was told when she left of the level she would be dancing when she returned. Other kids were told after the showcase at the end of the year.
March
Yes
February/March
No
My dancer received a second company contract from another organization.
Officially, the last day of the program although the conversation is opened in December
The last week of school (end of May)
Two weeks before end of school year.
How Dancer Was Notified
In-person meeting with school director/staff
Written communication via email or regular mail
Dancer Had Mentor?
No
Yes
Mentoring Details
With the arrival of a new school director, mentorship has noticeably decreased. In Level 8, where much of the students’ focus is on securing contracts for the following year, guidance and support during audition season were largely absent. Students were left to navigate the process on their own. While the primary technique teacher made an effort to offer some support, there was very little involvement from the school director or administrative staff.
The main teacher for each level serves as a mentor for the people in that level. All of the teachers are very supportive and actively involved in their students lives.
N/A
No mentoring program that we are aware of.
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
How Many Promoted Internally to Bridge Level
4 men and 3 women
3 girls 3 guys
8-10
7
3 men and 3 women
4-5 girls and 4-5 boys. Typiclaly there is 6 of each.
9
7-8
8
Last year, the school/company took approximately 10 dancers from the school into trainee.
30%
30%
90%
50%
How Many Come From Outside to Bridge Level?
2 men, 2 women
2
2-4
5
3 men and 3 women
1 - 2 girls and 1-2 boys.
1-2
4
2-4
2
Where Graduates Who Do Not Get Bridge Level Go
All find bridge level positions at other ballet schools
Most find bridge level positions at other ballet schools
Some find positions elsewhere and about half leave ballet
How Many Left and Went to College?
0
1 or 2?
1-2
10%
None
none that i know of
probably 2 or 3
Unknown
Unsure
Career Support
I was not looking for new placement; was staying in program
Received lots of help
Received no help - I was on my own
Received some help
Describe How School Helped
The school did not help at all
Only one teacher was supportive and helped with suggestions and connections. Artistic director picked favourites on who to help
N/A
Sent emails and wrote letters of recommendation.
Provide a list of attending companies, provide advice on offers
Provided videos of class work to film, example resumes & cover letters.
Provide a list of upcoming company auditions, support in making decisions
Dancers are on their own.Trainees get some help, but not level 8. The school gives a form at the beginning of the year to fill out with plans. But there is no followup, advice, or mentorship.
The school held a meeting at the beginning of the year and handed out a packet of information. Other than that, dancers were mostly on their own. While one faculty member offered some individual support, the school itself remained uninvolved.
Building & Surrounding Area
Security Around Building
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?
Yes
Did Dancer Stay in Provided Housing?
No
Yes
Where Did Dancer Live?
Rented an apartment alone or with other dancers
Type of Housing Provided:
Dorms
Housing Minimum Age
14
14 or 15
Not sure it’s mostly just upper level students there though
Unsure
# of Roommates:
0 (lived in single)
1
2
3
Adequate # of RA's?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
5
Absolutely
Type of Bathrooms:
Private in suite
Curfew?
Yes
Curfew Reasonable?
No
Yes
Nightly Room Check?
No
Yes
Dorm Strictness
Extremely Lax
1
2
3
4
5
Extremely Strict
How Infractions Handled?
A little harsh
Fair
My student had no infractions this year (as far as I know!)
Skewed depending on student
Skewed depending on the RA
Too harsh
How Roommate Issues Handled?
Dorm and school admin
great roomates, had no problems
No experience with this.
Not applicable
Not well
RA helped
RAs helped resolve what they could
With assistance of RA
Housing Cleanliness
Dirty
1
2
3
4
5
Spotless
Students Required to Clean Room?
No
Yes
Laundry Available?
Yes
Laundry Free?
No
Yes
Evening Activities?
No
Yes
A/C In Room?
No
Yes
Weekend Outings?
No
Yes
Transportation Between Housing and Studios?
Walked without chaperone
Safety Around Housing
Not Safe
1
2
3
4
5
Very Safe
Overall Rating of Housing
Poor
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Additional Comments
Way too strict, need to adapt rules depending on age of student. Even my parents complained felt like I had absolutely no freedom to be myself and live my life
Fantastic to have so close to the school.
Kitchen facilities are limited, the food package for a growing boy isn't enough alone and needs to be supplemented with money for food and on weekends
Meal plan is limited.
The dorm is in an area with a lot of homelessness, but the school and theatre were very close to the dorm and my daughter felt safe getting around. Would do outings with friends.
Meal Plan
Meal Plan?
Yes
Food Quality
Gross
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Enough Food?
No
Yes
Late Meals Available?
No
Sometimes
Yes
Dancer w/ Dietary Needs?
No
Yes
What Were Needs?
Gluten Free
Dietary Needs Met?
3
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+
C+
Career Support and Placement
A
A-
A+
B
B-
B+
C-
C+
D
Emotional Support
A
A+
B
B+
C
C-
D
Housing & Food
A
A-
B
B+
C
C-
N/A
Performance Opportunities
A
A+
B
C
D
Overall Comments
Program's Best Aspect
The technique training gave me a good foundation for my next step.
Opportunities to dance with the company and the training was good
Excellent technical training, good preparation for company life, excellent job placement
So much performance opportunity.
The reputation of the school looks good on your resume and opens doors when looking to audition. Overall ballet training is excellent except for the one teacher. I believe he is gone now, though.
Talented students and amazing faculty.
The training
The training is outstanding. A great finishing school.
The training
The name is the best part. It has a good reputation and helps with resumes.
The school’s strong reputation can be an asset during auditions, and a few faculty members are truly excellent teachers.
The rigorous training, the networking opportunities (so many different directors and companies come to SF to visit the school), the proximity to the company
The teachers and quality of the classes. Really pretty studios. Loved being in the city. Liked having the wellness center.
The people were great (teachers and students). Made lovely friends and had a fun time. Supportive and encouraging environment.
Program's Worst Aspect
My dancer did not feel supported at all by the staff, especially when my dancer was struggling with their mental health. We were never notified that there were any problems, despite obvious issues that should have been apparent to teachers and administrators. In addition, the partnering classes were substandard and my dancer was quite unprepared for their next level where sophisticated partnering was required
No freedom in dorm, toxic people, not good food in dorm, and no support with auditions
School culture
The competitiveness about getting hired.
The administration at SFBS is awful. The communication with parents is terrible and you get the sense that no one at the school actually likes kids. There was a culture of fear. Kids are afraid to say they're injured for fear of getting passed over for casting and promotions. There is no transparency and the office seems to exist as gatekeepers and nothing more.
Food in the dorms was not enough for growing and working dancers.
Liked the program don't have anything negative to say
Non-artistic administration.
I don't have any complaints
There are almost no performance opportunities. Most of us got some chances to perform with the company. But the school itself only has one production a year, with only 2 shows. Most students only participate in the school demonstration. There are almost no opportunities to do faculty or guest artist work. The school also recruits from other schools for level 8, and then if they get into the company, they claim they came from the school. In reality, they trained elsewhere.
The program was hindered by poor leadership, with poor communication, disorganization, and ineffective scheduling. Many dancers had long, unstructured breaks during the day due to the lack of planning. Performance opportunities were limited—aside from Nutcracker in the fall and a two-day end-of-year show. This performance is double cast, with some students only placed in the school demo. Class size was large as well, adding to the limited performance opportunities. Overall, the support system was minimal, leaving many dancers to navigate their training and audition process on their own.
Communication never really came more than 24 hours before most rehearsals or other events, but I appreciated the frequent communication
Wish we would have known earlier about the plans for the next year.
Modern classes in general. Character classes were quite boring.
The body/food talk by some of the other students.
What Changes Would Be Helpful?
More of a focus on strength classes and a more comprehensive injury recovery plan. Also, better career counseling.
More support with auditioning, more freedom in dorm, less competitive feeling within the school
School culture, students feeling supported instead of disposible
They should assist in helping all of the trainees secure jobs especially because last year none of the trainees were allowed to repeat.
Get more teachers who actually like kids. Stop trying to "catch people in the act" of doing things they shouldn't be doing. Students felt like no one was in their corner and they were all scared to speak out about anything. There was a particularly bad teacher and everyone knew he was awful. Yet, nothing was done about it. And, fix the career planning. If you are not being taken into the trainee program (and that is a HUGE if), you are totally on your own for finding placement. Hoping that the new director makes changes on this, but look at where graduates go. If they are not getting into the trainee program, they are having trouble. Stop implying that students should be grateful and should feel lucky to be at SFBS.
Not much. My daughter was simply so pleased and happy to be there! Wish the year didnt end early due to injury.
More specific weight training for the males
Build time in schedule for dancers to eat lunch. Offer a meal plan and schedule that allows for three meals a day.
I don't have any complaints
Add performance opportunities. Add guest artists. Add master classes. Add real contemporary classes. Better mentorship and guidance when it comes to audition season. The culture needs to change.
The leadership and more performance opportunities.
Nothing, it was fantastic
I wish level 6 had a few more classes
Contemporary instead of modern classes.
Anything Else We Should Know?
The training in ballet technique is generally strong. However, the school tends to attract dancers that are already "fully formed." If your dancer is looking for a lot of performance opportunities, this is not the place. Women sometimes get to do corps work with the company, but that is solely dependent on that year's slate of programs. In addition, the school is not known for being a warm and fuzzy place, so a thick skin is required. It's usually a very talented group in each level and the school seems to attract extroverted people who are quite competitive. The school does have a good history of placing dancers in bridge programs and company jobs. However, students are given very little career advice and support. And, the administrative staff only picks up the phone to help students secure auditions or employment for a select few of their students.
Can be very good, but you have to be VERY mentally strong
Personality is so important. I’m not sure if that’s true still with the change of direction though 😅
This school requires a very thick skin. One bright spot is the music department. The folks that accompany the classes on the piano are wonderful. The critiques of the school for this year should be taken into consideration that this was coming off covid and some of the critiques are relates to how the school handled it. But the administrative issues are separate from the issues related to coming back from Covid.
When my daughter was injured they school made sure she made up for lost time in the summer programme. When she returned it was with much love, happiness and affection and she was happy to be there, and the teachers were so happy to see her. She really felt at home and supported by the school.
The training is very strenuous, the students are all talented and generally supportive of each other. the nutcracker season is very long and international students don't really get time to go home for more than a couple of days. The director of the school left at the end of the year.
Significant cuts in levels as dancers progress. This is a program for dancers who have prior experience living away from home, and who are finished with school or have a light school load. Very intense training and atmosphere.
Very strong ballet training
This school is a good fit for dancers who already have great training, extensive performance experience, and a traditional ballet body. Those who enter in the final year with strong talent may have a positive experience. However, for dancers who need technical development, individualized coaching, one-on-one attention, or are looking for a lot of performance opportunities, this school is not the right choice.
While the school has some excellent faculty members and a track record of transitioning a number of students into trainee positions and, eventually, the company, there are notable challenges. Performance opportunities are limited and not sufficient for meaningful artistic growth. Leadership is weak, with poor communication and inconsistent direction, which affects the overall training environment.
They are adding an evening program next year to level 6, which means dancers joining the level 6 full time will share some classes with local students.
In my level the teacher was pretty equal in giving personal and general corrections, but other levels have more favoritism with previous students
My daughter only did half a year from January so missed some experiences such as orientation, Nutcracker etc. She did get to perform in the in-school choreographic project, and Spring Showcase which was a fantastic experience at the War Memorial Opera House!
She found the teaching quality was great but probably didn't see dramatic improvement given the limited time she had there.
She enjoyed living in the dorms and developing some independence with supermarket shopping, laundry etc. The dinners were good, but repetitive. The music students usually got the larger servings, but there were always lots of side salads.
