Ballet class, Pointe Class were daily; Pilates once a week, Pas once a week; Contemporary once a week. Rehearsals varied depending on what dancers were preparing for.
Daily technique and pointe + variations, partnering and/or contemporary am and pm
Each day began with technique, and some days offered two technique classes. Pointe is 3 times per week. Variations, contemporary, partnering, and Pilates/yoga were the classes that filled the remainder of each day. Saturdays are just technique class followed minimally by rehearsal. The focus is to keep Saturdays light and focus rehearsal time during the week.
main school focus is on classical ballet technique
Different teachers tend towards different styles, so some are more Balenchine, some are more Russian. At least 3-4 classes per day, plus rehearsals.
Four days a week there was ballet and pointe class (one day Pas). One day there would be three classes including ballet, Pilates and contemporary. Saturdays was just ballet. Throughout the program, there would be rehearsals added to the schedule during the week, and all-day Saturday as we approached the show. We learned a wide variety of ballet style based on which teacher you had. There were two men's classes with approximately ten dancers in each. They have their own levels.
Partnering
Frequency of Partnering Class
1x per week
2x per week
3x per week
Partner Ratio
A few girls had to share but most had their own 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
Description of Partnering Class
Once per week taught by Peter Stark. The highlight of the week.
Not sure on details but my dancer loved it
two classes per week with differend girls
Depends on level. Level 5 basic partnering techniques, level 6 more intermediate, level 7 advanced partnering and learning PDD from classical rep.
Taught by Mr. Stark and was very good. They learned advanced steps and also worked on basics!
Partnering technique plus learning pas from classical ballets and opportunity to perform pas de deux in shows, so also rehearsals for the pas performed
Very adagio based
Partnering class with levels 5/6 and M2 covered basic partnering technique with a focus on safety and partner relationship/handling. The skills taught evolved through the year.
well maintained partnering classes with two different groups of girls
most had consistent partner, but some have to share.
This school is known for having many boys and that is very helpful to learn partnering.
Additional Comments
Would prefer if there had also been a female teacher in the studio during partnering.
---
class with low level girls is boring
Na
It was consistent and with both levels of boys
N/A
no
N/A
no
Other Classes
Other Dance Styles
contemporary
Contemporary
Jazz
Modern
None
None of the above
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
Unsure because only the upper levels got master classes.
Random master classes, often on a saturday if a visiting teacher was in town
Classes with visiting ADs
Some but not a lot especially for this level.
yagp semi finals master classes hosted, at the end of the year master classes with peter stark and melissa stafford
We had several guest teachers from other studios and companies. We had several greatMaster Classes with the director from the Art of Classical Ballet, and one or two with teachers from Ballet X.
n/a
Strength & Conditioning
Physical Training Offered?
Yes
Physical Training Types
Pilates (mat or reformer)
Stretch class
Yoga
Physical Training Schedule
Once or twice 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
The men’s Pilates class was more challenging than the women’s. Once a week was not enough. Weight training should be added to the program.
-----
I wish there were more of these classes, a dedicated stretch class. Gyro or PBT as well would be great to have. and well as Body Conditioning
N/A
no
Boys need a separate weight training class, which is not currently offered.
Some classes were better than others depending on which instructor we had.
Injuries/Health/ Mental Health
Are Doctors Available?
No
Unsure
Yes
Yes, for everyone
How Parents Notified?
My student did not get injured
School called parent
Student told parent. School not involved
How Treatment Obtained?
Finding a local doctor, working with the RA to get my kiddo to the appt
Yes
There is a physical therapist on staff. If additional treatment is necessary, the school works with the parent.
PT once a month. otherwise, need to arrange on your own.
PT Available?
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
My dancer was home for spring break when we learned of injury. School not involved but I communicated the treatment plan for my dancer to return. School did not reply or have anything additional to say to me
N/A
Had to seek out PT services on our own.
School PT gives initial diagnosis and then dancer is on their own.
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
Was "Coded Language" Used?
Maybe
No
Yes
Additional Comments
------
Mental Health counselor is available for students to make appointments with. Physical therapy appointments are also available but fill up fast.
N/A
many students struggle with mental health
None of the kids want to use mental health services offered. Need to have a comp coach instead.
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?
Yes
How Chosen
Audition
Chosen by school director or the company artistic staff
Winter Show Role
Dancing part
Were You Paid?
No
If Paid, Please Describe
-----
Rehearsal Impact on Classes
4
5
Rehearsal Hours
3-5
6-10
Performance: Ballet Season
Cast in Company Productions?
No
Yes
Kind of Part Given?
Dancing part
How Chosen
All students allowed to audition
All students allowed to AUDITION
Students are chosen to audition by Artistic Staff
Students chosen for roles by staff - NO AUDITIONS
Was Casting Fair?
For some but not all
Yes
Did Rehearsals Impact School Schedule?
2
4
5
Rehearsal Hours
3-5
6-10
Perfomance Opportunities
One small role in Nutcracker and one small role in spring showcase
end of season show case
All school opportunities. Not company affiliated
Performance opportunities include: Nutcracker, YAGP regionals and finals, Spring showcase, gala performance, and board meetings.
Spring showcase as well as YAGP previews and fund-raising events
Our studio performs in a full length Nutcracker, YAGP, and a Spring Performance. For the Nutcracker, all are able to audition, although the main parts are given to the Professional Division students, who are assigned roles, and do not audition. For the spring performance, casting and choreography is done by level. There are other performing opportunities throughout the year, but those are cast by the director.
great performance opportunities
big focus on Nutcracker, spring show and YAGP
All performance opportunities were done by the school including Nutcracker, contemporary showcase and end of year production.
Were You Paid?
No
Competition
School Does Competitions?
Yes
Competitions Required?
No
Yes
How Many Compete?
About half that year
those that are invited and can cover all fees
this year around 52 students participated from the Rock and about 20 from the Rock West
Not sure
I woudl guess about 60% of the school. I dont think there is a set number.
~ 10-12
everyone is automatically enrolled but people who do not want to participate can choose to not un enroll. around 20-40
Any.
40+ at regional YAGP
% of Students Who Performed
50 percent
outside of class time, private coaching
all
Maybe 50%
.
About 10%
n/a
Approximately 50-75% participate.
80%
50%
most
How Chosen?
Chosen by Peter Stark
Faculty invitation
small exception in participation
Students fill out form requesting to compete, director then approves and assigns
You express interest and are selected then assigned a coach
Selection by faculty among interested students
everyone is automatically enrolled but people who do not want to participate can choose to not un enroll. around 20-40
Dancer commitment. There is no audition process.
dn
staff decides based interest.
Levels 5 and 5x needed to be chosen to participate. Levels 6 and 7 could choose if they wanted to participate.
Competitions Cost Extra?
Yes-set fee for each entry
Yes -- for variation (coaching and entry fees), if doing a contemporary piece or ensemble, there was an additional fee
yes, student pays for the competition preparation classes
Yes. About $2000 to participate in YAGP
yes coaching fees and the fees for the competition
Yes for semi-private instructuon
yes,for rehersals
Yes. There is a base fee for costume and choreography, and that fee is per competition. Dancers can request to perform at multiple competitions.
payed for cosume rentals, YAGP fees and semi private classes
yes, $2500 for regional comp. Extra if you make finals.
Yes for registration and private training.
Separate Competition Rehearsals?
No
Yes
Competition Interfered With Training?
Detract
Add!! Tremendous help to have the individual coaching!
add
Adds value because of individual coaching and performance opportunities
Definitely add; It provides more time with the teachers one on one.
Added performance experience
add,had me improve in all my technique and was able to ace many prihouettes on pointe
Add. The one on one attention and honing a variation is a tremendous benefit.
value was added. it helped to focus on repertoire, choreography, performance practice etc
add. specialized instruction multiple times a week from different staff. was amazing.
It added value because you got additional training.
Communication
Formal Orientation?
Unsure
Yes
Handboook & Paperwork
Adequate but missing several key pieces
Comprehensive and complete. I knew what to expect for the year
The instructors are exceptional. Because there are a large number of “teenage” students, there is a greater chance for the typical drama that one might face in a general high school setting. Sometimes that is a positive, because the kids are learning how to navigate being a teenager. There are one or two female students who are ruthless and fat shame quite a bit (others and themselves.). If your child makes good friend choices as mine did, it is an absolutely wonderful social environment. My dancer received exceptional dance training, and made lots of friends.
great vibes and perfect environment
supportive, but competitive
Professional, happy and fun.
Placement Notification Timing
January
May
no
Near the end of the school year
May
At end of the prior year
it depends
Usually in April.
during an evaluation meeting with teachers
March
It is different for every person. I was told at acceptance and again at my review in May (for the next year).
How Dancer Was Notified
Written communication via email or regular mail
Dancer Had Mentor?
No
Yes
Mentoring Details
I was only there for a year and did not have a mentor.
informal- through variation coaching.
Overall School Culture
Lord of the Flies
1
2
3
4
5
Warm & Inclusive
School Outcomes
Is Student In Upper Levels?
No
Yes
Highest Levels of School?
Post- Graduate/Graduate
There are no bridge levels
There are no bridge levels (If you chose this answer, please skip next question)
How Many Promoted Internally to Bridge Level
-----
n/a
N/A
.
N/A
*** there is a division for young children then a ballet division and profesional division levels 5 and up
N/A
no company or bridge levels
Unsure
How Many Come From Outside to Bridge Level?
-----
0
N/A
.
N/A
n/a
N/A
no company or bridge levels
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?
5-6
not sure
3 (ish)
Not sure, some
Small percentage
not sure
Most of this years’ current graduates have trainee or company positions already. I believe only 1 or 2 of 6 graduates are headed to college, or still looking for a job.
unclear
10%
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
Responsive to meetings, develop resume, offered photo sessions at school, gave students lists but just entering this process now -- hoping it pays off!
director was able to answer all questions and provide recommendations
Instruction on resume, portfolio / videos, directions on "fit" for next steps, lots of discussion and willingness to answer questions
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?
Yes
Did Dancer Stay in Provided Housing?
No
Yes
Where Did Dancer Live?
Lived at home
Type of Housing Provided:
Apartment of some type
Dorms
Housing Minimum Age
12
12 or 13
# of Roommates:
3
4
5
Adequate # of RA's?
Not at all
1
2
3
4
5
Absolutely
Type of Bathrooms:
Private in room
Private in suite
Curfew?
Yes
Curfew Reasonable?
Yes
Nightly Room Check?
Yes
Dorm Strictness
Extremely Lax
1
2
3
4
5
Extremely Strict
How Infractions Handled?
Fair
My student had no infractions this year (as far as I know!)
Skewed depending on student
Skewed depending on the RA
How Roommate Issues Handled?
Lots of switching rooms and not having kids learn to work things out.
with the Dorm mangagers
ok
Depending on issue could be told to work it out or RM might take a side and issue a warning or set a rule
RA would mediate, help them talk it out.
many changed rooms never fully handled
hard to say
RA's got involved if requested
Amongst the roommates unless severe -then the RA would be involved.
Housing Cleanliness
Dirty
1
2
3
4
5
Spotless
Students Required to Clean Room?
Yes
Laundry Available?
Yes
Laundry Free?
N/A
No
Yes
Evening Activities?
No
Yes
A/C In Room?
Yes
Weekend Outings?
No
Yes
Transportation Between Housing and Studios?
Public transportation without chaperone
Walked with chaperone
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
-------
dorms are a bit overcrowded just across the street from the studio
Many dancers to a room, rooms are large. Varied age and level per room as well. The RD often seemed overwhelmed.
Housing needs updated- they still have some rooms with 5 dancers in a room, which is not the norm, but a possibility.
The dorms are old, but it was really fun to live there. There is a lounge/kitchen where you can make your own meals if you wanted to.
Meal Plan
Meal Plan?
Yes
Food Quality
Gross
1
2
3
4
5
Excellent
Enough Food?
Yes
Late Meals Available?
Sometimes
Yes
Dancer w/ Dietary Needs?
No
Yes
What Were Needs?
peanut allergy
Dietary Needs Met?
5
Academics
How Did Academics Work?
Integrated
Separate e.g. online, independent study, etc.
Academic Support
Students were required to attend study hours regularly
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+
B
Emotional Support
A
A-
B
B+
C
Housing & Food
A
A-
B
B-
B+
C
Performance Opportunities
A
A-
A+
B+
C
Overall Comments
Program's Best Aspect
Telmo Moreira and Justin Allen as teachers
Supervision, distance from home, training
overal organization and quality of teachers
Ballet training was excellent
The training is versatile and the teachers are excellent (Zeiger, Moiera, Stark and Suarez esp). Cuban, Vaganova and American style are all taught and there is a high expectation from students.
Exceptional training in a supportive environment with faculty that is well connected in professional ballet communities
The training and the very supportive instructors. This was my dancers first experience with encouraging and positive instructors. She wishes she had come here sooner.
average teacher level, positive vibes and atmosphere
The caliber of teachers and the way they rotate through classes.Truly care about and work for the kids looking to move on. Very impressed.
The best aspect was having a close-knit community with teachers who really cared about the students.
Program's Worst Aspect
Too many different styles of dance. Inconsistent teaching methods.
Dorms need renovation, Equality of treatment of dancers (teacher favorites -- but that happens EVERYWHERE)
dorms
Academics program is really just supervised study hall. However there are strict expectations for progress through self paced classes and dancers were punished (missing ballet classes) for falling behind.
The housing was not the best fit for my dancer. I also wish the consistency in instructors was a bit better. More classes with Moiera , Zeiger and Stark.
More frequent individual evaluation of progress
the very bad atmosphere with dancers, people who are good get hated on immediatley by everyone else. Very toxic and competitive. LOTS AND LOTS of favorites. A lot of immaturness and craziness in dorms and can be hard to have peace and sleepwell.
My dancer wishes there were more performing opportunities.
The food and living situation.
If I had to pick something, it would be the condition of the dorms. The experience of the dorms was great.
What Changes Would Be Helpful?
More hours and more consistency in terms of ballet curriculum taught
Less expensive. Some younger students were not ready to be living in the dorm no matter how excellent their dance skills!
I would like to see more support in the academics and residence aspects of the program.
There needs to be more opportunity for performance in the spring. The fall is very busy but the spring needed more for the majority of the school not participating in YAGP finals.
No recommendations
academics and atmosphere with dancers aswell as dorming situations
Performing opportunities.
improve contemporary part
The quality of food and the housing can be alot.
The condition of the dorms and the process for selection of roles in shows.
Anything Else We Should Know?
Very fun environment and a well rounded program.
Intense environment and not all students are ready to be living on own
Exceptional place to train
They genuinely care about the kids.
Excellent program, but kids do function very independently. They form their own family there and support each other. Kids need to be ready for that, it's a huge adjustment for most.
The Rock School is an excellent program with great teachers. I could feel myself improving with every class and had a lot of personal growth in my technique this year.
