Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/27/2010

Question
My child is 13 and has been accepted into the ABT Michigan and the Bolshoi Summer Intensive.  She auditioned for SFB but did not make it in.  She is still auditioning for Joffrey-Chicago, PNB, Houston and Harid. She will also video audition with Kirov, Lines and SFB (again) Which would be the best program for her?  She is classically trained in Russian style ballet.  We are leaning toward Joffrey Chicago as she would not have to pay for room and board at that location.  What do you think?  I am nervous about sending her away for so long unchaperoned.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Beth. I really understand about being nervous at sending your daughter away for so long.

All of the schools you've mentioned above are excellent, and you will get varying opinions as to which one is best - and if I searched them all and went over the teacher rosters, I might pick one over the other.

But then, they are all good. If I were you I would pick the one closest to home. She will be immersed in the student body and comraderie, as well as be at home. I think you should follow your instincts as to what is best for her and your family (including budget). Your daughter will get the same benefit.

When she is older she can have the grand adventure of being away from home. Some parents actually follow their ballet student child to another city and live with them all summer. But that is not an option for most.

If she gets accepted into more summer intensives, she will be encouraged. That's important too.

All the best for you all this summer! Dianne