Expert: Connie - 6/5/2010

Question
Hi. I am 14 years old currently studying ballet in the Philippines. I moved to my present school around 4 years ago. In the last four years, I moved up two levels and now I am in the third highest level. I've been really attached to the school, my friends, and my teacher. Recently, though, the "Prima Ballerina" of the Philippines came to watch one of our rehearsals for our recital and noticed me. I was told that if I move to her school, the Ballet Manila school, which is tied to the company, I could get a scholarship. I really want to go to Ballet Manila (they teach in the Vaganova method), but I'm not sure if I'm ready to leave my present school. Suggestions?

Answer
Wow, what an opportunity!  First, I'd like to tell you that I know nothing about ballet in the Philippines.  Therefore, it would probably be very beneficial for you to discuss your options with your esteemed teacher, who is probably much more knowledgeable about the details of the situation than I am.  

However, it seems to me that now is the time for you to decide how seriously you would like to pursue ballet.  If you are looking for a professional career and Ballet Manila is offering superior training, it may be time for you to sacrifice the comfort of your current routine and venture into something new.  It sounds like ballet Manila would offer wonderful opportunities for training and for future jobs.  However, if you do not want to pursue dance so seriously, you may want to stay with your current school.  It sounds like you are a very talented dancer and could really flourish under intense training.  I would get your current teacher's opinion, talk to your family members, and evaluate your goals in the dance world before making a decision.  Good luck!