Expert: Jennifer - 10/22/2003

Question
Hi im not sure if you would know but i live in NYC and i know there are alot of ballet schools out there. But do you know any professional ballet schools that i can take classes at for les $$? And how can i get them to let me take classes for free? Also my parents dont support me in dancing and im like on my own finacially so they also say they dont think im good enough. Do you think i should continue and do you know how to go to auditions without paying money ? And do you know a website that i can go to to ask questions? Thanks alot!

Answer
Hello, Julie!

I'm not terribly familiar with the professional schools up in NYC, but I can give you some tips on saving money, and I do know of a great website (that I work for) that has great experts that may know more about the specific schools in NYC than I do.

It is possible to get audition fees waived at the professional schools. You just need to talk to their program director about your finantial difficulties and they may be able to help you. Also when you talk to them, make sure and ask about the scholership programs they might have. Many professional schools have several types of scholarships including merit and need-based. You can usually apply for these scholarships at the same time you fill out your audition application, and will usually get your response at the same time you find out whether you have been accepted or not.

Another excellent way of getting free training is through work-study scholarships. When you take this route, you will be volunteering at the school quite a bit in exchange for classes, and having done this myself, I think it is an excellent way to go. You get to know the staff, and you learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes workings of the school. That way, if your professional aspirations don't materialize, you have experience to work in the ballet field in another job area. Call or email the education directors at schools your interested to find out about their work-study programs.

Remember, because of your financial problems, you may have to study at a school thats a ways down the list of your preferred schools... but as long as your dancing, its worth it!

An excellent website for getting any questions you may have answered for you by some of the top experts in the field is CriticalDance.com. You have to register to post, but it is totally free.
I am the Auditions Forum moderator there (where you might find some audition information) and I also occasionally write reviews of ballets and post in the other forums. I hope to see you there!

Good luck!