Expert: Connie - 11/23/2007

Question
Dear Connie,
I am 15 years old, Having been in ballet for only three years but working very hard. Last year, I was enrolled in Advanced I, the second highest level at my school, before I changed to a more professional school. This year, I am in my city's semi-professional ballet company for youth, but only enrolled in the equivalent of RAD level 4. I receive almost no corrections in class, and when I do, they are usually about drooping fingers. My teachers seem to be ignoring me. Despite the fact that I feel I dance at at least one higher level than the one I am placed, my teachers haven't "moved me up". And, I'm not the only one, my very talented ballet friend, who recieved a scholarship to dance at this school, seems to be getting the cold shoulder as well. She had been dancing en pointe for three years before registering at this school, and once she started classes, she was asked to stop dancing en pointe.

I guess my question is why am I not being considered for a raise? What can I work on to make my teachers notice me more than the other students?

Answer
Maybe this school just isn't the one for you.  If you want to stay at the school I would first make sure to correct your drooping fingers (as annoying as that is to think about all the time).  You could also try just talking to a teacher.  They'll listen to you if you calmly explain that you feel like you are improving and want to be challenged more.  Then you would find out their exact reasons for not moving you up.
Good luck!