How do I pick which track is best for my child?

The staff at Ballet Royale can help you with your choice. There are so many factors besides passing an audition. There are positives within each program.

Can I switch tracks?

Going between programs is allowed (audition or placement may be required). The two programs do not necessary correspond on a 1:1 ratio.

Additionally, student placement may depend on class size, interest, ability of others auditioning.

Teachers, parents, and students will also factor in the individual students goals, age, ability, time, cost, etc.

Which program is better?

The quality of training is equal between the two programs. The difference is the rigor and the number of class hours per week.

What if my child doesn’t place in the class or track we were expecting?

The staff can help develop a plan for your child. Setting realistic and achievable goals to encourage a positive learning environment.

My child says some parts of class are too easy or not “challenging” enough, what should I do?

Ballet Royale teachers are always watching student progress and will speak with you and your child if they see the student is ready to move up. If your student says class is “too easy,” let them know that that’s the time to work on their placement, or turnout. There is always something to work on to make class more challenging. In fact, many dancers will take a lower level class in order to focus on the fundamentals. Always make the most of every class.

Why take ballet?

Ballet helps improve balance, flexibility, musicality, focus, posture, body awareness, and helps to foster a positive self image. A well-trained trained ballet dancer can more easily perform many other choreographic forms and genres of dance. Ballet Royale students learn key transferable skills that support them in all of life’s goals and activities, both physical and mental, as they build self-esteem, self-discipline, poise, grace, character, creativity, and confidence.

My child is older, is it too late to start ballet?

No. Ballet can be started at any age. Contact Ballet Royale for more information on placement.

Are private lessons required?

No. Some students choose to add additional private lessons for a variety of reasons. Including accelerated learning, specific problem areas or issues, expanded learning, or just for fun.

How do I know how my child is doing?

Conferences are held two times per year, however you are welcome to contact the school at any time to discuss your child’s progress.

When is a student ready for pointe?

Pointe work increases the forces placed on a foot by up to 12 times their body weight and prepubescent bones are more vulnerable to injury. Most ballet teachers believe that pointe work is not suitable for students under 11 years old. Some believe that even 11 is pushing it. “The earliest age a child should be dancing on pointe is 11. However, 12 or 13 is more common,” warned the Royal Academy of Dance in a 2016 statement. The bones of the feet do not fully develop and harden until approximately 13-15 years old. A dancer must be strong enough to protect the bones before they are fully developed. Beginning pointe to early can permanently damage immature bones.