Washington School of Ballet - How hard to get in for children?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any sense of how difficult the audition process is for young kids - my daughter is 6 and it seems like I know a lot of girls who plan to audition this summer. Do most get in? I mean, they're just 6....I have no idea if my DD will be a famous ballerina someday.

[Anonymous]

So glad you asked this! I just called them today to find out about classes for my 3 1/2 year old. BTW the recommended Petite Ballet in Bethesda as a start, it seems to be where a lot of their younger students come from. I don't actually want her to becomne a famous ballerina, I will just be happy if she can be more graceful and enjoys the classes.

[Anonymous]

My daughter said that the audition was fun. The kids registered and pinned numbers onto their leotards and then disappeared in a big group into a studio for an hour or so.

As for how many children get in, I have no idea of the percentages, but when my daughter auditioned at age 6, a few other girls from her school did not get in. (It's much easier for boys!) Good luck to your child! It's a wonderful place.

[Anonymous]

Most professional ballet schools look at body type and try to predict if they would be a good dancer in the future.

[Anonymous]

Can I ask a follow-on question? Are kids "weeded out" over the years? Is there a point where kids have to be "asked back"? I'm trying to assess the potential for rejection down the line. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I asked this at the orientation a couple of years ago, and the answer was that in the lower levels at least, as long as they are diligent (don't miss too many classes, show up on time, observe uniform regulations, behave appropriately, etc.) they can be expect to remain in the program. I had the sense that by the time techique becomes really important, the less dedicated/interested kids choose to leave on their own because it requires too much time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most professional ballet schools look at body type and try to predict if they would be a good dancer in the future.

I'm not sure this is the case at WSB. The school is very large, and there are quite a few girls (my petite, inflexible daughter included) who do not have a body type that predicts professional success in ballet. I think the school recognizes that many of the children will only be doing this for a few years.

[Anonymous]

At Maryland Youth Ballet in Silver Spring, the classes are not audition for the 5,6,7 yr old ballet 1, 2, 3. First come first served.

But for the 8 yo beginnner class, they do a one on one body type assessment prior to enrollment. At 8yo, classes go to 2x a week and ~$2000, so it is quite a commitment.

[Anonymous]

80% get in

[Anonymous]

Washington Ballet is great, and don't worry too much about your child's body type. They do look for the flexibility, and ask for a free dance ( at least for level 1).