Checking in on TWSB

[Anonymous]

How do current students get selected for Professional training division?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do current students get selected for Professional training division?

I'm not sure how, but I think it starts at 15

[Anonymous]

Has anyone heard who the new head of the upper school is going to be?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Really depends on how good her technique is. A lot of kids could do with a serious cleanup. I wish they started retaining kids again like they used to, but they can’t afford to do that. Instead, the pace is very slow, technique remains sloppy, and the really good dancers and teachers leave.

They absolutely do retain some students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really depends on how good her technique is. A lot of kids could do with a serious cleanup. I wish they started retaining kids again like they used to, but they can’t afford to do that. Instead, the pace is very slow, technique remains sloppy, and the really good dancers and teachers leave.

They absolutely do retain some students.

Recently? I see the same struggling kids in DDs class year to year, she said shes never heard of anyone getting held back. A few kids leave, I suppose they could leave because they were retained...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard who the new head of the upper school is going to be?

Or the new artistic director, for that matter?

[Anonymous]

The rumor is that there will be an interim artistic director put in place. Not much has been started yet. The 2023-2024 season is already set. Julie did that. For the school summer intensives are moving forward with the assistant head and faculty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really depends on how good her technique is. A lot of kids could do with a serious cleanup. I wish they started retaining kids again like they used to, but they can’t afford to do that. Instead, the pace is very slow, technique remains sloppy, and the really good dancers and teachers leave.

They absolutely do retain some students.

Recently? I see the same struggling kids in DDs class year to year, she said shes never heard of anyone getting held back. A few kids leave, I suppose they could leave because they were retained...

There was at least one student who repeated a level this year, she was in my kid's class last year and did not advance to the next level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The rumor is that there will be an interim artistic director put in place. Not much has been started yet. The 2023-2024 season is already set. Julie did that. For the school summer intensives are moving forward with the assistant head and faculty.

It'll be XR, right?! Yay.

[Anonymous]

Dear Families and Friends,

The Washington School of Ballet (TWSB) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Damien Johnson as Upper Division Head at TWSB's NW Campus, following the departure of Kristina Windom. With his exceptional background and extensive experience in the world of ballet, Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this esteemed position.



Throughout his professional career, Johnson has made a remarkable impact in the dance community. He has been a valued member of esteemed companies including American Repertory Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New Chamber Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, and Ballet Black, where he served as a principal dancer for an impressive ten seasons in London. After returning to the United States in 2017, Johnson has showcased his talent with renowned ballet companies such as Madison Ballet, The Ashley Bouder Project, and The Suzanne Farrell Ballet.

Recognized for his exceptional teaching skills, Johnson holds the position of a permanent guest faculty member at The School of American Ballet and is certified in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Johnson has also previously served as a faculty member at The Washington School of Ballet, bringing with him a deep understanding of the school's values and mission. In addition, he has been involved with Beyond the Ballet Barre, an organization dedicated to providing dance education and opportunities to underrepresented communities.

Damien Johnson will officially assume his role as Upper Division Head at The Washington School of Ballet on June 19. In anticipation of his arrival, General Manager of The Washington School of Ballet, Katie Sopoci Drake, expressed her excitement about Johnson's appointment, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Damien Johnson as our new Upper Division Head. With his prior experience as a faculty member and his deep understanding of both of our campuses, we are confident in his ability to lead and inspire our students. We eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and artistic growth he will bring to our students and the entire school community."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And now the head of the Upper Division is leaving - looks like 4A Summer Intensive will be the end of TWSB for us...need to move on to something more challenging and reliable

What is more challenging in the DC area?

+1

We're interested in this. Maybe one with smaller class sizes. My DD wants to study dance in college and feels as though she's been overlooked. Instructor comments are overwhelmingly positive about her, evaluations all give her high marks, but when it comes to castings she's clearly not in the "in" group that seem to always get chosen. So we're looking for other schools in the area that will help her prepare for her dream college choices and give her more performance opportunities outside of The Nutcracker. Please share!

This was us, left TWSB last year for Seber, and are MUCH happier. DD has progressed so much more in the last year

Question to the Seber poster: Is there much or any favoritism, or pressure to take private lessons to get sufficient attention? We’re facing this at my dancer’s current studio, and it’s just getting too much. No way I’m spending $10k on private lessons each year just so that my kid gets featured more prominently Any feedback on this would be appreciated. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Any new info on how things are going at TWSB? Or is it too soon to tell how some of the leadership changes are panning out??

[Anonymous]

Company problems may trickle down to school.
Interim, temporary AD does not bode well, IMHO. That means, no one internally to step up even temporarily. And its hard to believe that a plum job like AD of TWB would be this hard to fill unless there are major problems (e.g., excessive debt, board in-fighting, inability to book theater space).

[Anonymous]

PP those are good points. I was thinking of having DC audition for the summer intensive for next year but I've heard through the dance parent grapevine that it isn't that great.

I did get an email from Ticketmaster about the tickets for the Nutcracker already being on sale, though!

[Anonymous]

So the old head of the Upper School left and went to Philadelphia School of Ballet - PSB now opened a beautiful satellite campus and an amazing looking boarding program. #Jealous