Anonymous wrote:My 7 yo DD just starting down this pathway - DD accepted into summer intensive and she is going to give it a try. It seems young to me to spend so much time doing a single activity- DD likes dance a lot but she hasn’t tried that many activities…

But wondering if it’s worth doing these types of classes/more intense program vs taking dance classes for fun?

Summer intensive is pretty chill for 7 year olds - where will she be?

Anonymous wrote:My 7 yo DD just starting down this pathway - DD accepted into summer intensive and she is going to give it a try. It seems young to me to spend so much time doing a single activity- DD likes dance a lot but she hasn’t tried that many activities…

But wondering if it’s worth doing these types of classes/more intense program vs taking dance classes for fun?

I think some kids just take to it - kids start travel soccer young. DD tried lots of things and it always ended up back with dance. At 7, even in serious studios, it wont be a massive daily commitment. She has a few years to figure it out.

My 7 yo DD just starting down this pathway - DD accepted into summer intensive and she is going to give it a try. It seems young to me to spend so much time doing a single activity- DD likes dance a lot but she hasn’t tried that many activities…

But wondering if it’s worth doing these types of classes/more intense program vs taking dance classes for fun?

Does anyone have experience with MBT? We were at another studio which may close after this semester so we’re thinking about switching to MBT. Anyone with experience at their summer intensives for younger kids (around age 10). Looking for something instructive but not too intense. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:I am also looking for a ballet parent community. My DC is moving up from our small local studio (which is so amazing) and going to MYB. Starting with summer intensive this year and moving on to technique classes for 25/26. My other dc stopped dance after mommy & me classes so I’m really clueless

Thats great, we looked at MYB, DD auditioned and loved it. We ended up elsewhere because she clicked even more with another school and the silver spring commute was rough for us. MYB has a great program, I am sure she will do great!

I am also looking for a ballet parent community. My DC is moving up from our small local studio (which is so amazing) and going to MYB. Starting with summer intensive this year and moving on to technique classes for 25/26. My other dc stopped dance after mommy & me classes so I’m really clueless

Anonymous wrote:I would love somewhere to talk about studios, intensives, shoes/gear recs, and other issues. I have an 8 yr old in smaller neighborhood studio (that we love) and feel like we need to make a decision between staying there or moving somewhere with a pre-professional track.

I've looked for a ballet parent community elsewhere too and come up empty.

Stay were she is happy. Any studio with highly educated staff can provide pre-pro training.

Any views on DADA? DD, 13, is a Alvin Ailey contemporary jazz dancer, but more interested in classical ballet. Currently taking private lessons to get up to speed and en pointe before we move to DC. Would love to have her audition for a pre/pro program.. but don’t want to have to force her to give up all other extracurriculars for intensive dance training when she doesn’t seem to want to be a pro dancer.. she just loves to dance. Currently dancing 3 days per week, 90 mins per class..

More interested in schools that have a little diversity as DD is biracial and not interested in the microaggressions that come along with traditional ballet schools.

I would love somewhere to talk about studios, intensives, shoes/gear recs, and other issues. I have an 8 yr old in smaller neighborhood studio (that we love) and feel like we need to make a decision between staying there or moving somewhere with a pre-professional track.

I've looked for a ballet parent community elsewhere too and come up empty.

We are in Nova! I feel weird naming the studio since there aren’t a ton of boys there.

I have heard good things about Seber! Is DD doing a summer intensive this year?

I've got a teen at Seber, where does DS dance?

Happy to chat about ballet anytime! I agree, some social media surrounding ballet can be toxic.

My DS11 is a dancer, does your DC attend a studio in the area?

My 16 year old is a ballet dancer. If your child is young and sticks with it, be ready! It is a lot of time and money.

Agree. The only thing that gets any momentum is the yearly Washington Ballet Nutcracker thread.

Is there a different place for ballet parents to talk? Or is it all under this subgroup? I know there are lots of opinions on studios etc but I was looking for broader ballet discussion. I'm in some FB groups, but would like to spend less time there. Any other ballet/dance parents in the same boat?