I was the ABA poster — what about Ballet Nova?

Any recommendations for programs in Northern Virginia? We are also underwhelmed by TWSB and it would be nice to find something closer to home.

Happy parent/daughter here. We left TWSB last year for ABA Akhmedova Ballet Academy (we were level 1B). We love it! Huge space (almost as much as TWSB combined). It’s all PTP, performance and competition (when ready). Pilates studio. Privates that don’t break the bank. They put their hands on the dancers. They fixed my DDs flexibility issues (with lots of home practice foot stretching etc). Vaganova is amazing. I don’t recommend it for people who don’t care about fixing technique. This place is all about preventing injury through quality instruction and it’s small on purpose. Really recommend for 9-12 years who are more serious because you can fix everything before it’s too late. Check out their SI video…

https://youtu.be/vJ9e-0fat94?si=ERrADB23fZVD1ELw

4-5 weeks day program 9:30-3…. Especially for the 9-12 year old range it way towers over what TWSB does for that age range.

Our spring performance is two fully staged shows with ballet and contemporary pieces. I was afraid of missing The Nutcracker but honestly, it was a s* show for the kids auditions and roles.

A couple tips if you’re serious…

1. We have a one week SI 5-8 pm June 10th (after our spring performance and the year round ends).

2. We have a 4 week SI that goes July 15-Aug 9.

You can do a class or private audition for these and you’ll have a taste for what it’s like and then decide.

I don’t know MYB or Seber, but I am sure the other satisfied parents feel what I feel… TWSB is too huge with 900 students and no good school leadership, no strong teacher community, and no track starting at a young age for more serious dancers.

I feel like it was a time and money waste.

Anonymous wrote:We left midyear this year - teacher and class issues- for Seber, and my daughter has found her love of ballet again.
Highly recommend checking it out if you are looking for a change.
The classes are smaller, and the growth in just a few months has been wonderful for my kiddo

We have just been plodding along with TWSB so I appreciate your post and will check it out. Would love to see the spark for ballet in my DC again.

We left midyear this year - teacher and class issues- for Seber, and my daughter has found her love of ballet again.
Highly recommend checking it out if you are looking for a change.
The classes are smaller, and the growth in just a few months has been wonderful for my kiddo

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

We left TWSB after last year (DDs level was full - turns out it was a blessing!) We are at Maryland Youth Ballet now and life is SO much better. DD is happier, thriving and being in a school that doesn't play second fiddle to the company is a boon! Hearing from another parent with a child in DDs previous class, I am even more reaffirmed in out move. Come over to MYB!

Interesting and interested. How big was your DD’s class at TWSB vs at MYB?

Noticed at the last TWSB parent observation that the girls try to socialize quite a bit and are disrespectful to the teacher when she tries to get order in the classroom. Combined with the fact that even the girls know whose parents donate money and get the roles, it’s an environment that I’m starting to question.

Much smaller at MYB for sure - maybe she was just in a big cohort at TWSB, but the class was in the 25ish range - MYB is about half that.
The class feels both more serious and more fun at once, teacher has control over the class, they can laugh and learn. The teachers give feedback in a way that is constructive and doesn't feel belittling. We are super pleased. Nutcracker was a different experience, but DD loved it - new roles, new opportunity, 5 stars all around!

Thank you for this, this sounds like a fabulous environment. WB’s Nutcracker is special and that is what has kept DC at TWSB but the size of the classroom has been challenging post Covid.

Anonymous wrote:

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

I don't think this is true at all. It's very low to reactivate a thread to say such things - especially when we know young kids get on this site. HOw do you think they feel when they read something like this? IMHE the top slots go to the most talented dancers. Sometimes it is hard for parents to understand their kids don't cut it. It's not understandable because parents don't have a ballet eye and don't know what the professionals who run companies are looking for.

I have ballet experience, and the teachers completely play favorites and overlook talent. I cannot speak to donors - I have no idea who donates how much. But it is FAR from being as straight forward as the best dancers get the best roles.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

We left TWSB after last year (DDs level was full - turns out it was a blessing!) We are at Maryland Youth Ballet now and life is SO much better. DD is happier, thriving and being in a school that doesn't play second fiddle to the company is a boon! Hearing from another parent with a child in DDs previous class, I am even more reaffirmed in out move. Come over to MYB!

Interesting and interested. How big was your DD’s class at TWSB vs at MYB?

Noticed at the last TWSB parent observation that the girls try to socialize quite a bit and are disrespectful to the teacher when she tries to get order in the classroom. Combined with the fact that even the girls know whose parents donate money and get the roles, it’s an environment that I’m starting to question.

Much smaller at MYB for sure - maybe she was just in a big cohort at TWSB, but the class was in the 25ish range - MYB is about half that.
The class feels both more serious and more fun at once, teacher has control over the class, they can laugh and learn. The teachers give feedback in a way that is constructive and doesn't feel belittling. We are super pleased. Nutcracker was a different experience, but DD loved it - new roles, new opportunity, 5 stars all around!

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

I don't think this is true at all. It's very low to reactivate a thread to say such things - especially when we know young kids get on this site. HOw do you think they feel when they read something like this? IMHE the top slots go to the most talented dancers. Sometimes it is hard for parents to understand their kids don't cut it. It's not understandable because parents don't have a ballet eye and don't know what the professionals who run companies are looking for.

Anonymous wrote:

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

We left TWSB after last year (DDs level was full - turns out it was a blessing!) We are at Maryland Youth Ballet now and life is SO much better. DD is happier, thriving and being in a school that doesn't play second fiddle to the company is a boon! Hearing from another parent with a child in DDs previous class, I am even more reaffirmed in out move. Come over to MYB!

Interesting and interested. How big was your DD’s class at TWSB vs at MYB?

Noticed at the last TWSB parent observation that the girls try to socialize quite a bit and are disrespectful to the teacher when she tries to get order in the classroom. Combined with the fact that even the girls know whose parents donate money and get the roles, it’s an environment that I’m starting to question.

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

We left TWSB after last year (DDs level was full - turns out it was a blessing!) We are at Maryland Youth Ballet now and life is SO much better. DD is happier, thriving and being in a school that doesn't play second fiddle to the company is a boon! Hearing from another parent with a child in DDs previous class, I am even more reaffirmed in out move. Come over to MYB!

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!

I know that this post is old, but we are experiencing the same. We have noticed that it’s either the very talented dancers or the dancers whose parents make sizable donations who get the desirable parts in the performances, whether it is in the Nutcracker, Spring Performance, or for student roles in The Washington Ballet productions. The most talented and focused should get the better roles but seems like there is definitely a pay to play at the school. Wondering if others have noticed too. Not asking because I’m bitter about it, but because I want to understand the unspoken rules.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For the poster who wants to know how PTP is selected… I have it on good authority that the national tour auditions for summer intensives pulls folks in (not our own school’s training) and from there some people are selected for studio company and a fewer from studio company for company after a year contract. If you’re dancer has any kind of goals for dancing in college or professionally, I imagine that there’s a whole different trajectory outside of the recreational style classes offered at TWSB

My DD has aspirations for dancing professionally but also wants to goto college. I'm hoping she'll get selected for PTP B at some point but I'm very in the dark about how all this works. We're also not blind, she is in no way a "favored" dancer here. I've started discussing trying out Seber or ABA for her but I'm actually not sure about the stats of their college placement either. I'm very frustrated with the lack of support after all these years at TWSB.

Anyone have any insights for PTP B students? Is it the same process as above where very few students are selected from their own program?

I don't have any official numbers - just anecdotally looking though the PTP-ers at Nutcracker and asking DD and Donna which were home grown TWSB and it was only a handful. Maybe go out into the world, try a new place, do an NSIA audition and see how things go?

Anonymous wrote:For the poster who wants to know how PTP is selected… I have it on good authority that the national tour auditions for summer intensives pulls folks in (not our own school’s training) and from there some people are selected for studio company and a fewer from studio company for company after a year contract. If you’re dancer has any kind of goals for dancing in college or professionally, I imagine that there’s a whole different trajectory outside of the recreational style classes offered at TWSB

My DD has aspirations for dancing professionally but also wants to goto college. I'm hoping she'll get selected for PTP B at some point but I'm very in the dark about how all this works. We're also not blind, she is in no way a "favored" dancer here. I've started discussing trying out Seber or ABA for her but I'm actually not sure about the stats of their college placement either. I'm very frustrated with the lack of support after all these years at TWSB.

Anyone have any insights for PTP B students? Is it the same process as above where very few students are selected from their own program?

Anonymous wrote:For the poster who wants to know how PTP is selected… I have it on good authority that the national tour auditions for summer intensives pulls folks in (not our own school’s training) and from there some people are selected for studio company and a fewer from studio company for company after a year contract. If you’re dancer has any kind of goals for dancing in college or professionally, I imagine that there’s a whole different trajectory outside of the recreational style classes offered at TWSB

Is this for both PTP A and B

What you are describing sounds like PTP A
PTP B seems more student focused - as in it starts after school etc