STUDENT ENSEMBLE
ABOUT
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The Bay Ridge Ballet Student Ensemble is a training & performance program designed for committed, passionate dancers ages 6 to 18, who are interested in a pre-professional experience for their dance training.
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The Student Ensemble Program was developed by BRB director Patricia Foster-Grado, an ABT® certified instructor with 25+ years of teaching and performance experience, to foster artistry, technique and over-all health.
The Student Ensemble helps young dancers build their pre-professional resume and provides them with the highest quality dance education that can translate into college or professional dance career!
Student Ensemble classes and rehearsals will cover topics including class etiquette, vocabulary, nutrition, musicality, proper stretching, conditioning, stage etiquette, performance preparation and choreography for performance opportunities throughout the year. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled in preparation for upcoming performances.
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REQUIREMENTS
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Excellent attendance and arriving about 15 minutes early to prepare for class will be required for participation, in order to develop the dancers both individually and as an ensemble.
Committing with a positive attitude is a must & role-model behavior is expected in this pre-professional program!
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New dancers must partake in an audition or placement class for acceptance to this special program.
For optimal training and the best overall experience, an entire school year commitment is required for acceptance to the Student Ensemble.
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Ensemble requires a commitment to BRB's performance of The Nutcracker & community tour and our June Recital & Community Tour!
Ensemble dancers must also commit to summer training to maintain their progress with weekly technique classes or summer intensive programs. BRB will share audition information for recommended summer programs and work with you through the process.
Please click HERE for more information on the Ensemble's schedule & tuition.
If your child has a love of dance & is interested in taking their passion to the next level, audition for BRB's Student Ensemble!
YAGP: OPTIONAL COMPETITION FOR ADVANCED DANCERS
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Although we are not a competition-based school, BRB supports students who wish to participate in the prestigious, scholarship-based, ballet competition Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).
YAGP is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship audition/competition and more than $5 million has been awarded at YAGP in scholarships to the world's leading dance schools. YAGP alumni are now dancing with 100 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Paris Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Washington Ballet and many others.
Competing in YAGP is a highly personal choice. Students choosing to compete should feel enthusastic about participaring! Interested, advanced BRB students and their parents are encouraged to discuss eligibility and fit directly with BRB's directors prior to registering. Students who are deemed eligible will need to be able to commit to sufficent preparation. Preparation will include private lessons to rehearse competition pieces in addition to consistent attendance in their regular classes.
Students and parents will be responsible for keeping up with deadlines, regulations, and other pertinent information that can be found on YAGP's website. Dance students typically prepare for 6-12 months to compete and YAGP's registration typically open spring/summer.
Lastly, BRB faculty are here to support and provide guidance throughout the entire processes! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or curiosities! ​
