FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MOYA STRAST BALLET THEATER Q&A
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Is there a minimum age required in order to enroll?
Children of all ages can attend the classes at Moya Strast Ballet Theater. Most ballet dancers may start training as early as three years old, however, every child is different. Adults of any experience level are also welcome. We also offer ballet classes for adults.
Does my child have to audition to get into Moya Strast Ballet Theater?
No, Moya Strast is open to all. If your child has previous ballet experience, they can place into a higher-level course through an evaluation with one of our instructors. You can register online here.
Will my daughter/son participate in any shows?
Absolutely! We perform multiple ballets per year that students can partake in, such as The Nutcracker, Coppélia, Giselle, and many more.
Will you be able to help my student prepare for their audition for a summer intensive or full-time program?
Moya Strast Ballet Theater has helped countless students get into the program of their dreams, including but not limited to: American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Houston Ballet Academy, and Joffrey Ballet School.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BALLET SCHOOL ON LONG ISLAND
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The key to picking the right ballet school rests on getting to know the instructors. Where did they receive their education and how many years of experience do they have in both dancing and teaching? You can get more specific by asking what company they danced for, how long, and where they were trained. It might be helpful to ask if they were trained in the same method they will be teaching, so you can gauge if they will be able to lead your student through this technique and whether or not it is effective.
If you have additional time to do research, and if the dance studio allows, you may want to observe a class or ask if your child can take a trial class. Picking the correct school can make a huge difference in your child’s ballet career, since all instructors have different teaching styles. It’s important to find one that will be suitable for your child’s needs. Along those same lines, there are recreational and professional ballet schools, so choose a school that best aligns with your child’s future goals. If they’ve never taken a ballet class, they can always start at a recreational school and transfer to a professional school later on. Keep in mind that some professional schools may require an in-person audition or evaluation in order to get in.
How many years of training does it take to become a professional ballet dancer?
Generally, professional ballet dancers start intensive training at around age seven and train anywhere from eight to twelve years. The number of years is not as important as how disciplined you are and the quality of your training. Natural ability, dedication, and quality of instruction are far more important than quantity of years when it comes to progression.
How old do you have to be to go en pointe?
It can be dangerous to start pointework at too early of an age, or before the bones in the feet have developed and hardened. Students should be at least eleven years old and have sufficient strength in their ankles and legs before beginning to avoid irreversible damage to their bones and joints.
Where can I buy ballet attire?
Check out some local dance shops on Long Island. Conveniently, there is one right next-door to us that sells ballet slippers, leotards, bags, and more! It is best to buy ballet attire (especially shoes!) in person so you can guarantee a perfect fit. Ill-fitting ballet shoes can cause discomfort and even injury.