Guest Post: Preparing For An Intensive Summer Program

Today’s Guest Post is from Nina Amir who blogs over at My Son Can Dance. I have enjoyed following Nina’s adventures in parenting a son who is pursuing serious study of dance. Dancers are receiving acceptance letters about now for intensive summer programs in cities all over the country. If this is your first big intensive, excitement for what lies ahead is probably charged with uncertainty and stress over preparations. Here, Nina shares what she and her son experienced their first summer at American Ballet Theatre’s summer program in New York City. No matter where you are headed this summer, these tips offer great advice from someone who has been where you are now.

You’ve just gotten the email. Your son or daughter has been accepted to the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in New York City. This acceptance means so much—your child has enough talent to attend one of the premier (if not THE premier) ballet summer programs in the nation, your child has to be ready to endure the rigours of such a program and you have to figure out how to handle the logistics of an unchaperoned summer intensive in the middle of the Big Apple.

Last year I faced these same issues for the first time when my son was accepted into the ABT Summer Intensive program. We went to New York to spend seven weeks together while he danced and I worked. We had some idea what this entailed, but to some extent, despite the bright lights of the city, we entered into this adventure in the dark so to speak.

This year, we are going back to New York again for a second year at the ABT Summer Intensive. We will return with our eyes open and knowing more about what to expect and how to prepare.

Tips For A Successful Summer

For those of you going off to New York for the ABT Summer Intensive for the first time, here are some things to consider as you get ready for your experience—probably the best experience your child has ever had as a dancer—and some tips that might make the program more successful for both you and your dancer.

1. Choose your accommodations carefully.

Quite a number of children in the 15-18 age group stayed in dorms without chaperones. They seemed to enjoy this and handle it quite well. Many moms also stayed in New York University dorms with their daughters, although they aren’t a cheaper alternative.

The majority of the dancers arrived in New York with one or more parents who had sublet an apartment somewhere in the city or in the surrounding area. A few of the kids stayed with relatives in New Jersey or in areas that afforded them the ability to ride into the city by train.

We sublet a very small—too small—studio apartment in an attempt to save money. It was on a lovely, historic street in the East Village. However, we needed more space as well as Internet hook up and cable TV, neither of which did we have. I also failed to ask the owner of the apartment if the kitchen was well equipped for someone who wanted to cook everyday; it was not. So, don’t assume that all New Yorkers cook. Be sure to ask about the amenities included in the apartment. If at all possible, send someone you know to see the apartment, or ask for additional pictures to be sent to you via the Internet.

Also, if an apartment seems to good to be true, it probably is. Try to find a realtor to help you find a place, or be sure you are dealing with a real person. We almost got scammed by one person…I think. So, be careful about the people with whom you deal.

By far, finding housing is the hardest part of going to this summer intensive. It’s time consuming and housing is expensive.

2. Add extra classes, weight lifting or exercise prior to attending the intensive.

Unlike some of the other programs, the ABT summer intensive really is intense. The first week has the kids dancing, doing yoga and pilates six hours a day. They come out tired and sore. In particular, my son was muscle sore from “pressing” girls and partnering them.

Based on what I’ve been told by some experts, I’d suggest that kids add in some sort of cross training—running, jumping rope, swimming, or something else in the weeks prior to the program’s start to increase their stamina. See this post for additional advice from Rasta Thomas. (And this one…)

3. Be prepared for the difference in weather.

My son had some trouble with dehydration the first week. We live in California, and I didn’t really think that would be a problem since we were coming from a dry, hot climate. However, it was so hot and humid in New York that he sweated more than usual and didn’t drink enough. The kids need to have electrolyte packets and other sports drinks along with water to keep them hydrated.

Also bring a variety of clothing. We had tons of rain and some chilly weather early on. Then it got beastly hot.

4. Include vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements to the daily regimen.

I added in extra vitamins and herbs to my son’s regimen of nutritional supplements. I found some of that helped prevent overuse injuries. Despite the fact that he also danced on Saturdays and some evenings at other studios in the city, he had very few overuse injuries. Watch my blog for information on great supplements to keep your kids dancing healthy and uninjured.

5. Make use of wellness resources made available

Be sure your son or daughter takes advantage of the physical therapist provided by ABT if they run into any problem. (Most of the kids had some sort of foot problems or shin splints.) She is great and really helps. My son had one problem early on with his foot, and she solved it quickly with exercises. We also found a chiropractor who was a former dancer. He was super. (You can contact me if you need him.)

6. Take advantage of the city (but don’t walk too much)!

There is lots to do in the city, and the dancers have the weekends off. It’s easy to get around using the subway. It’s also pretty safe, despite what people think about New York City.

Be sure to have good walking shoes, and insist that your dancer wear them, too. ABT requires that the kids not wear flip flops or other sandals (but the kids don’t listen). Their feet are tired at the end of the day, and walking on the pavement doesn’t help. My son’s feet and legs were extremely tired the first two days we were in the city, and he refused to wear the good running shoes we had bought just for that purpose. He did wear them more after that.

7. Let your son or daughter enjoy being with the other dancers in the program.

Many parents are afraid to let their children leave the studio during lunch. However, the kids tend to go out for lunch in groups. The area is pretty safe and doing things together breeds friendships. My son regretted not doing more with the other dancers, such as in the evening and on weekends.

8. Take advantage of the dance happening all around.

Go see dance. Let them take extra dance classes on the weekend (but make your child take at least one day off to rest). We went to see modern and contemporary dance at The Joyce and The Joyce Soho as well as taking advantage of the discount tickets offered to us to American Ballet Theatre productions.

My son also took tap classes at least twice a week at Broadway Dance Center and hip hop classes as well. (We found that these didn’t use the same muscles as ballet; thus, we weren’t too worried about overuse injuries from the extra classes.) We then stayed in New York City for an extra week, and he danced every day for another six hours at Broadway Dance Center. Next to his time at ABT, this was the best experience he had in the city. Many of the dancers also went to Steps on Broadway for additional jazz or ballet classes; we just never made it there.

9. Offer encouragement to help your child through a rough beginning.

Dancers need to know the program is harder than anything else they may have done before. At the end of the first day they are tired. The next morning, they may be wondering how they’ll make it through the second day. At the end of the first full week, they will wonder if they can make it through the whole program. However, by week three, they have settled into the routine and adjusted to the strenuous nature of the program. At the end of the six weeks, they will be in great shape and wish the program weren’t ending yet. They’ll know they could dance for six hours a day every day…and they’ll want to do so.

10. Know that as a parent you’ll be in the city on your own while your dancer dances.

Parents are not allowed into the ABT building or up to the ABT offices in general until the one—yes, one—parent observation day. So, find something to do or bring something to do. I work from home, so I was busy every day in our tiny apartment. Other parents shopped or visited museums or went to Broadway shows. All the waiting around, walking back and forth from the ABT studios and hearing about your child’s day second hand will be worth it, however, when you see the final performance and see how much he or she has improved.

For more information on the ABT Summer Intensive experience, check out my blog, My Son Can Dance, and read the archived posts under the category titled “summer dance programs.”

Nina Amir is a journalist and author currently writing a book meant to mentor young boys (age 10-17) who dream of becoming professional dancers. She realized what a difficult road it was for young male dancers early in her son’s career. She interviews top male dancers and teachers asking for their advice, experiences, and tips so young boys who want to follow in their footsteps will have the strength, inspiration and tools to do so. My Son Can Dance is meant to chronicle Nina’s struggles, what she has learned and the experiences with her son in the hope that she might be a mentor other parents of young boys who want to dance.

Answers to Your Questions About College Dance

Prospective college students have a lot of questions!

Of course you do! You are making important decisions regarding your future. Not to mention the transition from high school to a university is one of the largest leaps you’ll ever take. Dancers that want to continue their dance education at the college level have their own unique concerns. The number of questions you have about auditioning, health and nutrition, expectations, and more may feel overwhelming but there are plenty of resources online to help!

I’ve taken some time recently to look at two websites that I think any aspiring dance major should pay a visit. The logos are a bit cliché but the contents are high quality and will answer many of your questions about college dance.

DanceU101

The magazine’s of Macfadden Publishing, which include Pointe, Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit, and Dance Teacher, have funneled tons of relevant articles into this college dance hub. Not to be missed are the FAQ’s, where experts answer your questions about what it’s like to be a dance major or study at a conservatory, the application process, and financial aid. Or, you can visit the forum and gather answers to your questions. There is a lot more here, too, from articles on dance careers to highlighting individual college programs and dance departments.

Stay informed with Twitter: @DanceU101

Dance(212): the college years

The same folks bringing you DanceU101 have produced their own take on reality TV. Last summer they debuted the online video series Dance(212) which gives insight into the lives of real dancers. The second season is just beginning and this time the 5 young dancers are college students studying dance in New York City’s top dance programs. You’ll have to stay tuned to see how things unfold for these dancers but it is sure to offer a window into life in the dance department.

Stay informed with Twitter: @Dance212

The Dance Advantage College Guide

Of course, I have to mention that here at DA, the college dance experience is a stone not left unturned. As a dance department alum myself, I’ve offered articles on how to select the right program and also plenty of useful tips which come directly from my first-hand experience. You can find contents and links by checking The College Guide. I’m also happy to try and answer any questions you have so feel free to contact me if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the site.

You can follow me on Twitter too: @danceadvantage

More College Links

• College Parent Central – written by a parent and college teacher, this site is aimed at preparing parents and students for every aspect of college life.
• MyCollegeGuide – the magazine’s online hub
  
• Unigo.com – “students tell you what the colleges won’t”
• MoreThanGrades.com – create a customized profile for review by college admission officials

College Students,

Are you interested in writing about dance or your college experience? Dance Advantage is always looking for real dancers that can share their first-hand knowledge and observations. If you think you’d like to gain some writing experience and get published here on the site, learn more about the process here and contact me with your ideas!

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This Dancer’s Response to World AIDS Day

Today, on World AIDS Day, people across the globe will raise HIV/AIDS awareness with events, discussions, and more. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of ways you can get involved in your own country or your own community. To mark the day, I’d like to highlight Dancers Responding to AIDS, a U.S.-based organization offering opportunities for dancers to make a difference in the lives of other dancers and performing artists, and invite you to support me in raising money to advance their efforts.

What Is Dancers Responding to AIDS?

Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA) is a fundraising program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). Founded in June 1991 by former Paul Taylor dancers Hernando Cortez and Denise Roberts Hurlin, DRA seeks to mobilize the dance community, increase awareness, and raise money to provide direct financial assistance and desperately needed services to dance professionals with HIV/AIDS. The funds raised go specifically to individuals in need and the organizations that serve them.

DRA raises these important funds by producing events and conducting audience appeals in New York City and beyond. Special projects include the annual Fire Island Dance Festival, Dance From the Heart and Dance Student Outreach Project (formerly DRA Studio of the Year), which enables thousands of young dancers to actively involve themselves in helping those living with HIV/AIDS.

DRA fundraising efforts support BC/EFA which annually awards nearly 500 AIDS and family service organizations through their National Grant Program, as well as supports various programs of The Actors Fund, including The AIDS Initiative. If you’d like to know more about the various programs DRA and BC/EFA support, visit Your Money At Work on the Broadway Cares website and explore the links to the left.

Get Involved!

World AIDS week kicks off with World AIDS Day and lasts through December 7, 2009.

If you are a studio who wants to help raise money for Dancers Responding to AIDS, consider following the lead of Mark Morris Dance Group, Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway – these dance institutions and their instructors will donate a percentage from all dance classes this week to the work of Dancers Responding to AIDS.

Consider ways you might join them in raising funds this week…

• Place a container at your sign in desk for loose change.
• Create a raffle, giving students the opportunity to win credit toward private lessons, recital fees, or scholarships.
• Make “Dancer Votes” for students to sell for $1. The dancer that collects the most votes wins a prize (a gift card or perhaps studio merchandise like a dance bag or jacket).

…and beyond!

• Audience appeals (pdf)
• Hold a Spaghetti Dinner or Pancake Breakfast prepared by dancers (invite people from the community and charge per person).
• Offer Valet Parking at your recital (get parents and friends involved).
• Collect gently used shoes and costumes for resale at a studio bazaar/market.
• Sell VIP or “Front Row” tickets at your next performance.
• Call DRA and locate AIDS organizations in your area and work together on some promotional or fundraising ideas.

For fundraising ideas visit the DRA website. For where to send checks, or other info you can also visit DRA on Facebook.

Take Action Now

FIRST — Read and take to heart these 5 ways you can Respect & Protect yourself and others to stop the spread of HIV and end HIV prejudice.

SECOND — Join me in responding to the needs of dancers living with HIV/AIDS and sponsor me as I try to raise $300 for Dancers Responding to AIDS as a member of the DRA Dream Team. It’s easy, visit my sponsor page, click Support Nichelle and donate! You can also join my team and help me reach my goal by collecting your own donations!

OR

Create your own Dream Team! Start your own studio Dream Team, set a goal, and begin right away!

Don’t Miss…

Alicia Keys performing LIVE on YouTube tonight!

If you are a fan of this dynamic performer, pull up a computer and check out her streaming concert. One Night. One Voice. One Life at a Time. 8pm E.S.T.

Not in the U.S.?

How will you mark World AIDS Day? Let us know in the comments for this post!

If you are unsure, please visit the World AIDS Day website or the World AIDS Campaign website for ideas, events, and charities in your region.

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Guest Post: The Professional Dancer’s Survival Kit

Do you have an interest in taking your dancing to the professional level?

Our guest post today is by Ashani Kiner, an experienced dancer, teacher, and business owner. She is offering sound advice for those who wish to pursue a career in dance.

Here are some inside tips on what you need to survive in your career as a professional dancer:

1. Realistic Expectations

If you think that because you were the strongest dancer at your local dance studio, in your high school, or anything along those lines, that you will automatically be highly sought after as a professional, you will get a pretty harsh reality check when you see some of your competition in the professional dance world. My advice is, know your strengths, and always play them up, along with your uniqueness as a dancer. Additionally, learn your areas of weakness, and work tirelessly on getting stronger in those areas. Understand that there will be auditions and jobs that you simply won’t get based on politics, type-casting, or other non-personal reasons, so you must develop a tough skin in order to survive.

2. Professional Photos/ Resume

This goes without saying. Presentation is everything, so don’t scrimp on your photos. Save up the money you need in order to get professional photos taken. Also, make sure that your resume is in the proper format for performing arts resumes, which is different from the format for a regular job resume.

3. An Education and Other Non-Dance Related Skills

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, and after having that experience, I highly recommend getting a college degree. I also have a B.A. in Hispanic Studies, as I always wanted to have something else to fall back on, in case I ever got injured or something, and could no longer dance. Maybe college isn’t for you, or you can’t afford it. Finish high school, in the least, and involve yourself in professional internships, or other jobs, to develop your skills, and build a professional resume. This will not only help you to have a more successful career as a professional dancer, but it will allow you to have more options when you’re in between dance jobs, or still building your dance resume.

4. An Emergency Fund

Financial pressure is real! Unless you’re living at home with Mom and Dad, or have someone sponsoring your daily living expenses, you’re going to need money to survive. Most importantly, with the many inconsistencies in this business, you will need to have some serious savings to carry you through the slow times and unexpected emergencies. Not to mention, to free you from doing “anything” to make a quick buck, because you’re desperate for money. That’s never a good frame of mind to be in.

5. A Support System

Whether it’s your faith, your friends, or your family, you will definitely need some support outside of yourself from time to time, when you don’t get that job or audition that you really wanted. Or, for those days when you look at your bank account, or how hard you’re working, and wonder if it’s all worth it.

Plus 3 More Survival Tips:

• A Healthy Lifestyle — It is very important to eat healthy and stay in shape. You want to be ready at any time for great, unexpected dance opportunities.
• A Habit of Learning and Growing – From taking dance classes regularly, to learning from online videos/classes, or simply working on your skills/choreography in your home, you must continuously strengthen your skills, feed your creativity, and challenge yourself.
• Tenacity, Persistence, and a Positive Attitude — The only true failure is giving up. Don’t let rejection, other people’s success, or a longer road to your dreams than you expected, get you down. Nothing worth having comes easily. You must fight for your dream, and know that everything happens for a reason. The path that is for you, is specially-made for you only. So, don’t focus on others, on your obstacles, or setbacks, focus solely on being and doing your best in all that you do.

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Ashani Kiner, a New York City native, graduated from Connecticut College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She has 20 yrs of experience in the dance industry and has trained, taught, and performed at the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in NYC. She has also taught at Ballet Hispanico, as well as numerous NY Metropolitan area dance studios, public and private schools, and non-profit arts organizations.

She is also the president and CEO of Kiner Enterprises Inc., the first dance teacher staffing agency in the U.S. They provide dance teachers in all genres of dance, with credits ranging from former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company members, Broadway and Broadway tour performers, dancers and choreographers for recording artists such as, Ashanti, Beyonce, Kat DeLuna, Hannah Montana, and Snoop Dogg, as well as the Knicks City Dancers, and dance companies including, The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, The San Francisco Ballet, and Complexions.

Follow Kiner Enterprises via Twitter or become a fan on Facebook

A Window into Dance Teacher Wages

Kiner Enterprises, a dance teacher staffing agency, has produced a report on industry salaries and trends in the New York City Metropolitan area. The report is simple and to the point, covering average hourly wages for teachers with less than 5 years experience and more than 5 years experience, as well as the average number of classes taught and the percentage of studios covering transportation costs for their teachers.

“We wanted to offer the dance community a neutral source of information regarding what is really happening in the dance teaching industry in the New York City Metropolitan area. We are able to offer a unique perspective based on our extensive work in the dance teaching industry, while providing dance studios with qualified dance instructors” ~ Ashani C. Kiner, CEO/President of Kiner Enterprises Inc.

I spoke with Ms. Kiner to dig a little deeper into who was involved in the survey and how information was collected. She shared with me that participants were interviewed via phone and e-mail and are clients and teachers working with the agency. The information in the report has been gathered over the last two years. One hundred dance teachers, twenty-five entities categorized as public/private schools or non-profit arts organizations, and one hundred dance studios are represented in the report. One-third of the dance studios are within New York City, while two-thirds operate in the NY Metropolitan/Tri-State area.

The full 2009 report can be viewed online on the KinerEnterprises Inc.’s Dancer’s Blog. Ms. Kiner stated that they’ll be publishing this report annually and are looking to expand it’s reach into other parts of the United States.

Even if you are not from the New York area, you may find these results interesting. If you haven’t clicked the link above yet, you may want to do so now. Be sure to come back though because I’m curious to know how you feel this compares to your own locale…

• Are the wages in your area similar or even close?
• Are you compensated for things like transportation to classes?
• Are you offered benefits outside your hourly wage/salary?
• Are some of you salaried teachers?
  
• Why do you think hourly wages are higher within the metro area as opposed to within the city itself?
• How many classes a day do you teach?
• Do most dance teachers live (pay rent, food, bills) on their income?
• How does location, experience, studio size, etc. affect dance teacher wages where you live and work?

I encourage you to leave your comments, thoughts, or even your own questions here and/or on the Kiner Enterprises blog. I’d like to broaden the discussion and facilitate positive dialog on compensation for teachers, as well as provide a realistic picture for those considering or entering the work force as a dance instructor.

Want to know more about Kiner Enterprises?

Kiner Enterprises Inc., the first dance teacher staffing agency in the U.S., provides dance studios and schools with talented dance teachers for last-minute subs, dance workshops, choreography, and temporary and permanent teaching positions. Dance studios throughout the New York Metropolitan area have already taken advantage of this revolutionary service since 2007. In Jan. 2009, Kiner Enterprises Inc. expanded nationally and launched a nationwide campaign for dance teachers. They have the largest dance teacher staffing roster in the U.S., and are industry leaders in the dance community.

In addition to the website www.kinerenterprises.com, and blog, Kiner Enterprises also operates two networks for U.S. teachers and studio owners:

For Dance Teachers:
http://danceteachersusa.ning.com
For Dance Studio Owners:
http://dancestudioownersusa.ning.com