What does it take to make it in Ballet?
How Orlando MET can help and what we offer
A general list of technical and soft skills a ballet student should posses in order to seriously pursue a professional ballet career.
There is a saying in the ballet world: “You never know what the director of the company may be looking for” and this is true, but in order to be even considered, in the eyes of that director, a ballet student must gather several conditions and attributes that come from home and their ballet school.
So, what the Director is looking for is just the tip of the iceberg, so here are the key steps and elements, in our opinion, you’ll need to consider to pursue a career in ballet
Early Training
Most professional ballet dancers start training at a young age, often around 5- 7 years old. This allows them to develop the necessary physical skills, flexibility, and strength required for ballet.
Quality Training
Enroll in a reputable ballet school or academy with experienced teachers and a structured curriculum. With no more than 12 students in class.
Coaching
And not just regular teaching. Almost every professional dancer has found in their career a mentor that can provide most of the training requirements that a dancer needs, here is a list of some of the most important aspects of having a ballet coach.
Personalized Training
Every dancer is unique. A coach can tailor your training to your body type, strengths, and areas that need improvement.
Technical Precision
The ballet technique involves intricate movements that require precise alignment, placement, and form. A coach can provide hands-on guidance to help you achieve proper technique, which is essential to avoid injury and perform at a professional level.
Correction and Feedback
Coaches can identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide specific feedback to help you improve. They can correct mistakes and guide you in refining your movements
Progression Monitoring
A coach tracks your progress and tailors your training to your individual needs. They design a structured curriculum that gradually builds your skills from basic to advanced levels.
Artistic Development
Ballet is not just about technique; it’s also about artistic expression. A coach can help you develop your interpretation of movements, emotions, and storytelling through dance.
Preventing Bad Habits
Without proper guidance, you might develop bad habits that can be difficult to unlearn later. A coach can prevent these habits from forming and correct them if they do.
Injury Prevention
Ballet demands a lot from your body, and incorrect technique can lead to injuries. A coach can guide you in safe practices and help you avoid unnecessary strain.
Motivation and Discipline
Coaches provide motivation, structure, and discipline. They hold you accountable for your progress and push you to improve.
Networking and Opportunities
Coaches often have connections within the ballet community and can recommend you for auditions, workshops, and other opportunities.
Support and Encouragement
A coach serves as a mentor, providing emotional support and encouragement during the challenging moments in your ballet journey.
National and international competitions
your coach would guide you in the process of preparation to be able to participate (most by invitation) in world-renowned ballet competitions with the objective of building: Benchmarking and Motivation, Networking Opportunities, Scholarships, and Prizes, Resume and Portfolio Building, Personal Achievement and Confidence, and Exposure and Recognition among others.
Commitment and Discipline
Ballet demands intense dedication and discipline. Regular practice, attending classes, and adhering to a strict training regimen are essential.
Physical Fitness
Ballet requires exceptional physical fitness, including strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Regular conditioning, stretching, and cross-training are crucial to maintaining optimal physical condition and are a must in the training curriculum of the ballet training institution chosen.
Artistic Expression
Ballet is not just about physical prowess; it’s also about artistic expression. Developing the ability to convey emotions and tell stories through movement is essential.
Performance Opportunities
Participate in performances, galas, private events, and competitions to gain stage experience and build your performance skills. This exposure helps you develop confidence and overcome stage fright.
Progression Levels
As you advance in training, you’ll move through various levels, such as Pre-primary, Primary, Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as in the ABT NTC, these levels must not be assigned by age but by skills and knowledge. Each level introduces more complex techniques and choreography.
Familiarity with Examinations
Students must be evaluated and informed of their progress and current situation, therefore, helping them to understand the path they are on and what they may be still missing as well as identifying the room for improvement to add it to the everyday training routine.
Auditions
To enter a professional ballet company, you’ll likely need to go through auditions. These auditions can be highly competitive and may involve showcasing your technical skills and artistry.
Professional Training Programs
Some ballet companies offer professional training programs or apprenticeships for young dancers. These programs can serve as a stepping stone to joining the company as a full-time dancer
Diverse Repertoire
Ballet companies often perform a variety of styles and repertoire. Being versatile and adaptable in different dance styles is advantageous.
Networking
Building connections within the ballet community can provide valuable opportunities, including auditions, collaborations, and recommendations.
Physical and Mental Health
Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Ballet can be physically demanding and mentally challenging, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
All these are coupled with talent and passion.
Why Orlando MET?
Orlando Metropolitan Ballet Academy (OMBA) is an award-winning academy where young talents are coached into the professional ballet world, no more than 12 students per class are admitted, all fostered directly by our Artistic Director, Laura Torres, who has more than 18 years of experience, winner of the YAGP outstanding teacher award. Ms. Laura, besides being certified in different ballet methods, is a personal trainer certified in Pilates, Progressive Ballet Technique, and Alixa Flexibility method.
As a “boutique” academy, Orlando Metropolitan Ballet Academy gathers the following characteristics:
Small Class Sizes
smaller class sizes compared to larger educational institutions. This allows for more individual attention and personalized instruction.
Specialized Curriculum
focus on a specific subject, skill, offering in-depth and specialized training that goes beyond what might be offered in more generalized institutions.
Personalized Approach
Because of our small class sizes, teachers and coaches can get to know each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, enabling them to tailor their teaching methods to individual needs.
High-Quality Instruction
experienced, award-winning, renowned, and highly skilled instructors who are passionate about their field and dedicated to providing top-notch instruction.
Intimate Learning Environment
Students benefit from a close-knit community where they can interact closely with their peers and instructors, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
Individualized Approach
we provide individualized attention to each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and body type. This personalized approach helps students develop their unique potential.
Attention to Detail
The focus on quality over quantity often means that as a boutique academy, we pay close attention to every aspect of the learning experience, from facilities to teaching materials.
Innovation and Creativity
our academy might have the flexibility to incorporate innovative teaching methods and adapt quickly to changing trends or developments in their field.
OMBA’s curriculum focuses on
Technique
Dancers are assessed on their technical skills, including their execution of movements, precision, alignment, flexibility, and control.
Artistry
The ability to convey emotions, tell a story through movement, and exhibit a strong stage presence are crucial aspects of ballet. Focused on how well dancers connect with the audience and express themselves artistically.
Musicality
Dancers’ ability to synchronize their movements with the music and demonstrate an understanding of rhythm and musical phrasing as well as the ability to show a creative response to music.
Repertoire
: Students work on classical ballet variations, which showcase their ability to execute specific choreography with grace, precision, and style.
Contemporary Dance
In addition to classical variations, contemporary dance is often included in the training, improving dancers’ adaptability to different styles and their ability to convey modern choreography.
Physicality
Develop dancers’ physical attributes, such as body proportions, strength, and flexibility, to increase their suitability for different roles and techniques.
Stage Presence and Confidence
Dancers are offered stage presence with opportunities to join our Youth Studio Company, this creates confidence, and the ability to connect with the audience.
Individuality
While adhering to classical techniques, dancers are encouraged to display their own interpretation, uniqueness, and personal style.
Professionalism
guide our students on their behavior and how to conduct themselves both on and off the stage, their dedication to their craft, and their professionalism when attending ballet competitions, auditions, or invitations.
Physical and Emotional Endurance
work on the dancers’ ability to handle the physical and emotional demands of a professional environment.
Versatility
we may include a range of styles and choreography, so versatility in performing different types of dance is part of the year’s curriculum.
Actions Speak Louder: Our Results Tell the Story
We have successfully prepared students to join the world’s most renowned ballet schools, such as the School of American Ballet (NYC), Princess Grace Academy (Monaco), San Francisco Ballet School, Royal Swedish Ballet School (Sweden), Nashville Ballet School, Miami City Ballet School as well as invitations to summer intensives and short-term visits to Paris Opera Ballet School, Royal Ballet School (London), Elmhurst Ballet School, Princess Grace Academy, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet School, Boston Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet School, Nashville Ballet School, Huston Ballet School, Next Generation Ballet School, Harid Conservatory, Prix de Lausanne Summer Intensive European pre-selection.
Some of our students have been Prix de Lausanne candidates, winners of YAGP semi-finals, and YAGP finalists with invitations to the final round, making them the top 40 of the world.
Our Director won the YAGP outstanding teacher award in the 2022 Tampa semi-final.
Our ensembles, group dances, have won many years at the YAGP semi-finals, they have been invited to the world finals, and have placed twice Top 24 of the world among the best schools in the country and the globe.