How strict is American Ballet Theatre about body types?

Question

I would like to audition for abt's summer program but my body is not ideal for a ballerina. I dont want to be laughed at or ignored. should i bother auditioning? I dont nessesarilay want to get in but i would like auditioning experience.

Answer 1

ABT is less strict that SAB, but they still have their standards. My daughter was able to do a pre- and post-surgery comparison: rejection with a large chest size/ acceptance with a smaller chest size. No ballet-based program will reveal that rejections are made based on body types, but that is a fact of life in the ballet world. That said, do not let that stop you from getting valuable auditioning experience! No one will laugh at you.

I highly recommend that you look into Point Park University's excellent summer program where all body types are accepted and you can still get top-notch ballet training (plus daily classes in modern and jazz).
http://www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=533

Answer 2

If you are afraid to go to auditions for that reason you will never make it, or you will be stuck with less than you deserve. Like you said, you want auditioning experience, you will be getting at least that much. Prepare really well and go for it. I'm sorry I don't have a concrete answer to your question because I never auditioned for Amerian Ballet or didn't even get close to it for that matter. But there is no such thing as ideal body, every body has slight imperfections because we are all human. Even with an ideal body, a person might or might not have the right dedication to fit in. If you think if you are high enough level ballet dancer you should definitely audition. You never know until you try. If you want to see who get hired - you can go watch a performance by them, it will give you some average idea. At least, you will see if there is anyone will less than pefect body, and how far from perfect it is.

Answer 3

From what I've seen in the NY division, most girls were fairly slender in the higher groups, but I think you should try auditioning anyway because you never know what could happen. The girls all seemed to have the basic techniques down and no one in particular stood out to be below average or anything. If you go on dance.net and search for ABT SI, there's pictures of one girl who went to the NY one and she has fantastic extensions with a good body but wasn't placed in a very high division. I honestly don't think they'll laugh at you or anything because it's not going to be all ideal body types that try out. Good luck!

Answer 4

Heres what I found but not sure what summer programme ur going for?

The Collegiate Summer Intensive

This program is designed for the mature artist, age 18-24, involved in the pursuit of higher education. Dancers will have daily technique in ballet and modern dance, and will participate in classes focused on pedagogy, composition, production, and choreography. This is a chance for the college dancer to further develop their artistic talents in a challenging and professional environment, while intensively training with world-class ABT faculty.

This three-week program will take place at ABT’s 890 Broadway studios in New York City. The program, headed by Nancy Raffa, Director of Summer Intensives, will include such ABT faculty members as Jessica Lang, Brian Reeder and Kate Lydon as well as ABT’s new Studio Company Artistic Director, Kirk Peterson. College credit options are available.

Dates: May 29 – June 15, 2007
Location: American Ballet Theatre
890 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003
[phone] x3416
Tuition: $1500

SUMMER INTENSIVE
American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive Program has earned a reputation for being the most thorough and rewarding dance experience a student can have during the summer. Under the supervision of ABT’s Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and Director of Summer Intensives Nancy Raffa, the program offers top quality teachers and master guest teachers that are dedicated to the learning process and growth of each individual student. Class sizes will be limited. Students participate in a minimum of four classes per day with ABT’s renowned faculty, and enjoy a comprehensive curriculum that includes exposure to ABT artists, history and repertory. The ABT Summer Intensive focuses on developing well-rounded dancers by exposure to a wide variety of disciplines with an emphasis on classical ballet technique.

Curriculum:
The curriculum of the 2007 ABT Summer Intensive will include both high level technique classes and lecture courses on subjects critical to the development of a complete dancer. ABT’s teaching philosophy is to create dancers that are versatile rather than stylized, who are thus prepared to work with any company. Classes for the 2007 Summer Intensive may include:

Ballet Technique
Pointe
Partnering
Variations
Men’s Technique
Men’s Variations
Modern
Nutrition
Acting for Dancers/Mime
Choreography Workshop
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Character
Dance History
Yoga
Meet the Artist
Music
Physical Therapy
Pilates
Musical Theater


Though some lecture offerings may vary by site, the daily structure and curriculum of all Summer Intensive programs is identical. Students take four classes a day; generally three dance classes and one lecture class. In addition, dancers have rehearsals or choreography sessions approximately two nights per week. Dancers in each Summer Intensive have the opportunity to perform in a final performance showcasing selections from ABT’s repertoire and new choreography created during the program.


The Young Dancer Summer Workshop

This workshop provides the opportunity for serious young dancers, ages 9-11, to actively flourish in a professional, yet nurturing environment. Under the direction of Franco De Vita, Principal of ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, the outstanding faculty members of ABT will provide unparalleled instruction, while remaining sensitive to the developmental levels of younger dancers. This year ABT is pleased to announce the Young Dancer Summer Workshop in Los Angeles, California hosted by The Colburn School from July 2 – 13, 2007.

Classes in both locations will be held from approximately 9:30 am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. The Young Dancer Summer Workshop will focus on building a solid foundation in ballet technique and educating younger dancers about related topics in the world of dance. Students will begin each day with a ballet technique class, and will continue with pointe or pre-pointe work, boy’s class, character, and variations. Workshops in nutrition, ballet terminology, dance history, classroom and rehearsal etiquette, and injury prevention will enhance the young dancers’ experience, and provide them with a well-rounded education they can continue to use in their future artistic development.

New York, NY
Dates: July 30 – August 10, 2007
Location: American Ballet Theatre
890 Broadway, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003
[phone] x3416
Tuition: $1150

Los Angeles, CA
Dates: July 2 – 13, 2007
Location: The Colburn School
200 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
[phone]
Tuition: $1150



Although none of these say anything about body TYPE, you'll have to be pretty fit to keep up with it all, go for it to get the auditioning experience. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 5

Yes, they do tend to prefer the skinny types... but i say GO FOR IT!! You never know what might happen... GOOD LUCK!!