I would like to dance at UNC-Wilmington (for ballet) over the summer, but my parents won't let me go.?

Question

I'm an almost 14 years old.
The program is for 4 weeks and is $3000.

Refer to http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070217151103AABDc5P.

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The program is for 4 weeks.
It costs $3000 total. (I don't know if there is financial aid.)

Additional Details
22 hours ago
Sorry about not mentioning any other details. I am 13 years old, turning 14 in a few months. I would like to minor in dance, but my parents are also against this. I really love dancing.
4 minutes ago
My parents can afford to pay for the program, they just don't want to pay so much "just for dance."

I would like to minor in dance--not major, since I would like to become a pediatrician after college. Dancing will still be part of my career, but just not completely.

Answer 1

Thank you for the Additional Details. I can clearly see your parents' point of view, given that you're not aiming to be a professional dancer. HOWEVER, I'll offer some final tips on trying to make a case for going to this program.

First off, summer dance programs are not necessarily "just for dance." Have you ever been away from home for over two weeks? Attending a 4-week program, where you live in a dorm with a roommate and are responsible for getting yourself up, ready and mentally prepared for class is a valuable learning experience in and of itself.

Next, I assume you're still in middle school; 8th grade perhaps? As a parent, I viewed middle school as the time to allow my kids to fully explore ALL their options. My daughter, who was already very serious about pursuing a dance career, went to a horseback riding camp, a gymnastics program, and a musical theater intensive the summers while she was in middle school. Those were good opportunities for her to get those activities out of her system, so to speak. She got to fully engage in them and was better able to conclude, "Yes, those activities are not for me. I need to dance more."

Finally, the related point is that you still have plenty of time to do those other "serious" things that your parents believe are more worth the expense. You say that they can afford this program, which really is very reasonable in its price. What else would you be doing this summer? Sitting around the house? Doesn't an intensive enrichment activity where you work hard at something, keep fit, and immerse yourself in creativity and music have value, too?

I know! Why don't you tell your parents that this can also help you to be a better pediatrician. It's a fact: none of my daughter's pediatricians seemed to understand any of her health issues as a dancer. You might want to specialize in sports medicine for youth! And by being physically active as a youth, yourself, you'll have a better understanding of kinesiology.

How's that? :-)

Answer 2

Try to find out their reasoning behind the "no" answer. Is it the money? Is it location? Why do you want to go? Are you wanting to seek a professional ballet career or do you have friends going and you want to go also? Have a serious talk with them about their reasons why and your reasons you desire to go.

Perhaps they do not understand the reason you want to go. If you are seeking to further your career, and they are supportive of that, then it would be in your best interest to start going to some summer intensives or camps for ballet. Have your ballet teacher talk with them about what it takes to achieve a professional career.

There are many summer programs available, maybe you could show them some other opportunities and they could compare them and choose one that they might like better? You may also consider a scholarship. If you can get a scholarship then that may help with the money aspect of it.

Do a search on summer dance camps or summer ballet camps or use the word "intensives" instead of "camp".

Here are some sites to begin looking at:
http://www.abt.org/education/sites.asp
http://www.peoriaballet.com/summerintensives.html
http://www.strictlyballet.com/summer.htm
http://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/summer_galleries.html

Answer 3

I think you should tell them how much you really really want this . If u want to be a dancer for a career ... tell them that u love dancing and its your passion and desire and if it doesn't work than you should compromise something for dancing with UNC...you say you need all these things but yall teens dont , just compromise something that they know that you LOVE (not dancing but something thats takes useless money). I hope i helped you ... you should really try it because if you really want this it would work and also let your parents explore the place

Answer 4

It might help your parents if they go with you for a few days and stay at a hotel. (Don't worry, it's only for a few days!) Show that you are responsible to go by doing your homework on time, helping around the house, and no complaining! Your parents just love you and just has a hard time letting go. Or maybe it's the cost...? And whatever they say about you going, I guess you just got to respect their decision. Wouldn't it be great if we were all grown up and could make our own decisions? :)

Answer 5

screw your parents it is your choice you go girl but remember also get a education

Answer 6

i think that if one of your parents went with you they would feel more comfortable.