Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre & Dancers’ Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between these 2 organizations?
Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre is a non-profit organization that has served the arts in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas for well over 50 years. Bringing decades of our famous Nutcracker, a Tale from the Bayou, BRBT has also brought guest artists to the Baton Rouge area from all over the world. Established in 1973, the Dancers’ Workshop is the official training school of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre.
How do dancers progress through the different levels of dance?
Until the end of 4th grade, dancers are promoted based on their grade in school. From rising 5th graders on, dancers are promoted based on the development of their skill and technique. Younger dancers begin with just 1 class per week, however, by the time they are in 3rd or 4th grade, dancers should begin taking twice a week, including in the summer.
When do dancers start training en pointe?
Each dancer’s development is different, however, those who start ballet technique at a young age and take consistently for several years are often considered starting at around age 11-12. This is different for every dancer, but any dancer who is invited to start training en pointe at Dancers’ Workshop must also take 3 ballet classes each week. This is to insure proper muscle development and strength, which lowers the risk of injury.
How much training is required for advanced roles such as those seen in the Nutcracker?
Advanced ballet dancers at Dancers’ Workshop take 4-6 ballet classes each week, including throughout the summer. Logically, the more training and repetition, the more advanced roles the dancer can handle.
Must a dancer be so “serious” about their dance training in order to take at Dancers’ Workshop?
No, but the answer to this depends on what the dancer’s goal is for his/her ballet training. Dancers who want to just enjoy the physical fitness aspect of dance can simply take ballet once or twice a week to maintain enjoyment and technique. Those wishing to advance into higher levels and performance roles, however, must develop a consistency of training just as any other skill would require (music, art, academics, sports, etc). Logically, the more you study something, the better you become at it. 