Comments on: News from Abroad and From the Homefront

By: Judy

Judy — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:25:09 +0000

Nina, not a problem and just know that the program probably changes a little each year. The year my daughter was there, she always took company class in the morning and if there was time, an apprentice class was scheduled in the evening after rehearsals. The apprentices always worked harder than everyone else. There are a ton of really nice dancers in the company.

By: Nina

Nina — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 18:30:46 +0000

Judy,
Thanks so much…and for all your emails. It’s so nice to know a mom who had a child in the apprentice program in Dresden. So far it seems Julian is doing fine. We will hear tomorrow hopefully how his two big performances went doing the pas de quatre role in La Bayadere. Then…it’s off to Palucca for classes until Nutcracker starts. There have been no apprentice classes that I know of in the evening at this point. He started with company class and then switched eventually to apprentice class in the morning; they have too many people in the company so all apprentices eventually ended up there. He was the last to go. He had rehearsals at various times during the day. Now the company switches to contemporary pieces, and the apprentices are off to the school.

He has many friends–not just apprentices. He has adjusted well. I am sure the language won’t be a problem, and once he gets his internet–which hopefully was this week–he can also use his online course.

Thanks for your note, and sorry I never got back to you by email!
Nina

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:48:40 +0000

Don’t worry about Julian, he will be fine…the Germans will keep him in line, lol. You may have to supplement him as the apprentices are the last to be paid and I found that they were never really paid on time. Also, he will be taking apprentice classes in the evening, that is pretty much required of them. It helps in addressing technique issues which are not addressed in company class. The class is usually taught by company members. I hope he is a good student as he will have to pass a German proficiency test in Jan or Feb to keep his job. The company brings in professors from the local university to teach them. The year my daughter was there, they all passed. Apprentices after the first few performances may be called down on “unprofessional behavior”, so hopefully he will be on his toes and be as professional as possible.

Once he has internet up and going, skype will be your main source of communication. His bike will be rendered useless as winter sets in…just too cold to ride it but they do have a fantastic tram system there that he will use. He definitely needs those lights. The Germans are sticklers when it comes to rules and large fines are not unusual. My duaghter’s friend neglected to bring back a library book and ended up being charged about $300 much to her chagrin. His best friends will be the other apprentices. Dresden is incredibly safe. I never worried about my daughter walking alone late at night.

As far as I know, La Bayadere is a company staple. My daughter was there a few years ago and they opened with that ballet and also danced it in the spring. They dance this ballet every year. It can get pretty boring for them by the spring. I know she got pretty bored with it and had to come up with ways of keeping it fresh. It is not unusual to be thrown in at the last minute to replace either an apprentice who can’t get the part down, or an injured corp member or soloist. All three scenarios happened to my daughter with the replacing of the soloist as the most challenging.

This will be a fantastic year for him. You will see huge personal growth. Know that you were a huge part in helping him get to this place in his career and that the Dresden Ballet Apprentice program is a wonderful introduction to company life. I hope you do get to see him perform. The opera house is lovely.

By: Dee

Dee — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:00:37 +0000

That is great that Julian has started and is getting settled!!

I am sorry that you are feeling so down. I totally sympathise.
It does get better, to a certain extent.

Try not to worry too much about him, though. Dresden is, as I think I mentioned, one of the safest cities in Germany.

Bicyclists are everywhere, and the automobile drivers are used to them, which makes it much better. If he gets a bike, he MUST have proper lights, though; it is the law and it is enforced. (blinking-lights do not count – he can ask in a bike-shop; they should know the laws)

The Palucca University starts back next week, I think. (or at least they start their training-before-regular-classes) Then my daughter will also be back in Dresden. Most probably they will eventually meet, if he does sometimes take class with the students there.

By: Balletmom

Balletmom — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:50:30 +0000

Thank you for your post. I feel for you. If/when this sort of (happy) event occurs in my family, whether or not it’s US or international, I will likely need serious psychological help!!! I can’t imagine letting go as you are being forced to do. However, it is a process and you all need time to get used to the new ‘normal.’ Sounds like your son is doing well so far and thank goodness he has a group of friends already. It does sound very promising for him. Time flies and November will be here before you know it!