I recently was asked to write a short sidebar on how to get boys into the dance studio and keep them there. (The piece will appear in an upcoming issue of Dance Teacher magazine.) One of the things I stressed was that studios should offer free or discounted classes for boys, as well as scholarships. Additionally, of course, they should offer boys-only classes.
I just found this article on Boys and Ballet about the Oregon Ballet Academy. They offered a free class for boys.
The boys comment on what they do together in class – things likes jumps and push ups. They say it’s like a work out in the gym. You know, boy stuff. Of course, they also learn to lift and turn the girls and make them look good.
The result: The Oregon Ballet Company’s Nutcracker ended up with 20 boys in the Russian dance this past year!
I hate to say “I told you so,” but….I told you so!
Hi,
Mom of a male dancer from Oregon here. I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now, and have been enjoying your posts about your adventures into the world of dance with your talented son.
One small but important correction to your latest post–the article you mentioned was discussing Oregon Ballet Academy, not Oregon Ballet Company. There is no professional company associated with OBA, and as far as I know, there is no “Oregon Ballet Company”.
My best to you and your dancing son,
BT