Young men who choose to dance have many opportunities and reasons to audition. They audition for summer intensives, for positions in companies, and for specific roles. When the time comes to audition for companies, hopefully, they’ve gotten some experience so they can put their best foot forward. When Julian danced at Teen Dance Company (now […]
Mark Foehringer on Preparing a Dancin’ Boy for the Professional Dance World (Part 1)
My husband and I firmly believe that one of the things that makes Julian such a good dancer is the variety of dance training he received but, in particular, the years of contemporary dance training coupled with his classical ballet training. This also makes him a more marketable dancer. Of course, a dancer most have […]
How to Take Audition Photos of Your Dancin’ Boy
Your dancin’ boy will need a head shot, an arabesque photo or some other type of dance picture when he auditions for actual parts in shows, summer intensives or company jobs. Professional photos can be expensive, although they are by far the best option. If you cannot afford to hire a professional dance photographer, you […]
Visiting My Dancin’ Boy in Dresden
Seeing Julian dance in the Nutcracker was, of course, a highlight of my trip to Germany. However, spending time with Julian and seeing a bit of his daily life was another one–and actually one of the things I was most looking forward to about my trip to see him. While I in Germany I spent […]
Cooking, Mice, Russian, Variations, and Auditions
It’s been a while since I wrote anything about Julian. Since some of you may be wondering, here’s the news from Germany… Julian is enjoying life in Europe. He likes Dresden, the food, the life, the dancing, the company members. He is learning German slowly…not using his online Rosetta Stone course much. He says it’s […]
Creating a Performance Reel for Dance Job Auditions
Your dancin’ boy might need a dance reel when he approaches job audition time. This DVD with his recent, or most recent, performances on it is handed to or sent to prospective employers, by which I mean artistic directors in classical or contemporary ballet companies. You might also need one for tap, jazz, modern, or […]
My Son Becomes an Apprentice
Julian’s long audition process, filled with excitement, disappointment, stress, and happiness, has come to an end. And with its conclusion, he transitions from ballet student to professional dancer. Sort of… After receiving four other job offers, and (I’m assuming) still being on the so-called “watch list” for a trainee position during the upcoming San Francisco […]
A Commendation To Dancin’ Boy Moms Everywhere
This Mother’s Day I’d like to commend all my readers who are the mothers of dancin’ boys for doing what you do–all of it. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. While some Dad’s help, even do a lot, as much or more (like my husband), not all of them do. And […]
How Young Ballet Dancers Land Company Jobs
If you’ve been wondering why I’ve been quiet lately, here’s why: Mum’s the word. I can’t really talk about what’s been going on with Julian–not yet. Why? He’s been auditioning for ballet companies and getting…well…recruited. Yes, it seems a bit like having a young baseball, basketball, football, or soccer player who is being recruited by […]
High School Graduation and SAB Workshop Approaching
The end of the year is fast approaching. When it comes to dance, everything seems to be moving along well for Julian. His foot seems to have healed up, although I’m not there to speak to anyone. The physical therapist says after spring break he need only come back once a week, and he has […]
Summer Intensive Auditions End, REAL Auditions Start
A lot has happened since my last post…I’ve just been too busy to write. I apologize. I’ve got a non-dance related book coming out in a few months, and getting ready for that launch has been taking up all my time. Anyhoo. Since I wrote last Julian has been struggling with his tendon tear. He […]
Summer Intensive Auditions and Recurring Ankle Issues
Julian returned to the School of American Ballet (SAB) only to learn that his MRI actually had shown a small tear in a tendon in his right ankle. I’m not really sure why the physical therapists here didn’t know about it, but the doctor in NYC only received information on the left ankle…twice…and didn’t notice. […]
Is The Joffrey Right for Your Son? How to Choose a Style and Company
Not long ago I was asked to help promote a documentary film on The Joffrey Ballet that will be released in January. I have a soft spot for The Joffrey, since one of Julian’s YAGP partners, Jeraldine Mendoza, landed a job with this ballet company, so I was quick to respond that I would, indeed, […]