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Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What sets ARB apart from other area studios?
A: ARB is set apart from other area studios by bringing together the highest quality training in the
area with individual consideration towards each student's needs in a positive learning
environment. All of our instructors are highly qualified and have extensive performance and
instructional experience in the disciplines they teach.
Our classes are technique oriented. Students spend the majority of the year learning correct
technique in each discipline, not just a recital dance. (End of the Year performance pieces
typically are not started until after Spring Break. Students must learn how to dance before
learning a dance.)
We also provide our students with plenty of performing experience. Our students dance all roles
in three professional level productions per year, not stand in the background dancing the same
parts. The knowledge that all roles in a production are available to them gives the students
obtainable goals and encourages artistic growth.
As we are one of the highest quality schools in the area, we attract students from not only PW
county but Upperville, Warrenton, Front Royal, Arlington, and Alexandria. Our students are
culturally diverse with some coming from Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Germany, Korea,
China, Mexico, and the Caribbean!
Q:Does ARB offer any other styles of dance besides ballet?
A: Yes! We offer classes in Modern, Jazz, Tap, & Character (folk dancing). In the summer, we
include specialty classes such as Hip Hop, Lyrical, African, Bellydancing, Acting. All of these
classes are taught by instructors that specialize in their field with extensive performing and
teaching experience.
Q: What can my child and I expect from a ballet class?
A: A typical ballet class is divided into two parts: Barre and Centre. Movements start small at the
barre and gradually work up to large movements such as grand allegro in the centre. Please
remember that movements are age and level appropriate and will vary by class. The constant
repetition of steps and movements is also an important part of ballet training and the only way for
the body to properly acquire muscle memory.
Our younger students do not work at the barre (this is introduced in Ballet II) but learn all
movements and positions in centre. Our Creative Movement, Pre Ballet, Ballet I, and Ballet II
classes also follow a syllabus carefully developed by Yuri and Jasmine Nikitenko that properly
teaches steps, positions, body placement, and movements. The youngest students (ages 3-5) use
training props and games to help them remember movements and develop musicality (it also is a
lot of fun!!)
Q:What have your students accomplished?
A: Our current and past students have been accepted to prestigious programs at The Bolshoi Ballet
Academy, Boston Ballet School,The Kirov Academy, Washington School of Ballet, Bossov Ballet
Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Governor's School, and American Ballet Theatre.
Our students have also placed in the Top-12 of their divisions at Youth America Grand Prix, the
acclaimed international student ballet scholarship competition.
Q:What level of commitment is required?
A: The level of commitment can vary from a student interested in only one or two classes a week
to a serious student taking multiple classes six days per week. Our younger students typically
attend class once or twice a week until they reach intermediate level classes.
However, parents of intermediate and advanced students should understand that a child that takes
only one or two classes per week will not progress as quickly or become as technically proficient as
a student that attends several times per week or more.
Q:I've heard that Russian training is very harsh. Is this so?
A; Many people see "Russian" and automatically think severe and strict (or have had negative
experiences in the past); although we are serious in our proper teaching of technique, all of our
instructors are friendly, approachable, and have a great rapport with their students. We teach
each child how to work to the best of their own individual abilities and physical capabilities to
become the best dancer they can possibly be.
Q: Does ARB have any performances?
A: Yes, we have our annual full length production of "The Nutcracker", our "Spring Concert", and
the "End of Year Spectacular". Our performances are professional quality and an important tool
for developing our "Artists in Training". We are also preparing for the inaugural season of The
Northern Virginia Youth Ballet, a 501c3 non-profit professional student ballet company.
Q: Does ARB offer scholarships?
A: ARB does not generally offer scholarships however we do offer flexible payment plans and
work/study programs if needed. Parents should also understand that you typically "get what you
pay for" in terms of scholarships at local dance schools. (This does not apply to nationally
recognized professional programs) Please speak with the Directors in regards to scholarships or
work/study programs that may be available.
| __________________________________________________________________________ The Academy of Russian Ballet~8840A Rixlew Lane~ Manassas, VA~ 20109 703~368~2268 JLNikitenko, website design, All Rights Reserved _________________________________________________________________________ |
