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FAQ: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q#1: How old should a child be in order to start ballet classes?
Children can start dance classes at BBT as young as age two. These classes emphasize creative movements, acrobatics, posture and rhythm. By age seven, children are able to start serious instruction in ballet.
Q#2: How much do classes at BBT cost?
BBT classes are affordable and competitively priced with other ballet schools in Brooklyn. In fact, BBT has developed a dynamic pricing structure for families with limited financial resources and has worked to develop a convenient payment schedule to reduce the need for large, up-front payments. In addition, BBT offers merit scholarships to students in need of financial assistance. It is BBT's policy never to turn away students with a serious interest in dance instruction.
Q#3: How are children chosen for the Advanced Division at BBT?
BBT places primary emphasis on experience, with students dancing with BBT from an earlier age given priority. In addition, BBT considers the physical ability of the student and a number of intangible factors that are unique to the world of ballet.
Q#4: Can you tell me about the Open Division at BBT?
The Open Division is taken very seriously at BBT. Children have many performance opportunities and are given the same attention and care as students in the Advanced Division. However, children in the Open Division are not required to take as many classes as children in the Advanced Division.
Q#5: Do children have to buy their own costumes for the performances at BBT?
No; BBT has its own costume shop and a large inventory of costumes that are specially tailored to each year's students. Students pay a participation fee once per year, which allows them to participate in all productions at BBT.
Q#6: What type of experience does the staff at BBT have with children?
BBT is serious about choosing teachers who are comfortable and experienced in working with children. Prior to teaching a class alone, instructors undergo a three-month training process and then work as an assistant or second teacher in another class at BBT.
Q#7: Are classes taught in both English and Russian?
Classes are taught in English. However, since many of the children speak Russian and many of the instructors also speak Russian, some classes are taught in a mix of English and Russian. Since the language of ballet is universal (and many ballet terms are in French, anyway), the language of instruction is usually not an issue for students.
Q#8: How many times per week should children take classes at BBT?
For optimal results, BBT recommends that students take classes at least two times per week.
Q#9: How easy is it to attend classes at BBT for students who do not live in the local community?
BBT is easily accessible by all New York City public transportation and is located at the Shorefront Y on Coney Island Avenue, which is only several minutes by foot from the nearest subway station (the "Brighton Beach" stop on the "Q" line). However, BBT recommends that parents bring their children to all classes. During the summer, BBT sometimes coordinates shuttle bus transportation for students.
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