ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
- Academy Overview
- The Ballet Fantastique Difference
- Professional Division (ages 9-pro)
- Young Dancer Program (ages 4-9)
- Summer Dreamworks
- Adult Ballet Program
- Calendar
- Info for Parents
- Meet the Coaches/Instructors
Photo: Woden Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
I. What are Ballet Fantastique’s instructor/coach qualifications?
Ballet Fantastique’s coaches and instructors have extensive experience not only in ballet performance, but also in pedagogy, or the art and science of teaching - so they not only know how to work with young people. This makes a big difference! Meet Ballet Fantastique’s coaches/instructors ».
II. What does it mean that Ballet Fantastique follows a “syllabus”?
Please check out our About the Vaganova Syllabus »section to learn about why we have a progressive process for training each of our dancers for success.
III. When do Ballet Fantastique students go on pointe?
Dancers begin pointe work for the first time at Ballet Fantastique under the careful direction of Artistic Director Donna Marisa Bontrager. Readiness for a dancer’s first pair of pointe shoes is determined on an individual basis (with special attention to strength and muscular development in the legs, ankles, and lower back), but students must be at least ten years old, taking at least three classes per week, and have studied with Ballet Fantastique intensively for at least one year. Beginning pointe work in the Vaganova Syllabus involves slow work facing the barre as dancers build strength. Literature about beginning pointe work is available for interested parents. Dancers should wait to sew ribbons and elastics on new shoes before having them evaluated for a safe, secure fit by Ms. Bontrager.
IV. Is Ballet Fantastique only open to serious, professionally inclined students over the age of 10?
For young people ages 10 and up, Ballet Fantastique is primarily a “serious” ballet school in the sense that we believe that a dancer can’t really do “real” ballet (pointe work, advanced leaps and turns, etc.) without having the strong technique that comes from taking regular classes. Ballet is not only an art - it’s also a sport. And as a sport (and a very athletic one, too), there are inherent risks involved when the body isn’t conditioned accordingly. For the safety and success of our dancers, Ballet Fantastique doesn’t sugarcoat the story: You can’t take two classes per week and still be qualified an “advanced” dancer. Our class hours and frequency support this philosophy and align with other respected ballet institutions in the process.
Your dancer doesn’t need to know if he or she wants to pursue a career in dance. Whether your dancer wants a career as a professional dancer or not, you want the absolute best and safest training available.
V. When should my child begin dance training and why?
Generally, serious ballet training should start at age 9 or 10, when young people are developmentally ready for the physical and intellectual demands of ballet training. While readiness for ballet training varies with the dancer, we’ve found that this age is more often than not the best time to start in what we call our “Professional Training Division.” Classes and choreography for young people at this beginning level continue to use creative concepts and to engage dancers in choreography they can relate to. For students ages 4-9, Ballet Fantastique offers stellar classes in “pre-ballet” movement and fundamental dance and music concepts. More about the Ballet Fantastique Young Dancer Program ».
VI. How much are tuition costs for classes and for the summer program?
Tuition varies and depends upon how many classes a student chooses to take. Arrangements may be made through the school administrator to pay in installments. Ballet Fantastique tuition is very competitive with other fine institutions.
VII. Does tuition costs include dancewear and shoes?
No, however these items may be purchased at a local retail store specializing in dance accessories. Here’s what you’ll need:
Photo: Woden Photos
VIII. How do I know at what level my child should be enrolled?
After your Placement/Audition Class, Ballet Fantastique’s coaches will place your dancer in the appropriate level that is best for his/her personal growth. Each June and September, Ballet Fantastique coaches will also announce class placements for the following year. Dancing is fun, but it is also serious business with inherent risks like any intensive athletic activity. Ballet Fantastique coaches take into consideration physical development and readiness for technique and class demands and carefully group students in cohorts according to their challenges and strengths.
IX. Do you award scholarships?
Yes, need-based scholarships are an integral part of Ballet Fantastique’s non-profit mission. However, scholarship funds are modest and are competitive. The scholarship program is usually reserved for pre-professional students and those who have attended Ballet Fantastique classes for three months or more. Contact us for more information about our scholarship program.
X. What other styles of dance does Ballet Fantastique offer?
Ballet Fantastique’s primary focus during the school year is ballet. We believe that a strong foundation in ballet is the basis for success in any other dance form. Our next-door dance neighbor, Ta-Da Dance Productions, offers high-quality jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop classes and happily coordinates with Ballet Fantastique dancers hoping to expand their technical exposure. Ballet Fantastique classes and summer programs often include supplementary seminars and workshops in Conditioning, Pilates, Modern/Contemporary, and other dance forms. Children’s Division classes are primarily ballet-based, but explore concepts through a number of creative movement styles.
XI. Do you offer adult classes?
Yes! Classes feature Ballet Fantastique’s trademark stellar instruction in a limited class size with a motivated atmosphere focused on the achievement of your personal goals in classical dance technique—and getting in great shape! BEGINNING: Classes are a great way to challenge your mind and body while learning the basics of ballet in a progressive, non-intimidating environment; prior experience is welcome but not necessary. Drop-in classes are available, and class cards offer a great value. INTERMEDIATE: This class has been especially developed for UO students and adults who have had ballet training but really want to get serious about their ballet technique—and who want class times that will fit with a school or work schedule. Tuition is by the month, but drop-ins are also available! Contact us for more information!
XII. If my child were enrolled in Ballet Fantastique, would they get to perform with professional artists in Ballet Fantastique productions?
Yes! A unique benefit of training at Ballet Fantastique is the extensive roster of professional performance opportunities available to all of our dancers (and especially Professional Division dancers ages 9 and up) several times per year. Think “concerts,” not “recitals”! Read more about our shows: Reviews ».
XIII. Do you have summer classes?
Yes. Ballet Fantastique has a summer intensive program, intended for ballet students ages 11 through professional. More about our Summer Dreamworks program ».
XIV. Is room and board available for Summer Intensive Program students from out-of-area and what are the costs?
Room and board is available for international students and out-of-area students with Ballet Fantastique dancers and their families. Cost varies with the family and with the number of meals. Contact us for more information! »
XV. Is an audition required to attend Summer Intensive Program and where is it held?
Ballet Fantastique accepts video applications for Summer Dreamworks placement from out-of-area students, and visiting students are always welcome to audition by coming in for a class. More about auditions at Ballet Fantastique ».
