NBA Accelerated Training Program
Directed by John Bishop
As part of Northwest Ballet Academy’s Accelerated Training Program (ATP) students will have the opportunity to expand their training options in the classical and contemporary styles of dance. In order to build from a strong technical foundation, the ATP is reserved for students enrolled in NBA’s regular ballet program. They will have the opportunity to progress through the levels at a developmentally appropriate pace while being a part of a program designed to achieve a common goal to enhance technical training as well as the artistic aspects of dance.
Additional training opportunities are available as well, including competition experiences such as the world-renown Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP, www.yagp.org) held each year. Each level will have specific requirements that must be met in order to participate in the program. In addition to their designated ballet program, ATP students will have access to monthly coaching sessions with the choreographer who will set aside times to learn classical and/or contemporary solos or ensemble pieces that are compatible with the competition that they may wish to enter.
This is the first year of deciding this program after the participation of four NBA students in the YAGP Semi-Final competition in Bellevue, Washington (January 6-7). Three of the four girls in the Junior Division level scored in the high 80’s(scale of 100) and one scored in the mid 90’s to make the Top 12 list out of 130 competitors. It was a positive and exciting experience for them and gave them more confidence in their talent and potential for similar success in the future.
Program Requirements
We strongly believe that in order for a dance student to feel successful in a program with accelerated requirements, they must be technically and developmentally ready for that program. To that end, we have set up guidelines for eligibility and participation in the program.
The ATP Program will be provided at the following levels
with these requirements:
Pre-Competitive Age Group: 9-11 years old
Prerequisites: Completed 1 year of ballet training (or 1+ years in the pre-pointe program)
Costs: Initial Registration fee*: $25 Ongoing Coaching/choreography fee: $40 per hour
Junior Division Age Group: 12-14 years old
Prerequisites: Completed 2 years of ballet training (and/or 1+ years in the contemporary program)
Costs: : Initial Registration fee*: $50 Ongoing Coaching/choreography fee: $50 per hour
Senior Division Age Group: 15-19 yearsl old
Prerequisites: Completed 3 years of ballet training (and/or 2+ years in the contemporary program)
Costs: Initial Registration fee*: $50 Ongoing Coaching/choreography fee: $60 per hour
*The Initial Registration Fee covers competition orientation and training materials
YAGP Registration and Fees (Paid to YAGP) For Finals info see www.yagp.org