The instructors truly focus on technique and strength, especially through the beginning years of…read morepointe. Karen R. (one of the reviews) was exaggerating the truth when she talked about her grandson. I was part of the recital that year, and he was so cute! Though he did not get as much stage time as he deserved, he was dancing for the majority of his class's number. He was a ladybug with the most adorable collared shirt. He was the only male in the class, and his dance was almost exactly like his classmates.
For the recital, be warned, the performance has always been held in June, and measurements for the costumes are usually taken in December. If your child is growing at a rapid rate, be sure to ask them to "be a little bit bigger" for the measurements. Most classes generally begin to learn their dances in January or earlier, depending on the class.
In my experience, anyone below the pre-pointe class has one dance with his or her class, and then performs in the opening and grand finale.
For those starting pointe, Miss Penny sells shoes for around $60. (believe it or not, that's really cheap!) however, she only sells a few styles, and only Capezio. In your child's first year of pointe, I assumed that at least one of the three days each week would be spent on regular ballet slippers, but this is not so. From the very first day with pointe shoes, a pupil will be dancing on pointe shoes for one hour. Yes, in the beginning it does NOT feel good, but I truly believe it has led me to grow stronger, value physical effort, and live a healthier lifestyle.
If your child does not feel fitted to Miss Penny's Pointe shoes, I would recommend Puttin' On The Glitz, which is located nearby. They are very knowledgeable and have a great selection. For regular slippers, I would recommend Revolution Dancewear's shoes with a stretchy middle. These allow growth, both because of the stretchy middle, and the leather, which can expand half an inch, maximum. Mine lasted me three years, while I was growing.
Though Miss Penny can seem intimidating, she does not mean to be, and does not instruct the younger students. She begins teaching pupils once a week when they start in their first year of pointe, with younger instructors doing the other days. The younger teachers are also in charge of the younger classes. For the younger classes, there is the teen instructor that has gone through careful scrutinization, and then there is a student teacher, who can be anywhere from 10-14. As for the number of days per week, I believe that young classes are taught once a week, and I know that starting in pre-pointe, 2 days is the norm. In beginning pointe, there are 3 days.
