In a previous blog post we talked about the importance of a solid ballet training foundation and the many benefits it can provide a dancer. And we stand by that! But there's also something to be said for a diverse training background - several somethings in fact.
1. Versatility
While a ballet foundation provides the strength of technique a serious dancer needs, a diverse training schedule allows students to push the boundaries of their abilities and expand their repertoire. Versatility gives a dancer the confidence he or she needs to tackle any piece of work given to them by teachers or choreographers. As a student becomes more comfortable in a range of dance styles, each begins to inform the others and only helps the student perform better in each.
2. Greater Artistic Depth
Again, ballet training is there to develop the basics and introduce artistry in a dancer's training, but studying in styles outside of classical ballet as well helps create a well-rounded range of artistic expression in a dancer. A performance truly becomes interesting and moving to an audience when a dancer can truly convey a sense of artistic depth, something that can only come with exploring various styles of movement quality.
3. Greater Employability
Now I know I mentioned this as a benefit of solid ballet training, but it's also equally important for a dancer's professional career to be well-versed in more than just classical ballet! A dancer with a ballet foundation is one that directors know they can test, but a versatile background ensures directors that a potential employee has already been there and done that. They know that no matter what style they throw at a well-rounded dancer that they'll be able to handle it with finesse - and that's the kind of dancer they want to hire.
Check back next week for a new blog post from the CNYAOD staff!
Happy dancing loves :)
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