From: young dancer: to: you subject: e-pals: Margaret is a ballet student, and Megan is a second-year corps dancer.

TO: BABIEKEO

FROM: MGPRETTYINPINK

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT MIGHT BE GOOD FOR ME? I WAS WONDERING WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT TAMISCAL [AN INDEPENDENT-STUDY HIGH SCHOOL] AND ITS REPUTATION WITH COLLEGES? I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO BEGIN INDEPENDENT STUDY SO THAT I CAN DANCE MORE. BUT MY MOM DOESN'T THINK IT HAS A GOOD REP, SINCE SHE REALLY WANTS ME TO GO TO COLLEGE, DO YOU KNOW OF ANY GOOD COLLEGE DANCE PROGRAMS?--MARGARET

FROM: BABIEKEO

TO: MCPRETTYINPINK

Your mom is right--Tamiscal is not going to look as good on your transcripts. It is an accredited high school, however, so it does follow all of the guidelines of the district. It isn't pass or fail--you receive real grades and there are the same requirements to graduate. [Going there] makes it easier if dance is really something you want to do as a career, but it isn't the only option. Plenty of dancers finish high school first.

Oklahoma University and Indiana University, as well as the one in Utah, have very good programs. Assuming dancing is something you are looking at as a career, I think it is harder to get a job in a company if you go to college first. As far as I know, companies are not looking to hire a 21-year-old with no professional experience. They want young dancers, and I think the best route to take for a job is a big ballet school.

As far as your auditions go, think about what kind of ballet you like. Do you like Balanchine rep? Then you might consider SAB. If you like The Royal Ballet style more, try Houston or ABT. Boston is a great program, too. Look at the classes they offer, and the city too. Summer programs are not just about the dancing. You meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun. They are usually a little less serious than the year-round program. But the schools generally choose dancers for the year from the summer program.

When you audition, get up in front so that they notice you. If there is no dress code for the audition, DON'T WEAR BLACK!!!! Wear something they will notice--a bright color that won't blend in with everyone else. You want to stand out so they see you. Learn the combinations, but most of all, smile and look like you enjoy what you are doing. They aren't looking for a finished product. They are looking for potential. They look for musicality and someone who works hard, someone who will be easy to teach. If you are shy and don't smile, they won't really see you. You want them to enjoy watching you dance. Unfortunately, with cattle-call auditions, there are lots of girls there and they will probably only take a few. And you have only an hour to convince them that you are worth their notice. Play up your talents, but don't worry if there are some things you can't do as well. Do your best and try hard. The teachers are good at finding the kids who will improve. As hard as it is to not be accepted, know that it is inevitable that you won't get in somewhere. School directors can be very picky--and don't for a minute think it reflects on you. If you let it get you down, then you will appear less confident in future auditions and that never works to your advantage.

Also, with Tamiscal, you are in charge of your education. You can take it as far as you want to. Have your mom look into it before she makes too strong a judgment, but if you want to go to college, it would be better to stick with a normal high school.

I am glad to help you in any way I can, Margaret. Take care.--Megan

TO: BABIEKEO

FROM: MGPRETTYINPINK

THIS SUMMER I'M THINKING ABOUT MAYBE GOING TO STUDY WITH THE JOFFREY BALLET. I'M NOT TOO SURE WHEN THEY CONE FOR AUDITIONS. BUT I'M SURE IT'S IN DANCE MAGAZINE.

DANCING RIGHT NOW IS WONDERFUL! WE BEGAN SOPHIE REHEARSALS ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND IT'S REALLY FUN! I'M A DOLL, FRIENDS, AND UNDERSTUDY FOR RUSSIAN IN THIS YEAR'S PERFORMANCE.

BY THE WAY, I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD GIVE ME SOME TIPS ON CATCHING ON TO CHOREOGRAPHY.--MARGARET

FROM: BABIEKEO

TO: MGPRETTYINPINK

You should definitely audition for Joffrey. but don't limit yourself. Audition oilier places, too. Sometimes summer schools have certain ideas about what they want, and while you might not fit the mold of one place, it certainly does not mean that another won't think you're wonderful. Don't let it get you down if you don't make it in one. Just know that it definitely doesn't mean you are a bad dancer.

As far as learning choreography, it is a skill like anything else in dance. It always helps me to actually do it while the choreographer is doing it. It puts the movement in nay body right away. Also, start making it a priority to always know the exercises in class as quickly as possible. Try to learn it the first time the teacher demonstrates. Push yourself to always go in the first group. It forces you to learn more quickly.

Good luck in your rehearsals. One thing to remember when you are an understudy is to always be working on the steps in tire back. Really know the part, because if the person whose part you are learning is sick, and you go in and know it really well, you can impress them so much that they let you do it. Or, even if they don't, they will most likely give you more opportunities in the future. Be dependable. And don't be afraid to say you know it, even if it's a part that you aren't really assigned to. Be versatile and reliable. That is tire best advice I can give you.

Take care and work hard. I know you do. Love, Megan