Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Adult Pointe classes in Bethesda: Who is seriously interested?

I had another chat with my instructor tonight about an adult pointe class. She's willing to teach one, IF there is serious interest. Are you folk interested enough to make this happen?

Here are the key points Susan and I discussed:
  1. The class would be a series of one-hour sessions, once a week for 5 or 6 consecutive weeks.
  2. The class would be scheduled immediately following a technique class. Participation in the technique class would be required for proper warm-up.
  3. Students would need to register and pay for the full class series in advance. No drop-ins. No refunds for missed classes.
  4. A minimum number of registered, pre-paid students would be required before the class would be finalized. If there aren't enough students registered, the class won't happen — I'd expect the registration fee would be refunded in this case only.
  5. The instructor may need to approve your participation in advance.
Her proposal is to schedule the Adult Pointe class for Monday evenings at Joy of Motion in Bethesda, Md. This is across the street from the Bethesda Metrorail station. She teaches an Advanced Beginner class there from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, and this class would follow from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. You'd need to take both classes.

Joy of Motion doesn't use live accompanists, which keeps the number of students required for a class to break even to a minimum. She thinks that number might be as low as three, though I'm not sure that's definitive. More would be better.

So... how many people are actually interested in this class?

Remember, I'm just trying to help set up the class. I'm not going to be taking this class, so don't count me as a paying student. I'm not sure I can explain why I'm doing this, aside from the feeling that there really ought to be an adult pointe class in this area.

There aren't that many local folk following this blog so you'll need to talk with your classmates. Trust me, people will be more receptive to the idea if it comes from you than from me. If there are 5 or 6 people ready to plunk money on the table I think this thing has a good chance of happening.

If interest continues there could be another 5 or 6 class series, but don't assume you can wait for a later series. If this one doesn't happen I'm not going to coordinate another one.

7 comments:

  1. Hi -- This is Helen and I've met you at MYB class twice. I am very interested and is this Susan Gresko who would be teaching? Also, how will she decide who is ready for pointe class? I have more questions and want to tell others about it but need to know more info. Can you email me at helencmao@gmail.com? Thank you so much for all the momentum and energy you have put into investigating adult pointe class. I wish you were taking it too :). Men can do pointe for foot/overall strengthening too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Susan Gresko. (For anyone who may not know her, she's a very experienced instructor who created the Adult Intro to Ballet class at MYB many years ago.)

      Helen, you have excellent questions but I can't answer them. I encourage you to ask Susan. This will both eliminate the middle-man and show her that there really is interest in the class. Then post your findings here!

      As far as me taking the class goes, I'd be tempted just to see what it's like but I really don't have the ankle/foot flexibility to get over the box. Not even close. And that isn't likely to change anytime soon.

      Delete
  2. Hi Reece,
    Count me in! I have wanted to do a beginner pointe class for a long time. (I was in the beginner II class at MYB Sunday morning) Thanks so much for coordinating this. Helen passed along the info. I would definitely sign up for the class. Do you need any other info?
    Thanks, Michelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle,

      What you need to do is contact Susan directly and let her know you're interested. I started the ball rolling but it's really her class, and it's up to each potential student to nudge her into actually putting it on the schedule. She's at JOM Monday evenings, and at MYB Tuesday evenings, Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

      Apparently the Monday time she originally mentioned may not be final; last time I spoke with her she was muttering about maybe doing it Thursday evenings instead. I'm afraid I have no insight into what may be driving her choices. Best bet is to talk with her directly.

      Feel free to introduce yourself next time you see me. I'm pretty good with faces but I'm absolutely terrible with names. On the other hand I'm pretty easy to spot, even when the instructor doesn't call me out by name (which seems to happen just about every class).

      Delete
    2. Hi Reece,
      Thanks for this info! I'm not usually at the studio when Susan teaches, but I'll try to connect with her via Facebook to let her know I'm interested. Thanks again, Michelle

      Delete
  3. Do you guys still have adult pointe class?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry to say we were never able to arrange an Adult Pointe class anywhere in the DC area.

      This effort has made instructors more aware that some adults are interested in learning pointe work. Several people have now found instructors who are willing to let them take beginner classes in pointe shoes in addition to their more advanced classes in soft slippers. But no organized pointe classes. :-(

      Delete

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