CURRICULUM & TRAINING

Are there supplementary classes in areas such as character dance, contemporary, or variations?

We offer additional courses in character dance, modern dance, and/or classical Chinese dance to supplement classical ballet training.

What is your dance curriculum like, and how is it structured?

Fei Tian College offers conservatory-style ballet training. Dancers train 15-20 hours per week in the studio, taking ballet, pointe and partnering, and rehearsal courses with additional courses in character dance, modern dance, and/or classical Chinese dance to supplement their ballet training. All faculty members have a professional dance background and extensive teaching experience.

How many hours per week are dedicated to classical ballet training?

Dancers train 15-20 hours per week in the studio, taking ballet, pointe and partnering, and rehearsal courses.

FACULTY

Who are the instructors, and what are their credentials?

All faculty members have a professional dance background and extensive teaching experience. Dr. Vladimir Roje received his ballet training at the National School of Dance in Sofia, Bulgaria. He received his BS and MS in Ballet Pedagogy (Vaganova method) and Choreography at the Bulgarian National Conservatory of Music and Arts, Ballet Faculty. In 2020 he also received his PhD in Music and Dance Arts at the same Conservatory at the Department of Music and Performing Arts. Ms. Janette Rawls holds an MFA from Fei Tian College at Middletown.

Do any of the faculty members have a background in Russian ballet or training?

Ms. Janette Rawls has a Cecchetti background with some Vaganova training. Dr. Roje was trained in the Vaganova method by Russian teachers who graduated from the Vaganova Dance Academy. While pursuing higher education at the State Conservatory, Dr. Roje studied under Russian teachers from Moscow State Academy of Choreography. Dr. Roje is also fluent in Russian.

How often do students have the opportunity to perform in showcases or productions?

Students perform several times each semester, with opportunities for traveling performances, as well as internships with professional companies for qualified students.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Are there partnerships with local or international ballet companies for performance opportunities?

Yes, Fei Tian College at Middletown does partner with local ballet companies for performance opportunities.

Do faculty members have experience with national and international ballet competitions?

Dr. Roje himself is a laureate of the most prestigious Varna International Ballet Competition (VIBC) in Varna, Bulgaria (1990) and a finalist of international ballet competitions in Moscow, Russia (1989) and Osaka, Japan (1987).

Having an extensive personal experience as a participant in competitions, as well as being a Principal Dancer with numerous companies in Europe and the USA, Mr. Roje is uniquely qualified to coach students to achieve their best results at a competition. We are pleased to share that a trainee from Fei Tian College at Middletown recently competed in the American Dance Competition (ADC) in NYC, and has been invited to take part in the finals in Orlando, Florida in March 2024.

BALLET COMPETITIONS

Is participation in competitions encouraged, and if so, how does the school support students in this aspect?

Ballet students at our College have the opportunity to participate in additional coaching sessions and compete in events such as the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), the American Dance Competition (ADC) or Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC) in NYC. Coaching and competitions are optional and not a requirement.

Participation in competitions is at the discretion of the dance faculty and depends on the skill level and ability of the student. However, the Dance Department at Fei Tian College does encourage the participation of the students in ballet competitions, and a successful competition performance will subsequently lead to professional opportunities, such as company contracts, second company, company trainee, company experience programs, summer program scholarships.

STUDENT PROGRESSION

How is a student's progression evaluated?

Students are assessed each semester through a comprehensive exam class.

What facilities and resources are used ?

We have several large studios with marley floors. Our library contains numerous dance texts and students have also been able to access the Jerome Robbins Dance Division of the New York Public Library, a renowned dance archival library. We maintain subscriptions to resources such as Marquee TV and the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science to aid students in research and provide opportunities to view quality dance work. As a small department, we regularly organize field trips to see professional companies in the New York City area.

FACILITIES AND RESOURCES

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

How can the parents be involved?

Since we are a college, parents are not directly involved as this would violate the privacy rights of students who are over age 18. However, we welcome parents to visit and observe classes, attend performances, and we appreciate parents who support their children's dance education. If a student gives permission, we are happy to discuss progress with parents or set up conferences when needed.

STUDENT SUPPORT

How does the school support the overall well-being of students, including mental and physical health?

We are a close-knit campus and all our faculty are dedicated to student success. Each student has a faculty advisor and we make an effort to regularly check in with all of our dance students.

Is there a focus on injury prevention and care?

Through classes like dance anatomy and dance kinesiology, students learn injury prevention best practices. In our dance psychology course, students learn strategies for managing and optimizing mental health.

Are there counseling or mentoring services available for students?

Counseling and mentoring services are available through the college's Office of Student Affairs.

COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID

What are the tuition and additional costs associated with the program?

Tuition for the BFA (undergraduate) program costs approximately $37,000 a year, for full-time students. For the MFA (graduate) program, it costs approximately $30,000 a year to study full-time.

Is there any financial aid or scholarship opportunities available for students?

Yes, financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available, based on each individual. Please contact us for more details.