Yesterday Daya received her acceptance to Manhattan Youth Ballet's year round program.
She has been placed in Level E. The only higher level is F which is for the oldest kids.
So, that's quite complimentary to her!
There are some issues and decisions and Very Bad Timing.
1. MYB needs a response by .... tomorrow.
2. Daya's heart is at Ailey but I cannot even ask them if they have room for her until Wednesday, then I have to wait for their response which can take several days.
3. I cannot afford the MYB tuition, even on the payment plan, it's $6,550 (add extra for pointe shoes!), so I need some serious financial aid which I can apply for. But I will not know the financials until after registering for the program and applying for aid.
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Daya has been completely back and forth on MYB. She goes from absolutely wanting to be there, strengthening her ballet, having a scholarship (hopefully) on her resume which is a good thing, and then she wavered again because accepting MYB really truly means Ailey is out this year.
The MYB program is really excellent- it's 6 days of class- 4 in-studio and 2 remote.
That's really, really good right now.
They have upgraded the ventilation systems in their building and she was training in-person there last month- I have full confidence in their safety procedures.
And it's guaranteed- she has been offered a spot.
Ailey is not guaranteed and we won't know in time.
After much thinking Daya wanted to take a chance with Ailey.
Because it's Ailey and that's where her heart is.
I said you need to have a plan B if Ailey says no.
She came up with Dance Theater of Harlem.
They are excellent but I looked up the training and it is 100% remote right now and I don't know how many classes. They are a little less expensive than MYB but still very expensive. So I have to look at the value of the money spent. Also, they don't know her there.
All remote vs 4 days in-person.... I don't think that's better than MYB.
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I asked my friend whose daughter is going back to Ailey... she said three remote classes a week and three hours in-studio on Saturday.
That's..... also not better than MYB.
So I called the decision.
Daya was upset (because no Ailey) but she seems to have gotten over it (I hope).
So now the only issue is the money, I applied for aid and we'll see what comes through!
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I really hope the time comes where Daya really, really knowingly appreciates the support she gets.
It is significant and substantial.
She knows the numbers but doesn't have the context, she doesn't realize how significant the support she gets really is. She doesn't realize how financially scary dance is for me. She doesn't realize how fortunate she is to have someone who will try and make it happen anyhow. She seems to mostly see the really wealthy kids who think nothing of it. She thinks that's the norm.
Everything about dance feels like a force of nature.... so ok, Universe, if I'm being asked to give this support, I need some help making it possible.
My gosh, that is a lot of money. Good luck.
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