First State Ballet Theater, Wilmington

Wow, wow, wow! For a small, new company, their performance of Swan Lake was outstanding. The female lead, who danced both Odette and Odile, was wonderful with a subtle use of expressions and ballet skills that were excellent. The evil Prince had leaps that were phenomenal. The little swans almost stole the show with their amazing synchronization that they made look easy although it is extraordinarily difficult. The gypsy dance was right on with the female gypsy performing several flexability displays. The role of the Prince was taken at the last moment by a dancer from Festival Ballet. He gave a very credible performance given his limited rehearsal time. This whole performance was a credit to the company. They should be very proud. Many larger and well-known ballet companies would be happy to give a performance as good as this.

This was a high quality ballet performance worthy of companies that have existed much longer than First State. Although the female principal was a little too over-the-top for the role of sleeping beauty the company was excellent. The performers listed as trainees with the company ona par with the professionals. An up and coming company that will earn the respect of the ballet world. They have obviously had excellent training.

First State Ballet is absolutely the best for training young dancers. They teach the Vaganova style and teach it extraordinarily well. You only need to go to one of their ballet performances to see what they have to offer. Several of their students are near professional quality and even the very young students display great ability after training with this studio.

There are many good dance schools in the Wilmington area, so think twice before choosing one. Do your research. Ask a lot of questions. Talk to as many parents from as many studios as possible. Ask your daughter or son to visit, and identify the personality characteristics and behaviour of the star pupil(s). This is a strong indicator of the staff's teaching and placement priorites, and it determines the social atmosphere in the school. Be aware that the First State Ballet Theatre is one of the schools that is strictly for families whose intention is to further their child's professional ballet career. If your child has other life passions (education, service, travel, etc.), and is unwilling to forsake them, consider other studios where his/her dedication, loyalty, and hard work in the studio will be valued and respected.

This dance theater gives 100% back to their students. The commitment to the students shows in the performance and as well as the confidence in every student. My daughters improvement in the five months with them has been a plus . We totally lost the past three years with instruction due to dance studios that are not qualified.