My daughter auditioned for a spot in the Nutcracker with the Cuban National Ballet in Hamilton. The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble brings a company to Hamilton every year for this purpose. My daughter was successful in her audition.(I now find out that anyone who auditioned was successful as long as they paid their $425 "training fee".
Many rehearsals were required. My daughter made all of them and worked thoroughly and respectfully. After a few rehearsals, it became evident that the whole sum of the choreography for her part and 15 others was to be shuffling across the stage in various patterns.
We dared to question the choreography and the CBYE went crazy. They called a parents meeting to "discuss" the issue. Many parents and students were very dissatisfied but were too afraid to voice their concerns. I did voice mine, respectfully.
The board members began screaming at me. Then people started to leave. Then the cbye starting screaming at my daughter for voicing her opinion. The upshot was that they dismissed her from the production.
I asked for the $425 back as well as the money I had spent on tickets which I had not yet received.
I was later emailed that none of these monies would be forthcoming.
Two of the board members had been particularily offensive and rude in the meeting. They were Belma and Lucy.
The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble is a big rip off. They take $425 per student, give them some ridiculous part to play in their production and dismiss you without refund if you dare challenge them on anything. This has been going on for years.
Wanda
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
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