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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this Summer
International program differ from other courses?
A: Participants in the HNBC-SI will experience
many special opportunities that include some of the following:
- A 6 days per week of dance experience, including rehearsals for a final
performance chosen by faculty from the Hungarian National Ballet
Company repertory that is professionally staged and produced.
- Perform before a public audience in the world famous Hungarian
State Opera Budapest, Hungary
- Learn to professionally prepare for an audition
- Audition before major European Artistic Directors who are the
decision makers for their respective Companies
- Competition awards will be awarded to outstanding dancers in the
program.
- Scholarships, contracts and internships are offered to deserving
dancers
- Minimum age 14, in a professional dance environment with helpful
staff, coaches and stagers
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Q: What type of dancer should consider the HNBC Summer
International? What are you looking for as a good match for the
program?
A: The HNBC-SI is tailored for
advanced to professional dancers who are willing to
train intensively on behalf of honing their skills with
specialized attention in a professional environment. The
environment is enthusiastic and energetic but we expect to be
very focused about getting the most out of the time spent. From
morning until early evening, a team of seasoned professionals
will share their trade skills and secrets in the hopes of
presenting an exceptional performance on behalf of one of the
rarest of opportunities: to publicly audition with talent scouts
in the audience. It will be a mutual goal to make the Gala
Performance an opportunity of a life time to perform in order to
exhibit maximum benefits and to offer Directors a chance to
cultivate or offer dancers a contract.
We are looking for participants who are:
- technically proficient with ample facility
- motivated and cooperative
- receptive to instruction and coaching
- receptive to constructive criticism
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Q: Will there be time to visit or go to tourist
destinations?
A: Yes, on the weekends there is time to
explore. There will be optional tourist packages for those
accepted and interested. The official hotel and the Opera House
are centrally located. Tourist information will be made
available in your welcome packets.
Q. Are there scholarships available?
A:
Yes, there are scholarships available. Once accepted, you
may immediately inquire about financial aid which is based upon
a sliding scale and merit.
Q: What equipment should I bring?
A: You will receive an email and letter that
will include information about required equipment and other
detailed information. Please consider the classes as a Company
Class format with no set attire/color but with a professional
tone.
Q: What is the application process and how soon will I
know of my acceptance?
A: Read the instructions
here
Q: May I request a personal recommendation from the
HNBCSI teachers to put on my CV?
A: Personal recommendation is up to the faculty
members. Yes, you may request a recommendation but the decision
is the faculty member’s. There is no obligation for a teacher to
give a recommendation.
Q: Will the Hungarian National Ballet Company decision
makers be at the performance/audition to audition participants?
A: Absolutely – and beyond the audition,
decision makers will receive feedback from the faculty and will
be able to evaluate the dancers in the classroom and on the
“go”.
Q: Will the performance be an open audition?
A: No. Only enrolled HNBC Summer International students
may participate in the performance/audition which is also the
final performance showcase.
Q: If I am attending only the first week enrolled in the
“first week package”, am I able to audition and be in the final
performance?
A: No. The audition and final performance is
reserved for those attending the full course in order to teach
and prepare them for the public appearance.
Q: Will the performance be open to the public?
A: Yes. It will be a scheduled event in the
Hungarian State Opera Budapest.
Q: Are teachers or friends allowed observance of classes
or rehearsals?
A: Yes, but only with prior notice and
permission from the Artistic Director. This is also contingent
upon space limitations. No videos or photos are permitted. It is
a company atmosphere but we welcome visitors as long as we have
notice. Security requirements of the Opera House are a standard
protocol.
Q: Is there a waiting list and will I be notified of an
opening?
A: Yes and yes.
Q: What is the language spoken for the SI?
A: Primarily two: French as the technical
language and English. Although, the international instructors
may speak Hungarian, Russian and/or English.
Q: Are there attendance rules for rehearsals?
A: This is provided upon acceptance along with
other forms, guidelines and information.
Q: If I get accepted into the program, am I guaranteed a
professional contract?
A: No. There is no guarantee of a professional
contract. That is up to the individual artistic directors and
their needs. Similarly, some dancers might win competition
titles but not be offered a contract. This is a professional
environment where merit should be rewarded but we cannot
guarantee the outcomes.
Q: Am I too old at 30 to be accepted?
A: As we expect, there are always exceptions to
our guidelines. We can only know your capability through
examining your application materials. If you are capable and
have the requisites in our hands, we will accept you. Last year,
we had many apply in that age bracket and we accepted some of
them of upon qualified credentials.
Q: I attended the HNBC-SI last year and would like to
have an opportunity to come for a private audition with the
HNBC; is this possible? Or, should I undergo the course again?
A: We suggest that you go through the course
again and try to address the corrections, suggestions and
critiques given to you during the last course. The purpose of
the HNBC-SI is to target the gaps that exist between being a
good dancer and one that is poised to be hired. Attending again
will only help you close that gap.
Q: What is the reason that Directors will be interested
in the Audition at the HNBC?
A: Firstly, the HNBC is considered one of the
foremost Ballet Companies in the world and there is a long
Hungarian tradition for excellence that is respected worldwide.
Secondly, Directors wish to meet dancers who may not otherwise
be known to them. Thirdly, the program includes a performance
opportunity by which directors can observe more than the
technique exhibited in a studio environment.
Budapest Primer
Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is
situated right next to the River Danube which flows majestically
through the city. As the capital city of Hungary, Budapest was
created out of the historic towns of Buda and Pest as well as “Obuda”
in 1873. Budapest is dissected by the Danube River with the city
as much a natural geographical center as it is the country’s
transport hub. Covering an area of two hundred square miles and
divided into 23 administrative districts, the city is home today
to a population of nearly 2 million people.
Hungarians love their cultural traditions to which the great
abundance of live theatres, museums and statues attest. It is
host to so many spas that it has been dubbed the “City of Spas”
that is served by over a hundred natural thermal springs. For
more information about Budapest History, Culture, parks and
recreational options:
http://www.budapestinfo.hu
Quick Facts
Weather: Budapest has a temperate continental climate. Seasons
are usually well defined, with July and August the hottest
months (28-30° C, 82-86° F) and December and January the coldest,
when temperatures may fall to –15° C or just +5° F. Average
sunshine from April to September is in excess of eight hours a
day.
Airport: Budapest (Ferihegy) International Airport is ten miles
south-east of the city center
Transport: Budapest’s network of public transport services is
extensive and includes buses, trolleybuses, trams, underground
trains (Metró) and over ground suburban trains (HÉV). Buses,
trams and trolleybuses run daily from 4.30 a.m. until 11.0 p.m.
All three Underground lines connect at Deák tér Station. Passes
for a month’s duration will be provided with the 3-week package.
Please bring a passport size photo for this purpose.
Currency exchange, post offices: All visitors are advised to
exchange currency only at accredited places. It is both risky
and illegal to attempt to do so in the street. The majority of
banks have 24-hour ATM’s some of which can also exchange foreign
currency. Individual banks and travel agencies are free to set
their own rates. Converting money into HUF (Forints) is advised.
Cash is king and credit cards are not accepted everywhere but
most established places expect to be paid by credit card.
Pharmacies: Budapest’s pharmacies (gyógyszertár in Hungarian)
are well stocked and can provide medication for most common
ailments but are for the most part natural ingredients. For
those needing prescription medicines, it is best to bring those
with you in ample supply.
Tips for Non-Europeans coming to the Summer Intensive:
- Carry your passport at all times or carry a copy of your
passport information and emergency contact information at all
times.
- Obtain an international phone/chip or buy an inexpensive phone/SIM
card locally with minutes
- Download Skype or other free internet phone service and ask your
friends/family at home to do the same
- Locate your embassy prior to arriving, go online to their
website and register with them your whereabouts and travel
schedule
- Be prepared to hand wash and line dry your clothes. There are
plenty of other options and professional cleaners, however
- Bring market bags for shopping
- Have extra passport photos for purposes of attaching to passes
(Opera House, transportation)
Budapest is considered one of the safest cities in
Europe. But, dancers are advised to stay within groups when
walking in the city.
City cabs are prompt and responsive
with reasonable fares if you don’t choose to use the public
transport. Remember to carry the hotel address with you at
all times as well as your contact numbers that is in the
welcome packet.
© 2010 Hungarian National Ballet Company Summer International
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