In my ballet school I am in the best flatt class or the third best ballet class in the whole school, or so people think. The other 5 girls in my class are either lazzy, could careless, act like they dont wanna be there, dont know what the hell their doing, or all of the above. It seems like Im the only one in the class who actually works. The girls dont even listen to me when I give them pointers or when I explain that we're one of the best in the school and that we should work harder. The recital is less than a month away, and frankly Im worried. Im doing pretty good, but my class has no clue. Come recital time we're probably going to look like the baby class and I'll probably just look an advanced baby, not a 13 year old. If anybody has any pointers on how to get my class to even care please answer this post or email me at: viper@bartal.com please hurry it's essential that I get immediate help or Im going to look like a complete fool on stage!!!!!!!!!!

Only you can make yourself look like a fool. Do your best and continue to encourage the others. If they mess up only they will look bad to the audience.

Black Bird,

Have you expressed your concerns to the teacher? It sounds like you have a bunch of frustrations, and talking to someone who can direct the group in the way needed.

But it's always tough being part of a team. I've done a few ballroom formation classes, and there are all different. Sometimes you wonder why people are there, because it doesn't seem like they care. But they show up for the classes and the performance, and that's what is important.

But do your best, and think of it as a life lesson on how to deal with large groups. That's called diplomacy. Encourage those who are weak. Don't always point out what they are doing wrong, point out what they are doing right. Those who think they are doing _everything_ correctly, even though they aren't, let the teacher handle them, that's not your job. Everybody likes to think they are right, and the people who think in absolutes are usually the quickest to anger, and the last to forgive. And they tend to be the ones you'll have to work with next year.

But for yourself, you care and that's great. Just understand that not everyone will care as much as you, and you won't be able to make them. One day, hopefully you'll find a class where everyone is at the same dedication level. But it doesn't sound like you're there yet. Do you're best, hit your marks and cues, and most importantly have fun. No matter what the other girls look like come performance time (you may be surprised by some of them, I know a few people who only shine when the spotlight is on them.) be secure in the knowledge that you did your best, your family will be proud of you, and half the audience couldn't tell it was lousy a performance unless you show them through body language or facial expression.

As for doing better than the baby class, please they've got one-up on you anyways. You can't beat the cuteness factor of that age.

Good luck at the recital.
-The Ditz