Freshman year completed!

<p>My son is back home for the summer after his freshman year as an Ithaca MT. Without going into too many specifics, I can relate that he had a wonderful and exhausting year. He feels he made absolutely the right choice to attend Ithaca, and is enthusiastic about the fantastic teachers, the supportive atmosphere, and the amount he learned. The Big/Little system whereby the freshmen are assigned mentors from the senior class, was very helpful. The students take these relationships very seriously and I have no doubt that it affects the overall success of the program. His “Big” is going to be playing Off-Broadway this summer and embarking on a national Equity tour in the fall.</p>

<p>Overall advice: Expect 14-hour days and not a lot of time for eating, sleeping, and doing laundry. Bring three times as many dance clothes as you think you will need, and very little other clothing, because you will practically live in dance clothes. You will, however, need wool socks. Amazon Prime is the best way to shop, even for drugstore items. Bring laundry detergent in the little pods, and a combination lock for your locker in Dillingham (the theater building).</p>

<p>There is a Facebook group for parents of Ithaca BFAs. We would love to add more members, both for MT and Acting. Search for “Parents of Ithaca College BFA Theater Kids” and ask to join. It has been a helpful place to share information. Some college students are more communicative than others!</p>

<p>Sounds like a great year overall. Just wondering for the guys what type of dance clothes would he recommend like the usual jazz pants? Thanks for sharing all the info we really appreciate it.</p>

<p>My son says, ‘Black is going to work anywhere, so go with black. You should probably get “wife beaters” and tight dance shorts, that’s what most people wear. Ballet gear. If you don’t already have anything that’s skin-tight, get some. You’ll probably want some jazz pants. And dance belts.’</p>

<p>As I recall, the kids got an e-mail late in the summer about dance clothes. They also needed to get some yoga gear, but I don’t know if that changes from year to year depending on who is teaching, or what. Sorry not to be more specific.</p>