<p>Does anyone have any information about this program? I've tried looking on their website, which wasn't very helpful, and other forums but I still can't find too much on this. Does anyone know how many audition and accept? I have heard it is a really small department.</p>
<p>Hi. I have never heard of them. I checked out their website and the dancers look very good. The best bet would be to take a tour of the campus and attend one of their shows. If you are looking for a christian campus this might be a good one. But the only way to know is if you go. Just because it is not know does not mean that its not right for your child. Have fun and spend a weekend there.</p>
<p>I’ve contacted the department and started applying. They have a “Fine Arts Showcase” coming up on March 11th, I believe. Everyone seems really friendly and it seems like a good program. We’ll see.</p>
<p>One of my D’s former ballet teachers is Shawn Stevens, who is also authorized by the Balanchine Trust in NY to stage Balanchine ballets around the country. If Ms. Stevens is still involved with Friends Univ, she is a very fine ballet teacher and any ballet student would be lucky to be trained by her.</p>
<p>I’ve definitely seen that name on the Friends website! I think she was just at Friends recently choreogaphing a production? Not completely sure but it is great to hear how the school is involved with such great, qualified people.</p>
<p>I am a current ballet major at Friends University. Actually if you are attending the showcase on the 11th I will be on a panel to answer your questions so come with a lot! Our department is small but very professional. We currently have 11 girls and 5 boys in the department and a lower school attached to it with students from 4 years old through seniors in high school. Shawn Stevens is still very involved with our school! She’s an excellent teacher and comes often. Oh and did I mention that we recently got back from performing in Cancun Mexico with companies such as Royal Winnipeg Ballet and National Ballet of Mexico? Because we did. For a whopping $6 I might add 
Needless to say I am all for Friends University and I look forward to seeing you on Friday! Do you have any more questions for me?</p>
<p>Cancun? That sounds sooo exciting!</p>
<p>And yes, I do have questions!</p>
<p>How is Wichita like? I’m from California, I love it here, and I have never been to Kansas, so I’m a bit curious. What kind of performing opportunities are there within the school and outside of it? </p>
<p>How are the students like? What kind of dance background do people have? Does Friends have special classes like men’s technique or other dance forms?</p>
<p>Last but not least, how are the auditions for the department? Is there an audition for admission or is it only for scholarships? It isn’t very clear from the website. I contacted Sharon Rogers and she gave me a few instructions on how to make a DVD recording but I’m not sure if it is for admissions or scholarships. Or both? I’m obviously confused. haha.</p>
<p>Thank you in advance for your responses! Your help is much appreciated, as I am really liking Friends. :)</p>
<p>Wichita is a medium sized city. Its not a small town by any means and there is a lot to do here. Excellent movie theaters for one. We have the biggest IMAX in the world!</p>
<p>There are so many performing opportunties on campus and off. With the ballets alone you will be on stage at a minimum of 12 times a year but usually way more. you will also have the opportunity to perform in musicals, one act plays, studio theater plays, pretty much anything and everything. Friends prides itself on being a fine arts school and it shows with the incredible faculty and students who are here.</p>
<p>The students here are wonderful we have dancers who have grown up in all different dance circumstances. Some come from big places like the Rock school and some from small town studios, the training here is so good though that regardless of your background coming in, you look like a professional going out.</p>
<p>We do have special classes. In the fall we all take tap and jazz, and in the spring girls take variations and boys take mens class and we all take pas de deux together. The program is very “conservatory style”</p>
<p>Audition videos are not for admission. Our department is not that big. They are to see how much scholarship money to give from inside the department and to also be considered for the prestigious Sebits scholarship.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for answering all of these questions for me! I just got off the phone with my admissions counselor at Friends and I couldn’t be more excited! :)</p>
<p>no problem! let me know if you have any more questions and I hope to see you tomorrow at the fine arts showcase!</p>