Our family is considering a move to Suzhou and I am looking for ballet schools in this city. We would prefer a Vaganova curriculum. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Are you sure you want to dance in China? If you wish to do that, let me give you a warning. Be prepared for the most vigorous classes. I come from China, and I danced at a school in Liaoning when I was three and four. My teacher beat me with a stick because I could not master a step.

I China, you can only use your life for one thing. You can study, or you can dance. If you want to be a professional dancer, consider taking a job in another country. China isn't nice like Europe or America. There are tons of girls with perfect technique, so only the best are hired. A dancer can be a principal in the national company, but must retire around twenty five. There are plenty of perfect young dancers, so the older ones must clear aside some room.

If you want to study, you won't have time to dance or do anything else. My cousins are still in China, and they plan on attending the best universities. They do their homework until quite midnight. It is so hard to tell you how demanding life is in the old country. Some children--dance and study alike--have worked themselves to death. If you want a good life, work hard. Dance in the summer break or winter break. However, study in your spare time. To get money, you must have a job. To get a job, you must go to a good selective school. To do that, you must pass the tests. If you do not pass, must wait until next year.

China has a massive population. There are always people willing to do any job. Try to be better than the majority so you can get better chance.

Here is another word of advice:don't walk in lonely alleys at night alone.If you must, don't wear shiny jewelry expensive brand clothing, Nike sneakers, or leather handbags. China is so big; sometimes there are not enough good people to control all the bad people.