Train

(Dialogue between the reporter [R] and the defected ballet dander [D].)

R: Your performance is gorgeous. In fact, I think it is even better than those you did when you were in Russia. How could that be the case?

D: You know, in America, I have a lot of freedom to modify my show, get it polished, and add to it my personality. In Russia, ballet performance is tough and rigid from the fist day we entered the dancing school.

R: Do you mean our country has a better system for the training of ballet dancers?

D: Oh, no. Quite the opposite. As a student of dancing, Russia is the best place to train the basic skill. The teaching is tough and rigid, but that’s all you need at that level. Creativity and personality, which American dancers are so proud of, only come after your basic skills are all in place. That’s the reason why, despite all the freedom and creativity, local American dancers do not go very far – they need a better elementary training before they could shine with their personality!

PS. The sobering truth is, creativity is more trendy than rigid training. When students are free to choose, they would certainly go for the former.