summer dance questions and answers
Thinking about where you might want to go for a summer dance experience? We asked a few of our Company members to share their experiences from last summer. See Below.CPYB (Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet): Carlisle, PAAttendees: Elizabeth Rhoads and Abby Suppan Ages: 14Did you have to audition for this program?E: NoA: Kind of. You had to send in pictures in an echappé and attitude, but they judged your level from that and a placement class on the second day. Why did you choose this program?E: I heard great things about it from my neighbor, Nancy and friends.A: I chose this program because it was recommended to me and I went with a friend.What was your favorite experience?E: My favorite experience was coming back and seeing how much I improved and how much the camp was worth it.A: I loved living in the dorms and walking to class everyday. I found it relaxing and fun because I had the time to walk and talk with my friends.My favorite activity out of the town and off the campus was going to Penn's Cave. It was so much fun and so cool to see the inside of a cavern. What kind of dance genres did you do?E: I participated in ballet, modern, character and also supplemental classes including hip-hop, jazz, tap, modern, Pilates and yoga.A: We did ballet, pointe, and jazz, but there was partnering offered for the older girls.Did you learn anything new during your experience?E: Definitely. Both times I went, I felt so much stronger and confident as a dancer as a whole once I returned. I also learned more dance moves that made others easier.A: I learned a lot of new steps but I also improved my technique a lotHow long were you away or how long did you participate with this summer program?E: I was away for 5 weeks but went twice, so 10.A: 5 weeks (there is also a 2 week intensive in August) Broadway Dance Center Summer Workshop Series, NYC Attendee: Lulu Busk Age: 14Did you have to audition for this program?No but there is limited room in classes so you have to sign up early Why did you choose this program?I wanted to be able to commute in and out of the city, and wanted to get to dance with lots of different instructors. A great part about Broadway Dance Centers location is it’s only about a 10-minute walk from Grand Central Station.What was your favorite experience?My favorite experience was just the speed of it all. You are always moving and being asked to try or do something new. I loved having to learn combinations really quickly, and getting the privilege to meet so many new dancers and teachers who are all really helpful and kind. What kind of dance genres did you do?Jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary all in the workshop, and then I took ballet classes in my free time in some off the great open classes offered at this school.Did you learn anything new during your experience?I learned a lot of new styles and tricks at this program. In turning and leaping classes I improved, and I got to attempt some new styles and types of dance like house, vogueing, gliding, and popping. I also learned how to quickly pick up difficult combinations which is a good skill to have for auditions and fast paced classes. How long were you away or how long did you participate with this summer program?I did this program, and took open classes for 4 weeks but there are plenty of short workshops that students can attend. ABT (American Ballet Theatre)I'm Amanda Kenner and I'm 14. Last year I went to ABT Tuscaloosa Alabama. I chose this because I went the year before and I was familiar with the company. You do have to audition for it, but it's not all that hard to get in. My favorite experience was the performance at the end, it was a recital of sorts. The intensive is three weeks long, and starts mid June through mid July. We learned ballet, modern, jazz, character, and Pilates even though it's not exactly dance. We also took nutrition and anatomy classes on the weekends. Overall it was a great program and I really got a lot better. I learned all kinds of new steps, combinations, and dance etiquette.