summer intensive experiences

Thinking about your summer dance plans...Check out what these 3 dancers experienced last year. 

Name: Miranda Saunders           Age: 17 Where did you dance last summer (2015)?Joffrey Ballet,  Jazz and Contemporary NYCDid you have to audition for this program?yesWhy did you choose this program?I had never attended a program in NYC and thought it would be a neat experience. It was also a convenient program for me because I was able to pick and choose the weeks I wanted to attend so as to fit my own summer schedule. Also, I had never attended a jazz and contemporary summer program, so I wanted to give it a shot! What was your favorite experience?For the ballet program, I got to stay in an apartment in Greenwich village. My roommates were great…one from Belgium, one from Mexico, and our very own Jane Schutte. The apartment was kind of dumpy, but living in the village was really fun! I lived in the financial district for the jazz and contemporary program…although the housing was much nicer, I preferred the excitement of the village. The teachers at both these programs were pretty awesome, and I had a new teacher for nearly every class. I even got to take a variations class taught by NYCB principal Maria Kowroski! Some of the teachers were tough, but I think I learned a lot from all of them.I found it refreshing to go to a program with dancers from all different backgrounds and from all over the world; in the ballet program, I had classmates from Japan, Argentina, and Brazil!One thing I really disliked about this program is that my schedule would leave me with 2-3 hour breaks. I’m not sure why this was because there was plenty of studio space and staff…but it really dragged out the day and I found it very irritating to have to completely warm up again after the breaks. What kind of dance genres did you do?The ballet program: ballet, pointe, pas de deux, variations, modernJazz and Contemporary Program: ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, improvisation, improvisation with voice, Horton, Cunningham, hip hop, street jazz, modern, African…Did you learn anything new during your experience?I learned a lot at the jazz and contemporary program because I was introduced to so many different styles; I was definitely forced out of my comfort zone. Many of the students at the program were committed trainees who had more experience in different styles of dance than me, so I think I was able to learn a lot from watching them. How long were you away or how long did you participate with this summer program?2 weeks Joffrey Ballet NYC2 weeks Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary NYC     Name: Amanda Kenner Age: 16

Where did you dance last summer (2014)?

American Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive  in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Did you have to audition for this program?

Yes

Why did you choose this program?

I auditioned for ABT’s summer program, and was placed in North Carolina which is a fairly high level, so I decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

What was your favorite experience?

My favorite experience was the final performance at the end.

What kind of dance genres did you do?

There was a heavy emphasis on ballet, but we also took modern, jazz, yoga, pilates, and character classes. We also took classes about specific parts of ballet, like mime, variations, port de bras, and even walking/running on stage.

Did you learn anything new during your experience?

I learned about ballet mime and taking notes on choreography and corrections, besides just improving my technique. I also learned how to warm up properly, which doesn’t mean just stretching.

How long were you away or how long did you participate with this summer program?

4 weeks

    Name: Carolyn Cassell Age: 13Where did you dance last summer (2014)?CPYB in Carlisle, PA Did you have to audition for this program? We didn’t have to audition to get it, but to get a level. Why did you choose this program? Because a lot of my friends were going and the teachers said it was really good. What was your favorite experience? Having lessons with new teachers because they had a different style of teaching.What kind of dance genres did you do? Mostly ballet and one class of modern a week. Did you learn anything new during your experience? I learned a lot more about technique.  How long were you away or how long did you participate with this summer program?5 weeks.