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Kaylee in Technique Class with Ms. Brik |
Ah, summer. The
time in which our rigorous dance schedules are no longer challenged by equally
demanding schoolwork. This year, I chose to spend this precious time at the
Scripps Performing Arts Academy Pre Professional Summer Intensive as a means of
improving both technically and artistically.
We began each
day at 9:30am with a ballet class and a pointe class immediately following.
Taught by talented guest teachers such as Talin Kenar and Brik Middlekauf,
these classes provided wonderful opportunities to gain strength and additional
technical insight through helpful corrections. In a daily variations class
after lunch taught by Talin Kenar, we learned many challenging yet fun solos
from several well known ballets. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, a pilates
class came next. Instructor Stephanie Harvey gave us a great workout while
emphasizing proper body placement and bodily awareness. She was sensitive to
our bodily needs in terms of soreness and incorporated beneficial stretches
into the class.
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Kaylee in Modern with Ms. Angela |
Acting for Dancers and Musical Theatre classes, instructed by
Sarah Hunter and Lorie Katz, also took place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays. Exploring the many methods of conveying countless emotions through fun
acting games has been different, interesting, and enjoyable. While a bit
embarrassing to execute for a shy individual like me, these exercises helped me
to express myself more efficiently and comfortably while dancing. Additionally,
the activities aided the development of my improvisation skills.
Tuesdays and
Thursdays consisted of modern and jazz classes after our daily ballet, pointe,
and variations sessions. Modern class, taught by our very own Executive
Director Angela Amoroso, stretched my body and mind in a unique yet beneficial
way. It was very special to study with Ms. Angela, and her class ultimately
increased my versatility as a dancer. Caryn Glass taught jazz class, which has
also helped me think outside the box, work different muscles, and move in a
variety of ways. Level A1, the upper level, ended each day at 5:30pm with the
exception of Tuesdays and Thursdays, which came to an end at 5:15pm. Level A2
ended at 5:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and a bit earlier at 3:45pm
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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Kaylee at the Beach |
It is now the
end of my first week participating, and the second week of the program. While working hard to strengthen technique
and build muscle, I have also experienced the pure joy of dancing. It has truly
been a blessing to learn alongside such amazing and kindhearted dancers as
well, creating happy memories and concluding the week with a beach trip
together. Looking back on this week, I feel as though I have become a better
dancer already, while thoroughly enjoying the process. Just that thought
excites me for next week and the awesome years of training to come!