Stephanie at The Rock School for Dance Education Performance

Stephanie Performing during SPAA's 2010 Intensive

So after three and a half weeks of strenuous rehearsals, fellow Rock School students and I were able to show off our hard work at the open-air Mann Center for the Performing Arts!  It definitely felt satisfying to have learned, cleaned, and perfected multiple pieces in just a short 3 week period. It was quite a long wednesday for just a short 55 minute performance; however it was completely worth it!

The day started at four in the morning, waking up to get ready for warm class at the studio at 6:45 am! Once our bodies were somewhat warmed up, we made our way to the Mann Center. Once there, we did a full run through of the performance, including Balanchine's Symphony in C and Rock the Beat 2011(which was performed to a mix of the top 10 hit songs for summer 2011), which I performed in. The actual show didnt start til 11 o'clock in the morning at which point it was already 102 degrees! The show was performed for many children attending summer camps in and around the Philadelphia area. Even though it was a very long and strenuous day it was very enjoyable! It got me very excited for the showcase performance this coming friday, july 29th, and it truly brings out the real dancer in me!

Next Week, we'll hear from Alexandra about her summer at The San Francisco Ballet School!

Stephanie, 14, at The Rock School for Dance Education

Stephanie Performing during 2010-11 Season

 Starting my second year at a summer intensive away from home, I was very anxious and nervous. The people at The Rock School for Dance Education have been very friendly and welcoming. 

From what I have experienced so far, I can truly say they provide an excellent dance education. The directors Bohan and Stephanie Spassoff always make sure that the faculty, guest teachers, and dancers support the philosophy of being the best while encouraging the students. Because of this, people from all over the world come to this summer intensive making it very large; however, after the first week, it feels like a small program.

All the teachers give individual corrections and feedback which is imperative when creating the foundation for a professional career. Speaking of a professional career, The Rock School hires guest teachers for the summer which include professional dancers such as Isaac Hernandez, soloist with San Francisco Ballet and Rock School Alum. After taking multiple technique classes with him, and a partnering class, I am truly inspired; especially since San Francisco is a world-class company and one of my favorites. 

After this week, my favorite teacher here at The Rock School will have to be Jennifer Wheat. I love how she focuses more on the artistic side of dance. I feel like I'm actually "dancing" in her class rather than just going through the movements. Also, her class feels very comforting because it's very similar to Miah Nwosu's (Artistic Director, SBT) classes home at SPAA. 

Stephanie and One of Her Suite-mates

The Rock School is also a very performance oriented school also similar to SPAA and SBT. This past Wednesday, we started rehearsing for the two performances at the end of the 5 week program. The two upper levels (5 and 6; I'm in level 5) are working on George Balanchine's Symphony in C, which truly embodies all that Mr. B and his technique are. The fast and sharp movements are very challenging, but I've been able to express myself in them. We have also started working on a jazz piece which is very fun and exciting. I like how it breaks up the intensive so it's not just ballet. With a daily schedule of two technique classes,  one pointe, variations, or partnering class, and a rehearsaI, I feel like I've improved already, just after the first week! 

The Rock School has set up very comfortable living arrangements. My suite-mates Charlotte, Madeline, Michelle, and room-mate Hattie are very fun and friendly; it already seems like I've known them for years! Just after this first week, I can say I love The Rock School and will definitely be back again for another summer intensive!

Several Dancers Begin Their Summer Training Adventures!

Alexandra during SPAA '10 Intensive

 Our commitment to excellence in dance education is recognized when our students are annually accepted to some of the most competitive and prestigious summer intensive programs across the country.

Angela during SPAA '10 Intensi

This year we have three students spending their summers working on their technique in new cities with new teachers. Stephanie C. and Angela X. at The Rock School in Philadelphia, and Alexandra P. at San Francisco Ballet School. All three dancers are pre-professional students at the Scripps Performing Arts Academy and members of our youth ballet company, The Scripps Ballet Theatre.

Stephanie during SPAA '10 Intensive

Beginning July 8th until the end of the summer, we'll have brief entries written by the dancers at their various summer programs, including our very own SPAA Intensive in August!