Kaylee, 14, at The Scripps Performing Arts Academy Pre-Professional Intensive Week #2

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. 

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.  

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!