Nadia, 15, at the Scripps Performing Arts Academy Intermediate Intensive Program

 Towards the end of the school year I saw an invitation to the Intermediate Intensive at Scripps Performing Arts Academy.  I became so happy and started counting down the days until it started. Until then, I took open classes in July to keep up my technique throughout the summer.  The last day of open classes, I was told that I would have the wonderful opportunity to attend the Pre- Professional Intensive for the first week. After I was told this news my excitement went out the window.

Nadia working on her own choreography in Contemporary Class

At the Pre- Professional Intensive I had the chance to work with Amanda Kofsky, Ryan Beck, and Miah Nwosu. Each teacher inspired me to do better, and to be better. I grew so much in just that one week. I don’t think I had ever been so sore before. Ms. Kofsky taught us ballet and contemporary, during ballet we incorporated floor barre which really helped me with my turnout and helped with placement. We also had the chance to do our own choreography, which was something that I never thought I could do. With Mr. Beck we focused on jumps and turns, he also helped me a lot with placing the head and arms in the proper place to make the movement gorgeous. We did pre- pointe with Ms. Miah and by the end of the week I could feel a difference. Being in the Pre- Professional Intensive for only one week helped me to improve so much.

Nadia in Ballet Class during the Intermediate Program

Thankfully I had the weekend to let my body rest after the first week and then I was off to the Intermediate Intensive. Our instructors were Robyn Shifren, Teresa Wells, Caryn Glass, Miah Nwosu, Lori Katz, and Audrey Bondoc. In these two weeks we had Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Modern, Pre- Pointe, Jazz, and Choreography. I was glad to be doing this intensive because I got to work on the little things and trying to perfect movements. Yoga was a fun class for me because all though a lot of the movements were familiar to me it was nice to be able to relax and focus on how I was moving and my breath. I would have to say that my favorite class overall would have to have been jazz because it something so familiar and comes the movements come very naturally to me. Unfortunately, I was unable to do the performance at the end of the intensive, but I did learn all of the dances and they were amazing and I was very happy to have learned them. I will always remember those three weeks of my summer, and they were by far the best weeks and I was happy to spend them with all of my closest friends, the best teachers and at the perfect studio.

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!  

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!