In the Studio

This week, dancers experienced some important firsts as they navigated the Choate campus. Meals are taken together in the dining hall, classes and rehearsals are conducted at Colony Hall, and students live in the dormitory. Some dancers describe the summer intensive as challenging because it is the first time they are away from home at a sleepaway camp; others express excitement as they participate in pas de deux class, learn new conditioning and stretching exercises, or are fitted for beautiful costumes. Having the opportunity to learn new choreography or meet and work with New York City Ballet's Savannah Durham is a highlight for many dancers. Others are excited to make new friends and enjoy a day at the beach, where we swam, played games, and held a sand sculpture contest.

Typical Day

7:00 a.m. Wake Up

7:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Conditioning Class

10:15 a.m. Technique Class

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00-3:30 p.m. Variations, partnering, rehearsal

4:00 p.m. Pool

5:00 p.m. Dinner

6:30 p.m. Ice cream

7:00 p.m. Watch the Olympics

10:30 p.m. Lights Out

Student Observations:

"I love to learn new things and how to improve my technique. I feel like I have already improved since being here." - Jorge

"I like rehearsing with Savannah Durham. She gave me some really good corrections." -Corrina

"Learning a ton of new choreography is really cool." -Caroline

"I like conditioning class because it helps me improve my turns." -Avery

"My favorite thing is getting back to rehearsals because you get to use more artistry instead of simply focusing on technique" -Giusefina

"I like going out for ice cream and playing spicy Uno with the others in the dorm." -Maev

"I love learning new choreography. I never performed anything from Le Corsaire before." -Isla

"I like learning new dances." -Annabel