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Summer Testimonials
Dear Jo Matos,
I had the opportunity to take you're master class/audition.I enjoyed it very much and liked you're "philosophy"as in focusing on posture,core placement, and technique.To me this class was a great opportunity to experience the setting of an audition and also as an important class with the Joffrey Ballet School director. I also enjoyed the 64 changements . Even though I thought i wasn't going to be able to make to the end of class alive , but I did.I send this email to tell you about my positive experience at the Joffrey audition!
Thank you for taking your time to read this sincerely,
Tamara Adjani ALFRO
"Abigail, Give me those pointe shoes," Ms. Lister said to me at the end of our ballet class one day. I looked down at my new pointe shoes with the V-shaped vamp that she had recommended. What could she possibly want with them? It was my third week of the NYC Ballet Summer Intensive. My mom had returned to Louisiana with my sister and so I had stitched the shoes on my own. Ms. Lister seemed to realize that I was confused. "Don't worry," she said. "I am going to add a drawstring to them for you. I'll get them back to you later today."
That night, I sat on my bed holding my new pointe shoes. The drawstring that Ms. Lister had added made them fit perfectly. I called my ballet instructor in Louisiana and told her what Ms. Lister had done for me. "Abigail," she said, "Instructors at ballet intensives just don't do things like that!" They do at Joffrey, I replied--Because Joffrey Ballet School NYC is the world premiere dance school in the USA!
"Girls, Pull in those pumpkin bellies! You have those waistbands for a reason," Mrs. Irene said to our Young Dancer class. It was my first experience at a summer ballet program. "Most of you girls here are very small--you want to stretch your body and feel five inches taller."
I pulled up taller and held my stomach tightly in. We held small straws between our fingers to help us with our technique. I worked very hard to make Mrs. Irene, my parents, and most of all, my teachers back in Louisiana proud of me.
I returned home after two weeks, eager to show what I had learned. In my first class back at the Ballet Studio I tried to remember to use everything that I had worked so hard to learn at Joffrey. At the end of the class, Ms. Beverly walked up to my mom and I. "Wow," she said to my mom, "You really got your money's worth with that program." That is why I believe that Joffrey Ballet School NYC is the world premiere dance school in the USA!
Over the summer, I attended your Summer Intensive on a 75% merit scholarship. I wanted to thank you for the scholarship and I am extremely honored to have received something so generous. While at the intensive, I not only improved on my dancing, but improved on making my own decisions with the distraction of the city. I realized that in order to succeed, I must use my common sense in everything I do. When I returned home from New York City, I further researched information on the instructors that taught me throughout my entire experience at Joffrey. I had not realized how famous some of the instructors were. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I will cherish every memory I made during the four weeks I spent in New York. My experience dancing with Joffrey New York further opened my mind to the reasoning behind my love for dance. You and the instructors from Joffrey helped me reach my goal of performing the wonderful role of Clara, and I have made the decision to persue dancing in college. Thank you for the support and the scholarship.
My time at Joffrey Ballet School has been one of the best experiences of my life. I attended the ballet intensive for the summer of 2010 as well as 2011. I can honestly say that the two weeks I spent at Joffrey were the best two weeks of my summer. Not only did the program help me grow as a dancer, but I also had an amazing time after class. The teachers and classes at the ballet intensive were extraordinary. I grew so much as a dancer and as a person due to their guidance. After attending the two weeks at Joffrey this summer, I was moved up a level in my home studio. I only started ballet in 6th grade, so I wasn’t on pointe yet the first time I had gone to the program in 2010. I was expecting that the teachers wouldn’t pay attention to me or they would ask me to sit and watch during the pointe classes. Instead they helped me to build up my strength for when I would start pointe, and were extremely helpful.
I would not be the dancer I am today without the help of the Joffrey Ballet Intensive. This program is both enjoyable and rigorous and I look forward to going back for the summer of 2012
My experience this summer at the Joffrey Ballet School will be one of the most memorable times of my life. The intensive program not only grants you laudable experiences as a dancer, but also allows you to mature as a person. Both the teachers and staff encompass the students with a symbiotic love for dance, music, art, and life.
For those, such as myself, who have a love for the city only were more pleased to be granted this wonderful experience in the beautiful city of New York. The Joffrey Ballet School offers an unparalleled experience to dancers at any level, allowing them to fall in love with dance over and over again.
I thank you dearly for this wonderful experience.
"I used to believe that dancing was a part of my life, but Joffrey helped to show me that dancing is a way of life. The chance I had to attend the Joffrey New York summer intensive, was the chance of a lifetime. The experience impacted and changed how I am as a dancer. The Joffrey Ballet School helped me to focus on my technique and strength throughout my stay. World-renowned teachers nurtured my passion for dancing. Getting exposed to all of these new teachers, styles, and experiences forced me to mature and grow as a dancer. The experience I had with Joffrey was inspirational and life changing."
I entered studio 8 knowing nothing about dancing but the fact that I loved it. I live in Saudi Arabia, a country where dancing is actually considered a sin against religion, and to dance you must be very discrete. I had never before taken a proper ballet class, and I hadn’t even known the basic techniques of modern dance. I walked in knowing practically nothing, and left knowing more than I’d ever known.
I found myself, for the first time, in a real dance class, with real dancers and real instruction. I found myself in the midst of all the rush of a dance class, of all the information that one must absorb and apply almost directly. Before me stood figures who were more than venerated in the dancing world, and they were teaching someone who’d never even taken a proper dance class. I remember once listening to Ronnie Carney speak the most inspirational words a dancer can ever hear, and comparing this speech to all that I’ve learnt off of YouTube videos. Those remarkable teachers didn’t only teach me how to move, but how to think, and how to understand my body: how to control it, but also let go of it for a fraction of time. I left studio 8 after two weeks, two weeks in which I learned more than I’d learnt in the past two and a half years that I had danced. I went knowing that I wanted to dance; I left knowing all that I needed to know for me to dance. Those teachers and this school took the risk of teaching someone almost illiterate when it comes to dancing, and for that, I must say
I did something this summer that tons of kids wish to do all their life. I went to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Dancing is my life, passion and soul. It’s what I have been doing since I was practically born. I will do anything to dance and so will my parents. They have given up a lot for me to dance. This summer when I went to Joffrey Ballet School in NYC, I had the best time of my life. I met so many amazing girls from all over that I will be friends with until the end. I was shown so many more genres in dance than I have been taking. I used to take just ballet and pointe. At Joffrey, I was introduced to jazz, hip-hop and more. I loved those classes so much that this year, I changed my dance studio to a dance studio that offers a lot more than just ballet. If I want to make it to Broadway or something, I would need those classes to keep going farther in my career. All of my teachers inspired me to the fullest. They really taught me so much in the two weeks I was at Joffrey that I will bring to dance class everyday in my life. This isn’t a sport that a kid takes when they are younger and then stops when they are older. This is what I pray to do in my future.
It is really hard to do as much dance as I do because of the cost of everything. My family and I aren’t the richest people in the world, but we make it work. It’s been an emotional ride to decide what I’m doing for dance this year and how many classes I can take. When I found out that I was going to Joffrey Ballet School, I can’t even describe the feeling that I felt. I just knew that going here would change everything in my dancing; and what do you know, it really did! Even with the two weeks of going to Joffrey, I saw improvements off the walls! Joffrey was filled with love, joy, kindness and passion for dance. If I had the opportunity to go there again, I would be so happy and excited. Attending Joffrey Ballet School completed my. I want to thank the owners and teachers at Joffrey Ballet School for giving me the opportunity to dance at your school. I hope to see everyone this summer. You have really changed me. This is why Joffrey Ballet School NYC is the world premiere dance school in the USA!
During previous summers, I’ve had the extraordinary opportunity of dancing at the Joffrey Ballet School. This is a truly life-changing experience that strengthened me as a dancer and inspired my passion for ballet. As a student in the ballet intensive, I received eminent education in technique and pointe. Besides the classes, I also enjoyed the ballets that I attended with the other dancers. This experience was so outstanding because of many components. I enjoyed the teachers and classes as well as the performances.
The summer of 2011 was the first time I went to the New York City Jazz Intensive. I had an amazing time. Every day we had new and different teachers and styles. I was always excited to see which classes I would have that day. Every teacher we had was nice and helpful. Even though I wasn’t in the performance because I was only going for one week, I was still able to audition and be cast in dances just like those who were in the performance. I was also able to go to rehearsals and learn the dances that they would be doing in the show.
Not only were the classes at the New York Jazz Intensive fantastic, but also everybody I met was nice and caring. Living on Long Island, I know that New Yorkers aren’t always the nicest people. However, everyone from the Jazz Intensive was always kind no matter what was going on with themselves. I made friends at this intensive that I’ll never forget, and learned skills that I’ll always remember.
The Joffrey Ballet School is prominent in the dance world for pushing the boundaries in ballet. Robert Joffrey is widely known for his choreography and unique ballets.
The dancers at the Joffrey Ballet push themselves to perfection, and work on many types of dance from character to pas de deux. This idea of studying a variety of techniques is one of the many reasons why the NYC Joffrey Ballet School has become the world première dance school in the United States.
Thank you Joffrey Ballet School for the most fabulous NYC summer intensive! Incredible! The level of instruction and professionalism expected of such a world-renowned program did not disappoint, but the individual attention I received was an awesome surprise. From check in to check out, every Joffrey staff member from the resident assistants to the dance professionals went out of their way to help me succeed and make my Joffrey NYC experience the best dance experience ever!
When I arrived I was a passionate student of dance but surprisingly intimidated like I had never been before. When I left, I had achieved a new level of technique and gained a new understanding what it is to be a dancer, had great fun and a special bond with new dance friends from around the world, had a new appreciation for one of the greatest cities in the world, and had grown to a new level of confidence I didn’t even know I needed. To every dance student serious enough about their love of dance to challenge themselves to be the best; I say go to the best. Be a part of the elite “club” of Joffrey Ballet summer intensive dancers! I ♥ Joffrey NYC!
This past summer I had the opportunity to study at the Joffrey Ballet School’s NYC Ballet Intensive. My stay at Joffrey was exceptional, unlike any summer intensive experience I have had before. As a shy girl from small-town Kansas, I was unsure of what to expect. The day of my flight to the big city I was nervous about the experience: the teachers, the other dancers, New York City, etc. However, upon arriving at my housing situation, I was immediately greeted by warm and friendly RA’s who welcomed me and made me feel right at home. I soon realized that my nerves were for nothing. I ended up having a great time. Each day I would dance for at least six hours, and over the three weeks of my stay, my dancing improved considerably, thanks to the sheer number of hours I could never match at home, excellent personal attention from teachers, and also benefited by small class sizes. Not only did Joffrey provide an excellent dance experience, but I also received an outstanding cultural experience of NY as well. While in New York, I was able to take a tour of the city on a double-decker bus, attend the Broadway show Billie Elliot, and see ABT perform Cinderella and Swan Lake, performances that were utterly breathtaking! I became quite comfortable with my life in New York and once was even mistaken for a local as a tourist asked me for directions on the Subway. My stay with Joffrey cannot possibly be described in just one paragraph, as everyday brought something new and exciting. Even if I do not dance professionally, it was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I would love to return next summer, and would highly recommend it to anyone considering the Joffrey Ballet School as well.
Attending the Joffrey Ballet School NYC 2011 summer intensive will be a memory of a lifetime because I not only went to New York for the first time, but I also got serious training from different renowned teachers. I remember saving money for a year so I can have the chance to continue my passion, which is dancing. Despite my late training in the dance field, knowing that I would be a part of the Joffrey Ballet experience was surreal; it was not until I was in my first ballet class doing a plié among girls I have never seen before that I realized that I was actually in New York City dancing ballet.
Although I was not able to afford to stay in New York City a few more weeks for the performance track, I was thrilled to have done the Miami Jazz and Contemporary intensive because it was in my native home. I truly enjoyed the different styles, especially Tyler’s wild yet innovative technique to push you beyond your boundaries in space. Being part of the showcase at the end of the two weeks was indeed magical; performing in Tyler’s piece to a song by Stevie Wonder “If it's magic” always resonates in my head because like the song I wished the Joffrey Ballet intensive were “everlasting, like the sun that always shines, like the poets in this rhyme, like the galaxies in time.” Because of this memory, the Joffrey Ballet School NYC is the world premiere dance school in the USA to me.
Before my first day of ballet at the Joffrey Ballet School Intensive in New York City, multiple memories rushed through my head at the same time. I tried to remember what my ballet teachers at home had told me in May, and what my main focuses were going to be in class. I took deep breaths and calmed myself down from the excitement of starting the intensive. It was my second year going to New York for dance, but I was pumped and nervous all the same. There was no way to see what my teachers would be like until I met them. Some would be strict, some foreign, some young, and some old. I wouldn’t know almost anyone in my class. All I could do was just wait and see.
All of my teachers at Joffrey were so inspirational. The excellent staff and their works are what make the Joffrey School of Ballet the world premiere dance school in the USA. Even when I had to decipher the foreign teachers' sharp hand movements and strong accents, they were what made my experience worthy. I learned to add the tiny touches to my movements to make them seem beautiful and extraordinary and magical. The unique teachers at Joffrey taught me more than dance steps; they taught me life lessons and things I never would have known otherwise. The most significant thing I learned from one wonderful teacher was to let my personality shine through my dance. I had to recognize myself as a person in a dancer and let that show. All of the teachers that make the Joffrey School of ballet the world premiere dance school in America taught me to have courage to look for what is inside of me, what really counts.
This past summer was the best summer I could ask for. I attended the Joffrey Ballet School summer intensive in New York City. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned so much about myself as a dancer, and as a person. I never wanted the four weeks to come to an end. I had never been to New York prior to going to Joffrey, and now I can consider myself a true New Yorker. I love the city. Joffrey has such a lively and happy atmosphere. Whenever I was at the studios I felt like I was a part of a family. The teachers I got to work with were phenomenal; I got personal attention and help which I always am eager to receive. Every day during those short four weeks I could not help but feel so blessed and lucky to be able to attend something as big as the world premiere Joffrey Ballet School. It kept me humble and grateful and changed me as a person.
Not only did Joffrey make me feel important, but I also felt safe while I was there. New York can seem like a scary city, but the location of Joffrey Ballet School and the location of my dorms were so safe and perfect. I made so many close friends this summer that I will never forget. The friendly competition and motivation to do your best in class and rehearsal is just what I need. Being around so many amazing and talented dancers my age was inspirational. The worldwide span of where everyone came from to attend the summer intensive shows how big the Joffrey Ballet School really is. On weekends and on a few weekdays after rehearsals we would be treated to seeing a Broadway show or a ballet at the Met. I loved going to see these shows with all the other dancers like me; it was such an amazing experience. Joffrey always kept us entertained! Attending the Joffrey Ballet School’s summer intensive in New York City has by far been the best experience of my life and I would definitely recommend it!
My experience at the Joffrey ballet school was both challenging and amazing. All the teachers acted professional and the classes were challenging. The teachers were also very kind and encouraging. Sometimes the classes were combined which made them very large. Even though the classes were so big, the teachers still concentrated on everyone, not just one person. I even received a few compliments, which was very encouraging and really boosted my confidence. It was awesome to be recognized amongst such a large group of dancers. This made learning at Joffrey life changing. I learned about all different ballets and the history of them. I also learned how to eat right and take care of my body. I learned many new dance moves which improved my technique and I became a stronger dancer over all. This summer I was able to take a partnering class for the first time. I danced in a level where everyone was older than me. This helped to improve my confidence, especially since I was able to keep up with them. I was proud to be in a class with such talented dancers. Even though I was only 12 and they were 15 and 16 everyone treated me as an equal. This is the class I will remember the most because it was both fun and challenging. The class taught me what every professional ballerina needs to know, how to partner.
My love and passion for dance grew stronger during my stay at Joffrey. Now more then ever I want to become a professional ballerina. I know it will take hard work, dedication and determination. The teachers at Joffrey had inspired this in me. I liked to listen to their stories about when they danced professionally. I have learned so much this summer and am so eager to come back next year and learn more. Attending another summer at Joffrey will help me to accomplish my dreams and goals. Joffrey ballet school is known for turning dancers professional. The Joffrey ballet school has been around for more than 57 years and is known worldwide. Dancers from this school have been recognized all over the world. They usually go on to dance in major companies and have promising careers. I can only hope to be one of the chosen few that can have a life in ballet.
Which two weeks out of my 16 years would I relive? Easy, the best two weeks of my life were while I attended The Joffrey Ballet School NYC Summer Intensive. The combination of innovative teachers and inspiring peers turned a learning opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Improving as a dancer is eminent in the superior learning environment JBS upholds. However, it’s not just that I improved; rather, it was the way in which I improved. The instructors at Joffrey craft artists who know how to listen to music and then move beautifully to it. When I came home from NYC I saw not only how valuable the improvements I had made were, but also just how much I wanted to go back. Joffrey has mastered a formula that yields dancers who are ready to take on the challenges of the dance world. Their formula is what sets them apart from other prominent dance schools in the USA. I can’t wait to go back next summer!
My summer at Joffrey South’s summer program changed me not only as a dancer, but also as a person. Everyday was filled with many hours of dance that as the program went on I was becoming stronger physically and emotionally. You can feel yourself working and improving with the help of the amazing staff. I felt that they respected the students in exchange for hard work, and the students accepted the teachers because of their great and various resumes. Every morning when entering the studio I felt as though that is the place where I would find new strengths, challenges to overcome, and all with the help of other teachers and students that truly cared. Hard work was taught in all classes, and I learned that in not only dance, but life as well, hard work is the key to success. In the classes I got the attention I wanted and felt like with every minute I was learning something new and couldn’t wait to show my teachers at my home studio! Over time I felt myself changing from my muscles, feet, and placement, to work ethic, classroom manners, and a sense of a community in dance. It felt like for the first time the teachers wanted ME to succeed, and they acted as though it was going to be my future, and it was an option for me if I continued hard work; even if that’s not my future plans, it deserved the work and attention for it. At the end of every day, going back to the dorms with students who felt the same way I did was the perfect end to hard days; I still talk to my friends from the intensive, because they became so much to me that summer. While my friends from Colorado were at home, I was out, doing something ambitions, challenging, and creating relationships and memories I will never forget.
My body was tired, but you are surrounded by girls that become your family, and they comfort, support, push, and compete with you through it all. Going to bed at nights I remember laying there with my body exhausted from a day of work, but nothing could have felt more satisfying that knowing how much you worked and bettered yourself as a dancer in just that one day! Every morning the classrooms were clean, beautiful, and anticipated the day ahead of sweat, muscles burning, and overcoming areas of improvement through the feeling in the building from everyone around with Joffrey. The feeling that is so satisfying to ballet dancers, and is plentiful at the Joffrey summer program. To this day in classes I remember my teacher’s voice from my summer telling my corrections that have changed the dancer I am today, and have found a new work ethic, and know how to push myself as hard as I can. This was great coming from the amazing staff that had amazing credentials and such successful careers, they were some of the most successful people in the dance world and having them was an honor and crazy to think they were giving me their knowledge. This has lead me to improve a notable amount since I left Joffrey. I am so grateful for the program, teachers, and students of the Joffrey Ballet summer program, the joy I get from dancing today deserves a huge thanks from Joffrey and all they’ve done for me. I would highly recommend this program.
First and foremost, this email is to thank each and every teacher and facilitator for sharing their wisdom and passion at the Joffrey Ballet School from the bottom of my heart. It was very heartening to have so many of my teachers at the Joffrey remember me, discuss my career and my goals, and genuinely care. Each had something different to teach. It was also a great experience to have famous, world-class guest teachers and choreographers, including Africa Guzman, Maria Kowroski, Tina LeBlanc, to name a few. The program offered classes such as Dance History and Nutrition, which made it very informative and well rounded. The classes were of a comfortable size. The students are treated as professionals, and expected to have the same attitude. In contrast to many other schools, the Joffrey does not enforce the typical cookie-cutter style of feeder ballet schools, so there is more room to experience different approaches. I wrote down many details and corrections each teacher had to offer, and this really does still help me to remember what to work on, and keep me motivated and striving.
The Joffrey Ballet School has given me a boost in both classical and contemporary dance training that I am so grateful for, because it is essential to have both for a professional company. In particular, the various modern and contemporary classes and repertoire we had was such a different experience from what my ballet school in Denver had to offer. The final show was really great because the performance track as a classically trained ballet dancer, it was a chance to break out of my shell and develop myself as an artist. I worked to try and accomplish so much more than just technique, or achieving perfection, or moving and exercising (although there was plenty enough dancing time to appreciate the physicality as well). Rather, I found that the possibilities of what you can do with dance is limitless if you commit to it...I enjoyed finding myself, and immersing myself in my dream.
In addition, I loved living in New York City. For many reasons, it is my favorite place I have ever traveled to. The shows in New York were truly amazing; it was inspiring to see such amazing dancers from ABT, the Mariinsky, New York City Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, and many other companies perform their world-class repertoire. There was much to learn and appreciate in terms of artistry, varying styles, musicality, technique, and personality. There was a colorful world of people and culture, and in this city, I felt free to reach my potential. I hope to return again soon. Thank you very much.
I want to say my daughter, had the time of her life at this summer's Jazz Summer Intensive in NYC. I plan on writing a nice letter to detail all of the wonderful experiences she had and the wonderful friends she met and the incredible dance! Her roommate situation was absolutely perfect and amazing. She has friends for life now from across the US! Thank you for everything, and hopefully next year she can participate in the three-week program in NYC! That is her dream and her goal.
My daughter had a tremendous time with you for six weeks. She says she learned more about dance and herself in her six weeks with you and your staff than in the last 8 months at her current studio. She loved the curriculum, the pace, and the teachers who 'cared' about whether she learned and improved. We are using this experience to seek out other schools in the Metro DC area - so you have set a mark that they will have to meet.
Additionally, I have always been a 'fan' of the Joffrey Ballet and my opinion of the work done there has only been enhanced by this experience with the school, and I will take a moment to thank you personally for helping me get her there. With missed auditions and such I was giving up hope - and you never did. I suspect you will see her again.
Please accept my and my daughter's thanks for a wonderful six weeks.
I arrived in NYC on Sunday with my Mom, It was my first time in NYC and the energy of the city embraced us! On Monday morning we went to the JBS on Avenue of the America’s for our first day…I loved it, loved it, loved it! There were ballerina’s everywhere. There were young ballerinas and older ones and teachers excited to start a new week. So, the first day of dancing was great. We did technique, point, stretching and character! My favorite part was the stretching as I learned to use the stretching band. I will incorporate it into my dance from now on to improve my flexibility. The rest of the week we were in the Chelsea studio and danced, danced, danced (I do have some new blisters from Pointe)! I learned a new term of dance that I have never heard of called Horton and JBS has incorporated Hip Hop into the dance program and all of it is amazing. We also had an actual person who played the piano for us!! I was very appreciative of the teachers correcting posture and hand positioning, which is so important to be a beautiful dancer. The energy of the city continued in JBS. Upon conclusion of week 2, we danced for our parents and I was excited to share with my Mom what I had learned, but was sad that it was over. There is still so much dance that I want to learn and look forward to the opportunity to come back to JBS in 2012. JBS is the most amazing dance school I have ever attended (and being in a military family I have moved and attended a few dance schools!!)!! Thank you.
On Saturday before going home, I participated in the Rockette Experience at Radio City and I am so thankful to my Parents and Dance teachers for the encouragement, it really emphasized and reinforced the ballet / Tap / Jazz background!!! It was a lot of fun.
This year was my first year at a summer intensive in New York City. It was an amazing unforgettable experience and one that I would love to relive. I am from Tannersville, Pennsylvania and the dance education here is nothing like what is available in New York's, Joffrey Ballet. I have been taking ballet classes my whole life, but most of the time they weren't taken seriously by my classmates, until the past few years, and when I began studying dance at LVPA, The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts in Bethlehem, Pa. Since I had never been to a summer intensive before, I had no idea what to expect, and the great thing is I turned out to really love it. Due to being one of three children and a brother going to college, my parents offered me just one week at Joffrey. What a terrific, educational, ballet whirlwind it was! Although I only stayed at Joffrey for one week, I absorbed as much as possible, and I would loved to have stayed for a longer period of time. After my week had just begun, I already started talking about how I wished I could go for longer the next year. I learned so much from the over twenty teachers and the caliber of training was so different than anything I had ever experienced. At a dance school here you learn from the same few teachers all year long, it is so important as a dancer to take classes from as many people as possible and take all of their advice and carry it with you to every class. The Joffrey Ballet School has really helped me further understand the importance of ballet to any dancer. I hope to continue taking ballet classes there.
Overall my experience at the Joffrey Ballet School was a great learning opportunity and I would recommend it's first-rate intensive program to anyone. I went in as a self-driven dancer and emerged as a technically trained, self-driven, Joffrey dancer. I believe Joffrey Ballet School of NYC is the premiere dance school of the USA, from my brief, yet intense, educational ballet journey, by the dancer it has helped me to become. If somebody doesn't believe that, they need to take just one day of classes there and they will not only believe it, but they will want to embrace it also!
Thank You Joffrey for a tremendous ballet experience!
This summer I was fortunate enough to get to spend a couple of weeks (August 7th – 20th) at what I totally consider to be the world premiere dance school. I was only able to attend a 2-week session as my mom and I had saved up for me to be able to attend.
I learned so much from each and every choreographer I had. I met so many wonderful people from all over the world. It was so nice to get to attend an intensive that provided a full schedule of classes and to be surrounded by the same passion for dance that I have. My dream is to live in the FABULOUS city of NY and be dancing with a dance company.
I would be honored and grateful to be awarded a summer scholarship to be able to return to NYC for another intensive. I’m a good student and I consider myself to be a very dedicated dancer. My mom and I are no longer able to afford for me to dance at a studio where we have to pay a monthly tuition. But, last year I auditioned along with 800 other students and only 20 were selected for HSPVA (my high school) and I was thrilled that I made it in as a dance major. And, I take advantage of all opportunities that are offered through my school dance program. One, of the opportunities was to get to audition for the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive. So, thank you Joffrey for accepting me into your program. I’m looking forward to audition again this coming year.
My summer experience was like nothing I’d ever done or even dreamed of. It was my first time away from home. I have taken dance since I was four and always loved ballet most – even if my friends like tap and jazz more. When I auditioned for the summer program I was sure I was not good enough to be accepted, but I was accepted (!!), and when I got there I was so scared – of everything. But then I went into the studio and sat down for orientation and it all went away. I knew I was in the right place.
My studio at home does not even compare with the intensity or technique required that I experienced over the six weeks this summer. I learned so much. Beyond techniques I learned that I love ballet. A lot. I am grateful for this opportunity to do it again, under a scholarship, and I hope to be bringing Pointe shoes in 2012 as well (I can really work then). The teachers pushed me physically and mentally and made my feet and ankles stronger and I am much closer to being ‘a dancer’ than I ever was.
Also, I believe that the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC is the premiere ballet school because – a) it is in New York, the ballet capital of the world; b) the teachers come from all over and really love the art; and c) they are excellent teachers, and dancers in their own right, and really pushed me to be better.
My hometown is in Upstate New York where I take dance lessons from Stephen and Canan Jackson at The John Hayes O'Neill Studio of Dance. I have so many wonderful memories of this past summer; it's hard to begin.
I received the news of my acceptance into the program in February and shortly after that my parents found out that my dance teacher would be a guest dance teacher at Joffrey for the summer. The surprise was revealed to me at our June performance and I was overwhelmed with excitement. I also received the news that their daughter, Leyla Jackson, would be training at Joffrey. Leyla has been an idol of mine since I started training at the age of 3. Having Canan teach at Joffrey was such a privilege for me-as on the 1st day we were told that we would have the best teachers in the world-- what an honor! Miss Canan checked on me daily and attended my performance at the end of my 2 weeks. I felt so honored to have her there watching me. My ballet teacher was from France and that is so cool! I was introduced to different types of dance and couldn't wait to return home and show my friends.
Meeting girls from all over the world and forming friendships with a common love and goal of dance was very memorable. As I walked down the streets of New York City, I was often asked where I was dancing. When I replied "Joffrey," there was a common look of "WOW" on their faces. This left me with a sense of pride to be dancing at Joffrey. Thank you for the privilege of dancing with your school.
My participation in the NYC Ballet Intensive has not only improved my dancing skills substantially, but it has also made me grow as a person and resulted in new friendships with international fellow dancers. At Joffrey Ballet School, I experienced world-class instructors who challenged and inspired me to do my utmost – in every class, every day!
The only way to describe my experiences at the Joffrey Ballet School is "magical." I met the most amazing, supportive people there, and had the honor of meeting and learning from some of the greatest teachers. Being able to say I danced with the Joffrey Ballet School gave me confidence not only as a dancer, but as a person. "I loved it!", is an understatement. I know I will never have the same summer than that of 2011, but being there made me so happy and proud, I would love another chance to go back.
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