The Dancing Days of Summer

Most normal teenagers look forward to summer as a vacation from school; a time to work on their tan at the beach, hang out with friends, and stay up into all hours of the night only to sleep in ‘til lunchtime the next day. But for young dancers, summer definitely takes on a whole new meaning. It’s a chance to attend a Summer Intensive Program where you spend the entire day dancing in the studios, learning from new teachers, being in a new environment, and ultimately, strengthening and improving your technique each day.

Students in class during the 2009 Summer Session. (© Erik Tomasson)

This summer is my 3^rd summer with the San Francisco Ballet School, and needless to say this program definitely lives up to the name of a “summer intensive”. We begin the day with either a Pilates or floor-barre class beginning at 9:45 am, leading into a two-hour technique class, a small lunch break, an hour-long pointe class/repertory class, and we end the day with either pas de deux class or artistic analysis class, wrapping up at around 6 pm. Just in time to go back home, where all you want to do is eat some dinner and go to sleep!

Students in class during the 2009 Summer Session. (© Erik Tomasson)

As Summer Session comes to an end, I look back amazed at all we’ve learned. Not only have we danced variations and pas de deux excerpts from the classical ballets like Don Quixote, La Bayadere, and Sleeping Beauty, but we’ve also had the opportunity to dance very neoclassical pieces, too, like a pas de deux from Parrish Maynard’s Secret Places, as well as sections from William Forsythe’s Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude. Besides being able to dance such an array of repertoire, I’ve personally enjoyed taking technique class from a variety of unique teachers who all possess such a wide and incredible knowledge of ballet. Each teacher has their own way of helping us find and use the correct muscles in class, learn how to approach and execute a step more efficiently, and understand the importance of musicality and artistry. I only hope to use all that I’ve learned this summer and apply it to my dancing everyday as I continue training!