Pacific northwest ballet summer intensive full#
Pacific northwest ballet summer intensive professional#

Pacific northwest ballet summer intensive professional#

I didn’t realize that tutus and pointe shoes are often only half of a professional ballet career the other half tends to be contemporary work. I was so focused on ballet! One year, I even asked to trade a hip-hop class for an additional pointe class. I always attended every summer intensive class, but I regret not being fully present when we did contemporary styles. Once I relaxed, that’s when it happened! My advice is to focus on improving your technique and artistry, and learning from new people-not landing the job.Ĭecilia Iliesiu, Pacific Northwest Ballet The next year, I made myself let go of that pressure. Soon, I was overthinking, trying too hard-always conscious of who was watching and the reactions they were having. But during my third year there, I started to focus heavily on getting into Hubbard Street 2 at least one person was hired or taken on as an apprentice every summer. I fell in love with the company’s culture, repertory and teachers, as well as the city. If I’d been exposed to more, I might’ve had a broader spectrum to choose from when planning for college and my career.Īlicia Delgadillo, Hubbard Street Dance ChicagoĪfter doing a few other intensives, I spent four summers at Hubbard Street. Every program offers a chance to network and meet different people. I could have benefited from trying new techniques I’ve never studied Graham, or tried Alonzo King’s movement. I had friends who did multiple intensives each summer. I wouldn’t change the places I studied-but I could have done more. For instance, I chose Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp’s dance program solely because a friend had gone and had a great time.

I picked programs because I had a personal connection there I didn’t do a lot of outside research.

Pacific northwest ballet summer intensive full#

I’m grateful I grew up as a competition dancer because it made me extremely versatile, but I wish I’d immersed myself in the serious ballet world a few years earlier.Īlthough I attended several amazing intensives, I regret not taking full advantage of everything that’s out there. I saw what it was truly like to be a professional, and it fueled my passion. Being around the New York City Ballet dancers was so inspiring. Finally, my teacher sat me down and said, “If you want to make a career out of this, you have to start training more seriously.” I auditioned for the School of American Ballet’s summer intensive on a whim, but once I was in New York, everything changed. Instead, I took classes at my home studio and went to competitions and conventions. I didn’t attend my first summer intensive until I was 17. Strategize for success with these tips from five professional dancers looking back on what they wish they’d done differently during their own summer study years. From building your technique to trying new styles to expanding your network, getting everything you want from an intensive takes focus and planning. But it’s up to you to make the most of the experience.

Attending the right summer intensive at the right time can be life-changing-and potentially career-launching.