Dance into summer with Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s Summer Programs for ages 3 ½ through pre-professional and adults. The school for classical ballet training offers many different programs at its East Lyme studio in July and August with options of participating in a single or multi-week program. Dance into Summer at Eastern Connecticut Ballet
Students will receive superior training with preeminent resident faculty Gloria Govrin (Artistic Director and former New York City Ballet soloist) and Damara Bennett (Director of Programming, former San Francisco Ballet member and Oregon Ballet Theatre School Director), and guest faculty including Wendy Whelan and Adrian Danchig-Waring of New York City Ballet.
Young Dancers (ages 3 ½ to 6 and 6-9)
The youngest dancers (ages 3½-6) may enroll in a Storybook Magic Adventure featuring ballet, jazz and special crafts set to the themes of Mary Poppins and Fancy Nancy. Students will love performing for families and friends during a special end of week presentation.
The Petite Dancer Workshop (ages 6-9) is designed to bridge the gap between the young children’s program and the graded classical ballet program. Dancers will perform beloved ballet classics, and enjoy jazz classes and creative crafts.
Older Dancers (ages 8-12 and 12+)
Older children will build their skills and develop their artistry through three versions of the In Balanchine’s Footsteps program. Students will study with master teachers who either worked directly with the Father of American Ballet George Balanchine, or who were trained in his technique. They will benefit from mentoring by the best resident and guest faculty.
Now a full day program, this workshop offers the perfect balance between successful learning and fun. Enrich your ballet training while exploring new elements of ballet arts including pointe, character, jazz, choreography, mime, acting, singing, costume workshop, lunchtime dance parties, outdoor play and water games. Themes of this program are The Greatest Showman and Sleeping Beauty.
More experienced students (ages 12+) will benefit from the July Pre-Professional Intensive, led by ECB resident faculty Gloria Govrin and Damara Bennett. Now a full day program, this course is designed to develop technique, strength and artistry. Classes including Ballet, Pointe, Variations and Repertoire will help motivated students advance with confidence.
ECB faculty member Jeremy Cox will share his knowledge of contemporary repertory and will be joined by Master Modern & Musical Theater Teacher Ralph Perkins.
Many of today’s best ballet dancers – those with versatility, exquisite control, and musicality – are following in the footsteps of the legendary George Balanchine. In the mid-20th century, the choreographer revolutionized classical ballet, and his legacy lives on in the world’s major companies and training schools.
Ms. Govrin provides the creative vision for “In Balanchine’s Footsteps” Summer Intensive. Along with Ms. Govrin and Ms. Bennett, headlining the guest faculty is New York City Ballet’s extraordinary former principal dancer Wendy Whelan and current principal Adrian Danchig-Waring.
Our stellar guest faculty includes:
“There’s no better way for a young dancer to learn than from master teachers who were either students of Balanchine or members of companies that embrace his style and choreography,” said ECB executive director Lise Reardon.
Other Programs & Registration
In addition, teens and adults may take classes in ballet and modern on summer evenings. Our teen/adult program combines fitness and artistic fulfillment in a friendly, supportive environment. A full program schedule and additional details are available at easternctballet.org.
To register for summer programs, visit www.easternctballet.org. Register online by April 15 and receive a $15 discount. For more information, call 860-739-7899 or visit ECB at 435 Boston Post Road in East Lyme.
Eastern Connecticut Ballet, Inc.
Lise Reardon Director/ President
