As another school year comes to a close and school break for summer vacation ahead, The School of Ballet Tucson and its Directors, Danielle and Liang Fu, prepare for the summer workshop, a four-week-intensive course for aspiring ballet dancers to develop their skills further.
February and March mark the beginning of audition season for this highly esteemed summer course, with students coming from all over the southwest to compete for a spot in the program. Established in 1986 and running every summer since, the program is held in cooperation with The University of Arizona School of Dance, allowing students to train and perform in a large-scale, professional setting.
“To accommodate more students for the summer, we have a long-standing partnership with the University of Arizona, allowing access to 5 large studios for our students to use,” said Liang Fu.
This year, the workshop will be held from May 28 through June 22. The course offers training for intermediate and advanced-level dancers, with a curriculum centering around ballet technique, pointe, jazz, and modern dance.
“You have four weeks to get to know these kids and give them everything you can,” said Danielle Fu.
Junior-level dancers, ranging from 9 to 12 years old, will dance 6 hours per day, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Senior-level dancers, ranging from 13 to 22 years old, can expect to dance 6 hours per day, Monday through Saturday. Although the schedule is rigorous, students will walk away with an in-depth knowledge of the art of dance and its principles.
“Each summer, we have two guest teachers who join us, and they each stay for a week so that also gives the kids something special to look forward to,” said Danielle Fu.
This year, internationally renowned choreographer Qi Jiang and professional ballet dancer Kara Zimmerman will each be teaching during the summer intensive, offering new insights to the students who attend the workshop.
The final performance is scheduled for June 22, allowing the students to show the community the skills they mastered during the summer intensive.
Are you an older dancer looking to sharpen your skills? Or perhaps you have a little one who has already realized their love of dance? The School of Ballet Tucson teaches students ranging from 2 years old through 82 years old and offers summer programs for all ages at their studio located on Tucson Boulevard.
Running from June 3 through June 14, your little one can attend Kids Dance Camp. Each class lasts 3 hours, packed full of activities, with each week revolving around a different theme and a performance scheduled at the end of each week revolving around the theme. This year’s themes focus on The Little Mermaid and The Princess and the Frog. The Adult Summer Workshop also lasts from June 3 through June 14, allowing students to start or continue their dance training. The workshops fill quickly, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
The School of Ballet Tucson offers something for everyone. So, strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the days away this summer.
“You have four weeks to get to know these kids and give them everything you can."
