Outstanding Faculty To provide the highest caliber of training for future dancers, the faculty for the Summer Dance Program is comprised of dancers and teachers who have trained, performed, or taught with some of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world, including American Ballet Theatre, Kirov Ballet, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and Boston Ballet. Distinguished faculty members in past years have included Bruce Marks, Anna-Marie Holmes, Laura Young, Elaine Bauer, Cynthia Gregory, Devon Carney, Dierdre Myles, Patrick Armand, Paul Thrussell, Nadia Thompson, Tatiana Legat, Vladimir Kolesnikov, Natasha Akhmarova, Sergei Berejnoi, and Fernando Bujones. The curriculum for the Summer Dance Program emphasizes classical ballet technique with additional classes in pointe, variations, partnering, and separate men's classes. These classes are augmented by enrichment classes in jazz, modern, Spanish dance, choreographic composition, character, mime, musical theatre, and music. Also included are lectures on injury prevention, nutrition, and other aspects of preparing for a professional dance career.
Emphasis is placed at all times on discipline, execution, and performance quality.
Class size averages 25 students, and determination of each student's class level is made by the principal of Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program, Devon Carney. Separate men's classes are offered encompassing a broad range of dance from jazz and modern to classical technique. Variations from the classic repetoire are taught to encourage students to cultivate not only technique, but to inspire originality and a unique artistic flair. The Summer Dance Program culminates with a performance by the students in the E. Virginia Williams Studio at the end of the six-week session. The audience consists of faculty members, the artistic staff of Boston Ballet, other students, friends and family members.