Since the onset of the pandemic, Houston Ballet Academy’s world-renowned faculty and staff have adapted and adjusted to ensure their students continue to receive exceptional ballet training. Get to know the individuals who work with these students and how they are prevailing during the ongoing crisis.
Meet the Artists
Beth Everitt, Lower School Principal & Children’s Ballet Master
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Beth Everitt began dancing at the age of 3. Before attending Houston Ballet Academy on full scholarship, she trained with Amy Morton Vaughn at the Van Metre School of Dance and the Washington School of Ballet. She has danced professionally with Houston Ballet, Louisville Ballet and Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. Beth is currently the Lower School Principal and Children’s Ballet Master at Houston Ballet Academy. She enjoys teaching dancers and students of all ages. Learn more about Beth’s career at houstonballet.org.
Ben Kaplan, Pianist
Ben Kaplan was born in New York City and grew up in New Jersey. He began piano studies at age 6. Ben graduated from Princeton University in 2007 with a degree in Economics. After a couple years of working at an education research nonprofit in Washington, D.C., he decided to pursue a career in music and completed his Master’s in Music at Westminster Choir College. Ben has been an accompanist for ballet classes since 2013, and he joined the Academy during the 2018 Summer Intensive Program.
Q&A with Beth Everitt and Ben Kaplan
In what ways will the adaptations the Academy has made help support them in the future?
Ben: The Academy has found a range of technological and practical solutions for how to hold classes. Classes have been held online, some are now being held in person and others are being done in a hybrid fashion. This adaptability makes the Academy well-poised to continue to navigate the uncertain future.
Beth: Now that we offer seamless virtual instruction, with live accompaniment, we are able to reach a greater audience of students who may otherwise never be able to attend classes at the Center for Dance. It is definitely a silver lining!
What has inspired you most during this time?
Beth: I am amazed by how the students have been able to grow and learn virtually. It is so inspiring to see their dedication and hard work! I would feel so lost without them, and I am so grateful for their families that have made this opportunity possible for their children.
Ben: It has really inspired me to see that, despite the distance we have all had to sustain for the sake of safety, we have collaborated more than ever in order to advocate for our shared mission of creative excellence.
What is one way you have adapted in the midst of this pandemic?
Beth: Oh, let me count the ways! The teachers have had to learn so much about technology, Zoom, Wi-Fi, headsets, lighting – the list goes on. For me personally, I have had to adapt to not being able to physically assist the students to help them understand their corrections. I have to be very clear with my words so they can learn to feel the correction for themselves. It has been a challenge, but a very good lesson both for me and for the students!
Ben: I’ve been trying to check in more often with my family and friends than before, to deal with the current limitations on my social life. Often, I will pair a nice, long evening or weekend walk (along the Bayou is my favorite) with a catch-up telephone call.
What is your favorite part about being an accompanist with Houston Ballet Academy?
Ben: I love that I am able to draw inspiration from my coworkers, a group of amazingly dedicated and accomplished artists, teachers and administrators!
Why is it important for the students to continue their ballet training during this time?
Beth: The biggest thing I have taken away from this pandemic is that it is imperative to have a purpose. When you come to class and work so hard at something every day, you feel that sense of purpose and belonging. Ballet also creates beauty in our lives – making beautiful shapes to beautiful music. Every child can benefit from ballet classes and the hope that beauty and purpose can give to the human spirit.
How can people help support Houston Ballet Academy right now?
Ben: Folks can always take ballet classes with us! They could consider signing up for a virtual class, offered to adults of all levels or register their children for classes if they haven’t done so already.
Beth: I think it is important to remember that this pandemic will affect Houston Ballet for a very long time. If families or individuals are able to make a single or recurring gift to the Crisis Relief Fund, I know that would help the Academy in so many ways. Also, keep cheering the students on – they are doing an incredible job in the midst of so much chaos.
Help keep Houston Ballet Academy dancing by donating at give.houstonballet.org/academy.