by Emily Kammerlohr, Academy Intern
Week Five is where the rubber meets the road for the Summer Intensive Program students! Dancers from all levels scramble to perfect their moves in preparation for Week Six’s rehearsals and shows. Yet even amid all the craziness, the Eselgroths were both still smiling and ready to chat about how things progressed this summer! Check them out!
Lilian’s favorite piece from the Showcase is The Waltz of the Hours from Coppelia because it has everything: light bits, quick-paced sections, fun footwork- everything! She also mentioned that it’s a bit longer than what she’s used to dancing, but the exhaustion it brings is glorious because she loves it so much!
The kids were also quick to praise the instruction at Houston Ballet Academy! Lilian said that she “loves Rep class with Ms. Bryant!” Former company member Susan Bryant runs an excellent class, as Lilian said that they work very hard to keep their movements clean.
Clark said he adores Claudio Muñoz because “he is just so funny! He gives us great compliments and corrections, and is always so entertaining!”
Clark has really taken those corrections to heart, saying that the Summer Intensive has really helped him to dance cleaner. “My passé
As mentioned in the video, one of Clark’s favorite parts of the Summer Intensive is the opportunity to be around so many other men who dance! He’s one of the older boys at his studio, and as a Level 5, the ability to learn not only from the instructors, but also older boys, is priceless.
“I really look up to Valentin Batista in Level 7″ he said. “He gives me lots of advice on turns and tours, which is really helpful!” It also doesn’t hurt that Valentin is from Argentina- the home of Clark’s favorite soccer team!
“Second place…so close!” he mourned when I asked him about the World Cup.
This might be all from the Eselgroths, but next week, we’ll wrap up with a little something from all the students here at the Summer Intensive Program!
See you then!
