The Straz Center’s summer intensive program attracts ballet dancers from across the country
TAMPA, Florida. – Next Generation Ballet’s summer intensive program at the Straz Center attracts some of the best ballet dancers from across the country and a handful from other countries.
“We’re bombarding them with a lot of material that they might not have come into contact with otherwise, or that they might not be familiar with in their home country. And we’re perhaps asking them a little more than a normal year-long curriculum would. We want to test the boundaries, so to speak, and see what’s possible,” says Philip Neal, artistic director of Next Generation Ballet.
More than 150 children take part in the three-week intensive course, which ends with a performance on Friday. Isabella Bellinello has been dancing since she was three years old and comes from Brazil.
“I hope to be able to dance until I die. That’s my dream,” she said. “I want to dance and after dancing, I want to help other dancers who have the same difficulties as me.”
The 16-year-old hopes to improve her technique in fast jumps. Thanks to a collaboration with Ballet West from Salt Lake City, she is learning from various teachers.
READ: Learn the art of glass blowing in the St. Petersburg studio
“We did a faculty swap, so to speak, to further expand the scope for diversity,” Neal said.
For Bellinello, learning from a host of teachers is the highlight of the program.
“I love getting to know everyone’s backgrounds and I find it really enjoyable when they correct me. I really enjoy it when they say my name, they remember me from somewhere so that’s really nice,” she explained.
Former students also take part in the lessons and performances. Part of the performance are performances from Swan Lake.
“It’s always been my dream to be a swan, so I’m really happy that I can do it,” said Bellinello. “I’m really nervous, but I’m also really excited. I think the joy is greater than the nervousness.”
Tickets for Friday’s 7 p.m. show start at $26.50. For more information, click here.
SIGN UP: Click here to sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS
