The sounds of pattering feet, dressed in pointe shoes and ballet slippers, have filled the halls of the Opera House for the past two weeks. This is thanks to the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, whose Detroit program has been hosted at the Detroit Opera House for 12 years now.
Being held in only five cities, ABT Artistic Director, Kevin McKenzie states, “The mission of ABT’s Summer Intensive is to cultivate a universal understanding of the art form at its highest level.” And a universal understanding it is; 130 of the most talented pre-professional dancers have come together for the four-week program. Their backgrounds range diversely from places such as Italy and Brazil, to our own Michigan, which is represented by 22 local dancers. Offered at four different levels, dancers often return year after year to gain elite experience and exposure.
The partnership between American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, the Detroit Opera House and Wayne State University make the Detroit program possible. Throughout the program, young dancers are exposed to instructors from New York, Chicago, and At
lanta, to name a few, and are engaged in four classes a day. The mix of classes incorporates three in dance and one in lecture, discussing topics such as choreography, nutrition, and acting. The dancers shuffle from the Detroit Opera House to Wayne State University depending on the day and are housed in Wayne State dormitories. All of this leads up to a final showcase at the end of the program, which will be held on Friday, July 17th at 1pm and 4pm.
The final showcase is a performance you won’t want to miss. Ms. Samantha Shelton, a 13-year instructor with ABT Intensive, who also teaches at Wayne State University, Rochester School of Dance, and Spotlight Dance Works, gave me some insight into the performance: “Each level will perform two pieces; one is part of ABT repertoire, and the other is choreographed specifically for them.” Ms. Shelton went on to explain that the “violet” group will dance the famous “Paquita” ballet from ABT rep, in addition to an original piece set to Vivaldi, which she will choreograph. ABT national directors will fly in to watch the final performance, making it prime exposure for up and coming ballerinas.
As I observed a rehearsal of the “blue” group, one of the four levels of dancers, I couldn’t help but
be reminded of the blockbuster hit, Center Stage. The film follows dancers in an ABT Intensive program, leading up to a final showcase that determines their professional careers. “Similar, but a bit less dramatic,” is how Ms. Shelton compared the Detroit program to that of the movie. But as I watched the girls in black leotards and pink tights, with their hair pulled back into perfect ballet knots, I kept thinking: the next prima ballerina could be perfecting her fuetes and piqué turns - right before my eyes.
Being held in only five cities, ABT Artistic Director, Kevin McKenzie states, “The mission of ABT’s Summer Intensive is to cultivate a universal understanding of the art form at its highest level.” And a universal understanding it is; 130 of the most talented pre-professional dancers have come together for the four-week program. Their backgrounds range diversely from places such as Italy and Brazil, to our own Michigan, which is represented by 22 local dancers. Offered at four different levels, dancers often return year after year to gain elite experience and exposure.
The partnership between American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, the Detroit Opera House and Wayne State University make the Detroit program possible. Throughout the program, young dancers are exposed to instructors from New York, Chicago, and At
lanta, to name a few, and are engaged in four classes a day. The mix of classes incorporates three in dance and one in lecture, discussing topics such as choreography, nutrition, and acting. The dancers shuffle from the Detroit Opera House to Wayne State University depending on the day and are housed in Wayne State dormitories. All of this leads up to a final showcase at the end of the program, which will be held on Friday, July 17th at 1pm and 4pm.The final showcase is a performance you won’t want to miss. Ms. Samantha Shelton, a 13-year instructor with ABT Intensive, who also teaches at Wayne State University, Rochester School of Dance, and Spotlight Dance Works, gave me some insight into the performance: “Each level will perform two pieces; one is part of ABT repertoire, and the other is choreographed specifically for them.” Ms. Shelton went on to explain that the “violet” group will dance the famous “Paquita” ballet from ABT rep, in addition to an original piece set to Vivaldi, which she will choreograph. ABT national directors will fly in to watch the final performance, making it prime exposure for up and coming ballerinas.
As I observed a rehearsal of the “blue” group, one of the four levels of dancers, I couldn’t help but
be reminded of the blockbuster hit, Center Stage. The film follows dancers in an ABT Intensive program, leading up to a final showcase that determines their professional careers. “Similar, but a bit less dramatic,” is how Ms. Shelton compared the Detroit program to that of the movie. But as I watched the girls in black leotards and pink tights, with their hair pulled back into perfect ballet knots, I kept thinking: the next prima ballerina could be perfecting her fuetes and piqué turns - right before my eyes.The ABT Summer Intensive final performances will be held on Friday, July 17th, at 1pm and 4pm on the grand stage of the Detroit Opera House. Tickets are available at the door prior to the performance, and are $15 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 15.
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