In the spring I submitted an audition package consisting of a resume, headshot and video package showing ballet, jazz and contemporary dance for entry consideration. This program is limited to 100 dancers each year, 82 dancers attended the 2012 intensive. Many dancers stayed at the host accommodation, the YMCA on 8th and 63rd in New York City.
The event began with a summer picnic as a chance for the dancers to meet Joe, their chaperones and each other. I loved meeting up with my friends from Nationals and a few other familiar faces!
With James DuChateau
With Jessica Ferretti
With Alessandra DePaoloantonio
Each day we had ballet class with either Kim Craven or Scott Jovovich; followed by classes in tap, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary, hip hop and vocal training! Classes were taught by NYCDA Faculty members and guests: Jeff Lapes, Chloe Arnold, Jared Grimes, Troy Powell, Joe Lanteri, Claudia MacPherson, Jessica Lang, Rhonda Miller, Joey Dowling, Grace Buckley, Corey Snide, Cindy Salgado, Dana Wilson, Suzi Taylor, Andy Pellick, Rachel Kreiling, Jo Lynn Burks, Lauren Lattaro and Rommy Sandhu.
Each dancer was selected to be in a minimum of two pieces for the Closing Performance Showcase on the final day of the intensive. Both classes and the show were held at LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts on Amsterdam and 65th, behind the Lincoln Centre and Fordham University.
I was cast in three dance pieces and one vocal performance. Andy Pellick's piece was called "Gulag", Suzi Taylor's piece "Autumn Day" and Modern by Jessica Lang and Claudia MacPherson was called "Lines Cubed".
Andy's number "Gulag"
With Andy Pellick after the show
With Jenna....our third intensive together!
With the amazing Joe Lantieri
With Justice after the show
Getting big hugs from Suzi Taylor after the show
I loved my two weeks with NYCDA. I loved dancing in Andy and Suzi's performance pieces and hanging with friends at "Bring it On" the Musical and the chat with cast members following the performance. The dance on the final night was so much fun. Every dancer recieved a special award unique to them compliments of the chaperones. My award was called the "Flying Trapeze" Award...they said I light up the stage when I dance and you can't take your eyes off me. Something I thing every dancer aspires to when they perform!
Check out the promo for the 2012-2013 season....I know I'll be at a few cities...hope to see you there!
