Overview
In the vibrant realm of performing arts, the Princeton Ballet Children's Workshop stands as an oasis of talent, offering a five-week Summer Intensive Program that's a magnet for aspiring ballet dancers around the globe. Not just a program, but a tradition stretching back 29 years, it has honed the skills of countless dancers under the watchful guidance of some of the most revered educationists in the field.
The program's repertoire is nothing short of stellar, with attendees selected through auditions held across the United States, Paris, and Rome. The international flavor of the program is reflected in the array of students hailing from Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa, and Japan, all living the dream on the historic Princeton University campus.
Under the guidance of Mary Pat Robertson and Douglas Martin, the program's faculty boasts former principal dancers from the American Repertory Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet, and even a former soloist from the Paris Opéra Ballet. The choreographic workshop, led by former Twyla Tharp dancer Katie Glasner, added an extra layer of creative flair to the program.
However, the Princeton Ballet School is more than just a summer program. Since its founding in 1954, it's grown into a nationally recognized institution for dance training, with over 1500 students enrolled in various programs, including special classes for boys and adult classes spanning ballet, modern dance, jazz, Spanish dance, hip-hop, and Pilates.
In a nutshell, the Princeton Ballet Children's Workshop is a harmonious blend of tradition, talent, and training, providing a platform for young dancers to gain self-discipline, physical fitness, and an appreciation of movement and music. It's not just about dance, it's about creating artists ready to twirl their way into the dynamic world of professional ballet and contemporary dance.