American Ballet Theatre and Harlem School of the Arts Dance Intensives
The American Ballet Theatre Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and Harlem School of the Arts have continued their partnership to offer two full-day dance intensives for young dancers that train at HSA or participate in local community programs, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem. The first ABT/HSA intensive was held at Harlem School of the Arts on January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and welcomed over 60 young dancers.
ABT Company dancers Erica Lall and Gabe Stone Shayer taught a ballet technique class for the 12-18 year old dancers. Afterwards, they sat down with all 60 participants for a lively discussion, where the young dancers asked many thoughtful questions about the challenges of being a professional dancer of color and their journeys to success.
They were joined by ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis faculty Adrienne Hurd, Briana Reed and Sarah Smith-Hill; ABT Teaching Artists Dominique Robinson and Richard Toda; and Special Guest Artists Kelly Marsh, William Rhem and Leyland Simmons.
The second workshop will be hosted on President’s Day by American Ballet Theatre’s studios for students of Harlem School of the Arts, Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn and students participating in ABT’s Engagement programs.
