Every Saturday morning we attend the Boston Ballet School dance programs. Anne loves the dressing up, the twirling, the sea of pink, and we're thrilled that it’s something she enjoys so much — and that it’s nurturing her in so many positive ways and the benefits will last her a lifetime.
I had the pleasure to speak with Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, Principal and Director of the Boston Ballet School Marblehead Studio about the Summer Dance Programs for ages three through adult at the state-of-the-art facility conveniently located on the Salem/Marblehead line within the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA.
Here, Principal and Director Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, tells North Shore Kid about the program and the experience the students have.
Q: Can you tell us about the program and some of the positive and nurturing benefits of Boston Ballet Summer Program for Children?
A: The Boston Ballet School summer program is a wonderful first experience for the children. They are not preoccupied with the the busy school year and their studies. The students come to the studio in the morning, fresh and ready to begin class with energy and focus. They benefit from the exceptional ballet training by learning skills that they will carry with them throughout life. The studio offers live piano accompaniment in ballet classes for students age 5 and up and it is a wonderful way for students to learn to express themselves with movement to music. Through dance, students gain focus and confidence, empowering them to learn to express themselves in public settings.
Q: What opportunities does a child who is passionate about dance have with the Boston Ballet School
A: Students of all ages have the opportunity to audition for the many performing opportunities including Boston Ballet Company's The Nutcracker. Boston Ballet performs at The Boston Opera House, a wonderful place for dance that provides the entire Boston Ballet family with an intimate environment for audiences and dancers. The Boston Ballet Orchestra, one of the most versatile orchestras in Boston, performs a wide range of ballet repertoire. It's truly a gift to have this unique connection to a world-class company.
Q: What is the best ballet advice you’ve ever given a student?
A: Recently, I had a discussion with a teenager who has decided to step away from training. The advise I offered was to step away but to know that you can always come back. We exchanged a hug and I told her to hold onto the joy of movement and to know that you can always come back.
Q: What are some of the “side effects” of dance you’ve witnessed in Boston Ballet School students?
A: When older students first come to study, some come with muscles that are overloaded, thick and bulky. Within a short time, the proper training, coupled with the world class setting, muscles lean out and lengthen. The training hones ideal physical results. The students work hard and come to understand and realize how beautiful they are.
Q: Do you have a Fun Fact you might share about Boston Ballet School?
A: We're are so proud that after just 4 years of opening the doors at the Marblehead studio we have a student moving to the Pre-Professional Program. The Pre-Professional Program is designed for select students in pursuit of a pre-professional training experience. Within the next year the Marblehead studio will have many more.
Sign up for the Summer Program at Boston Ballet School Marblehead and experience the difference at Boston Ballet School - exceptional ballet training, expert faculty, and live piano accompaniment; Boston Ballet School introduces students to ballet and the wider world of dance in a creative, friendly and fun learning environment.
Visit bostonballet.org/school and bostonballet.org/school/summer to learn more and to register for school year and summer programs.
This summer, the Marblehead studio will offer:
- Ballet Stories (ages 3-4)
- Ballet Journeys (ages 5-7)
- Summer Dance Workshop (ages 8-14)
- Master Class Series (ages 12-16)
The Marblehead studio is located on the second floor of the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA.
Please contact BBS Administrative Offices at 617.456.6333 if you have any questions.
Watch the video of Principal and Director of the Marblehead Studio Evelyn Cisneros-Legate.