The holidays are here! The Nutcracker is winding down, and all the hard preparations are over. So what do you do after it is all done? Well, for some it is time to start taking dance. For others, it is time to take their dancing to the next level. In fact, the new year brings all sorts of opportunities to audition for summer programs. For the uninitiated, a Summer Program is an intensive course usually lasting several weeks during which students take several technique and other classes 6 days per week. Summer Programs usually offer a wider diversity of classes than the average dance student gets exposed to during the regular school year. Typically, in addition to technique classes, a ballet student will also take partnering classes, variations classes, modern dance and even body conditioning such as Pilates, depending on the age and skill level of the dancer. Some schools also include lecture classes such as Nutrition and Dance History.

Summer Programs are beneficial to the serious student for many reasons. It is a time focused solely on dancing and improving technique without outside distractions. In other words, total immersion into the “culture” of dance, which often results in vast improvements in technique in a relatively short amount of time. Summer Programs also allow the student to get to know the faculty of the company they may hope to someday join. As in any field, “networking” is very important, and a qualified student may have an edge at future company auditions if their personality and work habits are already known to those for whom they are auditioning. Additionally, Summer Programs enable the dancer to learn if they like the atmosphere of that particular company and school.

Getting into a most Summer Programs require an audition in person. Most big schools do a school audition tour and hold auditions in several cities. Some also allow auditioning via video recordings and other methods.

The Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Open Program presents:
Women’s Variations Class with Julie Tobiason

Julie Tobiason joined Pacific Northwest Ballet in 1986, was promoted to Soloist in 1989 and was a Principal Dancer from 1992-2002. Prior to joining PNB, Ms. Tobiason danced with Chicago City Ballet under the direction of Maria Tallchief. Ms. Tobiason has been a guest teacher in the School since 1997 and joined the PNBS faculty in the fall of 2002.

Don’t miss this special eight-class workshop!
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
February 6, 13, 20
11:45-12:45PM
(following technique class)
The Francia Russell Center
13340 NE 16th St, Bellevue, WA

Cost: $120

Space is limited, reserve your spot today!
425-451-1241