Talented dance students travel to Syracuse to participate in summer program

The Syracuse University Dance Intensive Program, under the artistic direction of Danita Emma, brought students from the East Coast as well as Texas, Canada and the Netherlands to participate in one of the premier dance programs in the United States. The students, ages 12 to 18, had the privilege of studying with internationally acclaimed guest artists during a two- or three-week session, running from July 13-Aug. 1.

Sen. John DeFrancisco’s Young Artist Program, administered by the Cultural Resource Council of Syracuse and Onondaga County, provided financial assistance to aspiring young artists. In addition, eight talented local dancers received funding from the South Side Initiative Office and University College to attend the Summer Dance Intensive.

Among the faculty and featured guest artists were Gabriela Darvash and Momchil Mladenov. Darvash, a world-renowned Kirov-trained teacher, was artistic director and resident choreographer for the State Opera Ballet in Romania and is now guest master teacher for the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Mladenov is a former principal dancer with the National Ballet of Bulgaria, and is currently principal dancer with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center.

A highlight of the program was the instruction provided by the Boston Ballet’s Shannon Parsley, assistant ballet master, and Jarred Redick, soloist.

Held on the Syracuse University campus, the program prepares aspiring young dancers to meet the challenges of today’s dance world. Students take daily technique classes in ballet, modern and jazz in an intense conservatory environment. With its emphasis on technical growth and artistic performance, the Summer Dance Intensive provides a challenging experience for aspiring dancers, which culminates with a public performance at Syracuse Stage.

The program is administered by University College of Syracuse University and is co-sponsored by SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. For more information, visit the Summer Dance Intensive web site at http://www.yesu.syr.edu/students/current/courses/ballet/program.htm.