Ballet Boot Camp Student Reflections

One of the many joys of providing dance and ballet training for young dancers is hearing about the impact that our training programs make on these young artists. Artistic Director Graham Lustig received this lovely, hand-drawn card from a Ballet Boot Camp student following the conclusion of this year’s program on July 28.

 

Dear Mr. Graham,

Thank you so much for a wonderful three weeks. I really enjoyed getting to learn about the stories of Coppelia, Raymonda, and Cinderella. I am so grateful that you helped me tap into my creative mind by having us choreograph dances.

You taught me how to let myself be one with the dance. I really liked how we were also able to name the dances we came up with. Thank you so much for being supportive of my ideas and helping me understand how to put dance to music.

Sincerely,

Roxy House
Ballet Boot Camp 2017 student

Archives

MORE POSTS

Advice from the Dancers

Advice from the Dancers

Apr 17, 2021 |

Four of OBC's dancers, Ashley Thopiah, Lawrence Chen, Marianne Bassing, and Skylar Burson, offer up their best advice. What is the best advice anyone ever gave you about Auditions?Marianne: You will never be the best in the room. You might have the highest legs, or...

After high school, what’s next?

After high school, what’s next?

Apr 13, 2021 |

With graduation on the horizon, high school seniors are planning their future. As dancers, it is not so straightforward. Many battle with the idea of pursuing a dance career knowing the competitiveness, lack of stability, and often times low wages not to mention the...

Getting the most from Class

Getting the most from Class

Mar 8, 2021 |

It’s Spring and as we all look forward to in-person summer programs, fingers crossed. Now is a good time to clean up our class habits. To improve you want to glean the most amount of benefit from the class as possible. Here are some tips to help you do just that. Take...

Choosing a Summer Program

Choosing a Summer Program

Feb 15, 2021 | ,

You took your young child to ballet but you never expected they would stay engaged so long. Now you find yourself with a serious ballet student trying to navigate the world of summer programs. What to do? Here are some tips any ballet parent must learn in order to...

Auditions

Auditions

Jan 23, 2021 |

There are many misunderstandings about auditions that lead to unnecessary anxiety. Although the audition process can be challenging and disappointing, it can also be exciting and fun. Auditions are possibilities and an opportunity to show what you have but feeling...

Love Yourself

Love Yourself

Jan 13, 2021 |

The study of dance is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. It can also be frustrating and disappointing. As a profession, a lot depends upon qualities over which you have no control. Of course, we can work and improve but proportions or our overall shape are out of...

Academy Student Wins Contest

Academy Student Wins Contest

Nov 18, 2020 |

We’re so proud of Academy at Oakland Ballet student Alexandrea Baker for having won first place in a youth arts competition with her solo choreography! This contest was sponsored by Arts for Oakland Kids, a fantastic organization who aims to ensure that students in...

Voter Resources for the Arts Community and Beyond

Voter Resources for the Arts Community and Beyond

Oct 21, 2020 |

Here at Oakland Ballet we’ve gathered a few resources that we felt might help smooth the voting process. We hope they make casting your ballot easier, and if you want to go beyond the ballot and get more involved in arts advocacy, we’ve got you covered too! Feel free...

Luna Mexicana Stay At Home Soiree

Luna Mexicana Stay At Home Soiree

Oct 14, 2020 |

Join us in a celebration of Día de los Muertos.   Share a meal from Agave, Ballet Folklórico México Danza, Jalisco Harpist Salvadore Vazquez, hear about the elements of an ofrenda with Daniel Camacho, learn to construct paper marigolds, and see excerpts of Oakland...

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Oct 1, 2020 |

Oakland Ballet recognizes the contributions of LatinX Americans and Hispanics in our community. Board members, donors, company dancers, teachers, and choreographers, our organization is strengthened by the addition of their voices, diverse heritage, and perspectives...