This summer has been a incredibly formative and valuable experience for dancers, students, faculty, choreographers and all those who came together to shape our Summer Program 2017. We took a moment to connect with a group of Summer Program Session Two students to learn more about the lessons they’ve learned. Read on and then join us this Saturday, August 12 for their LINES Ballet Summer Program Showcase at 8pm at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason Center for the Arts.
Genevieve Waterbury
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I came to LINES this summer because I recently rekindled a deep passion for dancing and I felt that I really wanted to invest in contemporary training. Until the last year or two, I’d trained almost exclusively in classical ballet. In taking a short break, falling in love, reading and writing poetry (among other beautiful human experiences), I grew hungry to create genuine art and to use it to connect with, comfort, and challenge other people.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part of LINES so far is that I have learned to approach my ballet technique classes as an artist. I’ve surprised myself with the amount of dancing, breath, and emotion I can put into a tendu exercise at the barre and it has made everything feel so much more alive!
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
I’ve learned that the contemporary technique I hoped to learn by coming to this program is something that already exists within me.
Being an artist is trusting the uniqueness of my expression and craving to share. Artists are humble discoverers and risk takers.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Rehearsals have been fast-paced and exciting. Especially when working on pointe, it’s not possible to do the choreography correctly when holding back. It’s great to have the opportunity to apply so many new concepts and ideas discussed in classes to a real rehearsal setting.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Awakening, Demanding, Revitalizing
Zoe Gee
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I chose this program because of the many wonderful things I have heard from people who have attended in the past. It was my goal to find a program to expand my mind and find a deeper level of understanding in my dancing. Everyone who came here said they found just that.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part of my time here so far would have to be all the new teachers and teaching styles I have come into contact with. Being offered so many different perspectives has given me an abundance of new ideas to work with.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
It’s so hard to pick just one. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that dance, and life in general, is not about getting from point A to point B. The experience, the interest we strive for, is all found in the journey. We’re spiraling, resetting our steps and our day with a new perspective and doing the same movements a whole new way. I will carry this thought with me long after I leave this program.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
So, so wonderful! Working with Carmen has been fun and challenging. It has helped me to quickly pick up choreography, and really make it my own. It has also challenged me to move faster than I thought I could, and with more energy than I thought I had.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Growth, humility, impactful
Sydney Serban
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I chose to attend LBSP because of the truly unique training I would receive. The myriad of styles taught by outstanding instructors combined with living in a beautiful city is the experience of a lifetime.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
One of my many favorite aspects of LBSP is simply the atmosphere. The teachers and students alike are all here to better themselves and help others, creating an environment free of judgment that enables me to flourish as an artist. It is liberating.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
One lesson from Alonzo that I will forever hold close to my heart applies not only to dance, but also to life itself.
He explained that we are all trapped in the prison of our minds by fear and insecurity, and we must kill the enemy inside of us. That is the only way we can truly be free.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
This summer I have worked with Keelan Whitmore, and he has pushed me everyday to be better than I was the day before. He likens our bodies to taste buds, which has opened my mind to exploring, tasting, and feeling each movement of dance in order to find my own unique flavor.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Curiosity. Experimentation. Acceptance.
Tyler Kerbel
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I chose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program, because I wanted to spend my summer not only working on my technique but simultaneously pushing myself to dive deeper into my artistry as well.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part has been the ballet classes, because they aren’t just focused on straight technique. They want you to find the artistry that can be found in ballet as well, which is something a lot of people, including myself, forget about.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
One lesson that I’ve learned is to always keep the idea of play in my dancing.
Dance should be a joyous game in which one is constantly trying to discover new ways to move and express themselves.
This is an idea that is very much emphasized here and that I will try to carry on throughout my training from this point on.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Rehearsals with my choreographer have definitely been a learning experience. They have shown me a way of both moving and creating that are completely new to me and that I believe will help me be better prepared in the future.
How would you describe LSBP in 3 words?
Enlightening, Challenging, Inspiring.
Keanna Faulkner
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I chose LINES because I wanted to keep my stream of creativity and hunger for dance alive.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part of the program has been the in-class discussions. Studio dialogue is important because it encourages dancers to think. Artists that actively think create and produce stimulating atmosphere’s and work.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. Long days of intense dancing called for some adjustments. While there are universal rules to health, I’ve learned to personalize a regimen that ensures my best performance everyday. Every dancer should maintain a fine-tuned instrument; that is the body.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
I look forward to every rehearsal. I came to LINES to grow. Choreography has been an aspect of the program where I am experiencing growth. I appreciate the challenge and discoveries that appear while learning a new style of movement. I am meeting my desire for becoming more versatile.
I also appreciate being a witness to the other dancer’s work ethic in the creative process. We have all had the opportunity to have a voice and contribution to the creation of the piece. Rehearsals have also been insightful for my choreographic endeavors.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Stimulating, self-realizing, jubilant.
Sasha Gologorskaya
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I have always been curious about the LINES Ballet Summer Program. Numerous friends who came to LINES in previous summers had recommended the program to me, saying that it was “life-changing”. This past January, I attended the LINES Ballet Discovery Project in San Francisco.
It woke this internal hunger to dance and explore movement that I had not felt in a long time.
I knew I wanted to immerse myself deeper into that feeling. From my experience at the Discovery Project, it became a very easy decision to attend the Summer Program.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part about my time here so far is learning alongside other open-minded and supportive dancers. It has been one of the most positive environments to work in and explore my love for dance.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
One lesson I’ve learned that I will hold onto after I leave the program is to let go of fear or preconceived judgements and just dive into new ideas, because that is the best way to learn and welcome change.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
I’ve been very fortunate to work with David Harvey in his choreographic process for the Summer Program Showcase. Rehearsals have consisted of a lot of experimentation with movement and compositional ideas. David has also given us opportunities to create movement by ourselves and within small groups, which has been mentally challenging but also very rewarding.
How would you describe LSBP in 3 words?
In 3 words, I would describe LBSP as eye-opening, thought-provoking, and fulfilling.
Imani Gaudin-County
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
After hearing so many great things about the Summer Program, I wanted to test LINES out for myself. So I went to the Discovery Project back in December, and based on the amount of information I received in 4 days, I couldn’t imagine how much I would grow in 5 weeks.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My repertory class has to be one of my favorite parts. I really enjoy working with my repertory teacher, because she pushes us father than past our limits.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
More is never enough whether it be in dance or in life, because dance is the art of life. Also that being tired, having an “off” day, or making mistakes can still be useful pieces of information.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Being in rehearsals with my choreographer has opened up a new window for me. I have learned that dancing hard, and dancing full out are not always the same thing. He has shown me what it truly is like to feel the energy and presence of the people that I am dancing with.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Mess up big.
Ruby Cabbell
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I had always heard such great things about the program from my fellow dancers and I could see how those dancers had improved and how thoughtfully they approached their work after coming back from the intensive.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
Getting to work with such intelligent and inspiring teachers, choreographers and dancers.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
In one of our classes with Alonzo, he told us “Don’t give your best, give your all”. That really resonated with me.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Hard work but lots of fun! Getting to be a part of my choreographer’s creative process has really taught me a lot about how open, intelligent and detail-oriented you have to be as a dancer.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Challenging, Thoughtful, Fun!
Hannah Moore
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
Brett Conway sparked my interest in the program when he came and taught a master class in Fort Wayne in December. I was inspired by his movement quality and wisdom about the art form. He was the perfect advocate for LINES Ballet and everything relating to Alonzo’s philosophy.
I knew that LINES would accept me for the dancer I was and push me to be the dancer I needed to be.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
Every faculty member inspires me with their continued engagement and investment in the students. In his/her own way, each teacher has prompted the students to reach farther, think deeper, and look closer at the bigger picture. I love being reminded by the staff that dance training is life training – you’re a human before a dancer.
Everyone is valued and encouraged in this environment – it’s so unlike any other place.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
It does not matter what you’re doing with your body if your heart and mind are disconnected. Technical proficiency and ability can only get you so far; you must have integrity, determination, honesty, and thoughtfulness. Dancing is 10% physical and 90% mental.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Katie Faulkner’s rehearsals have been extremely collaborative and all-inclusive. Dancing with 17 others is a difficult process to organize and control sometimes, but when everyone is focused and involved, that’s when the magic begins to happen.
David Harvey’s repertory rehearsals tend to be invigorating and challenging. We’re working on learning “The Moroccan Project,” and I enjoy the difficulty level and David’s demand for accuracy and clarity. His execution and understanding of the piece emulates exactly what Alonzo would’ve wanted; I’m really glad I have him as both a mentor and rehearsal director.
How would you describe LBSP in three words?
Evocative. Communal. Stimulating.
Taylor Olson
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
For 5 weeks, I get to live in San Francisco, be inspired inside and outside the studio, explore my movement and be curious, share everything that I have to offer, and do what makes me happiest. It is so unique to be able to focus on dance without any other distractions while I am here at LINES. I am able to fully invest my time and energy into doing what I love to do and constantly remain inspired by the teachers, dancers and life around me.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
It’s week four and I can honestly say my favorite part about being here is watching people break out of their shell and abandon habits that we have had ingrained in our minds for years. Everyone learns how to truly feel and discover their unique voice through their time here at LINES. I find that by the end, people have really uncovered the importance of simply giving everything that we’ve got and expecting nothing in return, except for a deeper love for this art.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
Find joy in the challenges you face.
Each day is a like a page in a book, a challenge or defeat on one page only leads to a comeback on the next. I have learned that you find out what kind of person you really are when things go wrong, not when everything is going perfectly.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
My choreographer is David Harvey. There has not been a day that I am not fully intrigued by his thought processes and ideas. He keeps us curious and adventurous in our explorations for more genuine movements. We have been working on various phrases that have challenged me in a way I have never experienced before. Throughout this process I have found that patience is key and that curiosity is the greatest tool.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Vital. Curious. Surrender.
Owandy Glez
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
Because it is one of the best schools I have ever seen and having the opportunity to enter the program is on that I could not pass up.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
Coexistence with incredible teachers and people coming from all over the world.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
The difference between what I want and do not want to be as a dancer and an artist.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
Incredible, tiring but very good.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Hard but fun.
Mia Caceres-Nielsen
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I am currently attending my third LINES Ballet program this summer. My choice to come back again and again speaks to how much I truly love the environment that this program offers its students. I began with a Discovery Program at my performing arts high school and absolutely fell in love with the new and challenging methodology that focused on digging deeper and finding your individual artistry. I knew just after those four days that I had to do the summer program so I could explore and learn even more.
As a dancer we continuously question our path. Am I good enough? Will I make it in the dance world? This intensive continues to teach me how valuable each of us are not only a dancer and an artist, but as human beings. We learn to discover that we all have something to offer at this program. I have grown at my time spent training at LINES and am so happy I chose to attend.
There is no program like it.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
There is a feeling of acceptance when you take a class at this program. You are still being pushed to reach your full potential and find what is truly inside of you, but the level of support in doing so is something I will cherish forever when I leave. The idea of accepting your own way of moving and being able to grow from that individuality is how we begin to become unique artists. This program not only finds the beauty in the differences, but also allows those to be shared. The collaboration of ideas between students is something so special here. The level of motivation you receive from not only the entire faculty, but also your peers is immense and it continues to push you in such a positive direction everyday.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
One lesson which has been consistently mentioned in all sorts of ways is that to be true to this art form, you must always be genuine.
Conformity and comparison will stunt your growth as an artist and leave you incapable of making art you can call your own.
Each and every one of us have a distinct and quite remarkable artistic ability that we must search for within ourselves. I will hold onto this lesson always as I continue to make my own path for myself as a dancer.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographers been like?
I had Carmen Rozestraten during my first summer at LBSP and I am now working with Keelan Whitmore for this session. It has been incredibly inspiring to be learning from previous LINES company members and to gain the knowledge they have to share from their experiences. One major thing I have learned is that good is never good enough. Rehearsals are a continuous push for more. As a dancer, I am learning that you can never settle because there is always something to work on and do better. Carmen and Keelan have pushed me to let loose, take advantage of the space, and discover new ways to do movement while being respectful to the choreographic process. It has been an explorative process in rehearsals and a healthy challenge as a young dancer.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Life-Changing, Inspiring, Self-Discovery.
Andre Alabastro
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I’ve been training at the Pacific Northwest Ballet for a long time, so I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. Every time I saw a fellow student return from the LINES Ballet Summer Program, I noticed a drastic shift in their movement quality, confidence, and understanding of their own artistic voice. I wanted that, and I knew I could find it here. Also, I love the city.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
The personal connections that I have made.
The environment that this program creates allows for the growth of genuine friendships and artistic bonds with unprecedented sincerity.
What is one lesson you’ve learned that you will hold onto after you leave?
I will continue to love and trust the process. That and more. I hope I will hold on to everything I’ve learned here, but I’m only human.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographer been like?
Quite a process… A lot of exploration. A lot of discovery. A lot of creation of material that seems unrelated to itself, but with patience and trust in the process, I know that it will come together as a beautiful, uncannily human collage.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Revealing. Nurturing. Genuine.
Myles Hunter
Why did you choose to attend the LINES Ballet Summer Program?
I choose to come to LINES, because I as a dancer felt as though I was at a point were my artistry could truly be awakened. Also I wanted to be pushed not only mentally but physically, and learn that limits are all in the mind.
What is your favorite part about your time here so far?
My favorite part about the program is repertory class, and really being able to dissect movement in a free and comfortable setting.
What have your rehearsals with your choreographer been like?
I am in rehearsal with Carmen, and the process has been amazing and enriching. Our rehearsal are full of knowledge because she is able to test our limits and really makes the learning process serious but fun. I also love being in rehearsal because it calls for me to take my technical ability to a new level.
How would you describe LBSP in 3 words?
Enriching, Artistic, and Challenging
LINES Ballet Summer Program: Session Two Showcase
Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 8pm
The Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center
Presenting works by Katie Faulkner, Arturo Fernandez, David Harvey, Maurya Kerr, Dexandro Montalvo, Carmen Rozestraten, and Keelan Whitmore performed by LINES Ballet Summer Program’s 2017 Session Two students.
LINESConnected 