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Be intentional

Edward Ellison, artistic director and founder of Ellison Ballet, stresses that it is a dancer's mindset and dedication to working hard that truly sets him or her up for success. Being clear about your goals for the year and your career ambitions can help you choose the right summer intensive where you can achieve the results you really want.

Maya Read, a current Ellison Ballet student who has trained with the school since 2018, says that it is important to look at the current and former students to know if a summer intensive is right for you. "You should look for somewhere that reflects where you want to be as a dancer," she says. "I remember hearing about how many Ellison Ballet graduates joined companies and all the wonderful things they had to say about the school, the teachers and the training. That helped me know it was the right place for me."

Taking ownership of your goals also helps others help you. The Ellison Ballet Summer Intensive teachers, which include year-round faculty as well as prominent guest teachers from around the world, focus on each student as an individual. "They are so passionate about the students, and they want us all to succeed," says Read.

Christopher Mitchell, a dancer with the Dutch National Ballet Junior Company who trained with Ellison Ballet from 2018–20, says that the EBSI also has a unique camaraderie among the students, where everyone lifts each other up. "You can feel comfortable asking other students for help and working toward your goals without any judgment."

Seek out new experiences

A summer intensive is a great opportunity to test out what life as a pre-professional is like."You learn how you need to work when there are no other distractions, like performances, and get used to the structure and the schedule," says Mitchell. There's a lot to learn outside the studio too. "I wanted to come to Ellison Ballet to experience life in New York City, and see if it would be a good match for me," recalls Read. Taking advantage of all the unique arts and culture that New York City has to offer alongside top-notch training could be a goal in itself for some dancers this summer.

Ellison Ballet offers three unique summer courses: a four-week classical training program, and two two-week specialized programs in areas that are crucial for aspiring pros: classical variations and classical pas de deux. "In our four-week EBSI, students are immersed in all aspects of study vital to becoming dancers," says Ellison. That includes ballet technique, pointe, character, contemporary, conditioning, and more, not to mention valuable exposure to the many benefits of Vaganova technique, a signature aspect of Ellison Ballet's program. From there, Ellison encourages students to keep building on their progress with a deep dive into either classical variations or classical pas de deux. "The two-week programs explore classical works in-depth, from choreographic detail to musical nuance. Combining two intensives into a six-week course allows for an even greater opportunity for growth," he says.

Read, who attended the Classical Variations Intensive in 2018 and 2019, says, "The teachers explain the meaning behind all of the steps. It helps the students become trained not just in the body but in the mind, too."

Additionally, Ellison Ballet offers robust men's training as part of its summer programs, with separate daily technique classes and extensive pas de deux work. "We even have professional dancers who attend our programs to further hone their skills," says Ellison. "Many report that after returning to their companies, directors comment about the great strides they've made over their break."

Reap the rewards

"When students approach our programs with an open mind and heart, willing to give themselves completely to the work, the rewards can be substantial," says Ellison. His students are quick to express how the summer intensive was where they first discovered the mental tenacity and courage to push themselves to achieve their biggest goals.

"At Ellison, you really learn how to become a dancer, not just how to dance," says Read.

Mitchell, who is currently dancing in his first season with Dutch National Ballet's Junior Company, says that attending Ellison Ballet was the decision that had the biggest impact on his training. "It was the hard right turn that brought me to where I am today, and what prepared me to be a professional."