For most people summer is a time to kick back and enjoy the lazy days of summer but if you are a serious dance student, the hours are spent glistening away in the heat of the studio perfecting technique, learning new choreography, and making new friends.
Does anyone remember Summer Intensives (formally Summer Workshop) on Alexander Road with the Dinky rumbling by, and the gorilla statue in the corner? How about Septime Webre's "Do and Don't" nutrition lectures featuring a bag of carrots and a package of snowballs? How about Summer Intensive Intermediates (formally Ballet PLUS Seniors) in the old school building in Cranbury with the telephone in the closet? Can you name any of the students in the picture above?
Please contact me at any time with updates about your life, and to share your ARB and Princeton Ballet School memories. We take great pride in the successes, both professional and personal, of those that have studied and worked here and hope that you are equally as proud of the work we continue to share with future generations and audiences.
Sincerely, Lisa de Ravel Alumni Relations Coordinator
We are Family: ARB and PBS welcome back alumni from the company and school as Guest Teachers
Kirk Peterson, Guest Teacher at this year's Summer Intensive, 2011.
Photo Credit George Jones
As families are gathering for reunions and back yard BBQs, some members of our ballet "family" have returned to the PBS Summer Intensive as guest teachers.
Alongside our permanent faculty, we are happy to welcome back Katie Glasner (Twyla Tharp) who conducts the choreographic seminar in an environment that is producing real collaboration. Meanwhile, Elaine Kudo (ABT) disperses specific and personal corrections in her classes. She will be joining Washington Ballet as Septime Webre's Ballet Mistress this fall. Michael Mindlin (Mamma Mia!) infuses intention of movement while teaching Theater Dance (see more below). Kyra Nichols (NYCB) shares her graciousness and musicality. Kirk Peterson (ABT, above) aspires for exact command of classical ballet lines and form. And Trinette Singleton (Joffrey) is back as well, offering efficient corrections delivered so smoothly. Needless to say, our studios have been all the more animated and happy with reunion hugs and stories about the past, present, and future.
Thanks to our alumni who have returned to our organization to give back their gift of knowledge, experience and artistry to today's students!
Alum Spotlight: Michael Mindlin
Michael Mindlin
"Returning to Princeton Ballet School as an instructor this summer brought back amazing memories of growing up in Princeton and training at PBS. The amount of time, sweat and hard work that went into everything we did as students at Princeton Ballet School was completely grounded in the instruction, attention and support we received from everyone at the school and in the company. I honestly feel like I was raised within those studio walls in the later half of my teen years. The enriching experiences I had there have been invaluable to me as a working performer today. I will forever be grateful for everyone at the Princeton Ballet School and American Repertory Ballet."
Michael Mindlin - Born and raised in Princeton, NJ, Michael began his ballet and jazz training at the age of 14 at the Princeton Ballet School. He soon joined the Professional Training Program and was given the opportunity to tour with ARB in Midsummer Night's Dream.Currently living in NYC, he has appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia!, 9 to 5 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Other: Camelot (NY Philharmonic/PBS' Live from Lincoln Center), School Daze (NYMF), West Side Story ( 50th Anniversary USA Tour) and Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular staring the Rockettes. Upcoming: The world premiere tour of Bring It On: The Musical. Michael is a frequent guest teacher at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in New York City and this past summer had the honor of teaching at the Summer Intensive at Princeton Ballet School.
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