Local dancer spent summer break training in Nashville

Samantha Stockard

School of Nashville Ballet accepted one young dancer from Manchester to participate in its Summer Intensive program, where she spent part of her summer developing her ballet technique and performance skills at the official School of Nashville Ballet—Samantha Stockard, who studies at Ballet Chelsea.

This year’s Summer Intensive program included 313 students from 33 states across the country as well international students from Brazil and Canada. Students had the chance to train with Nashville Ballet’s internationally recognized teachers and guest faculty, as well as be seen by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling.

“Summer Intensive allows dancers to exclusively dedicate themselves to dance during a short period of time,” Director of School of Nashville Ballet Nick Mullikin said. “Students are exposed to a wide variety of dance and teaching styles with classes up to seven hours a day, six days a week. It’s an incredible commitment, but they leave with a broader knowledge of dance and the skills to take the next step in their training and career.”

This past summer, Nashville Ballet offered eight Summer Intensive sessions for ages 11 and over, ranging from one to five weeks. Students had the opportunity to board at nearby Belmont University in suite-style apartments, as well as go on organized trips to explore the city of Nashville.

“Not only do students develop their abilities inside the ballet studio at Summer Intensive, but they are gaining life skills that can be applied outside of the studio,” Mullikin said. “Students are learning qualities like discipline and independence while also forming a lifelong bond with each other over this shared experience. Summer Intensive offers a glimpse into the life of a professional dancer, but if that doesn’t end up being your path, you’re learning the skills to be successful wherever you may go.”

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.