New Heights Ballet Workshop

The “New Heights Ballet Workshop” will be held July 27-31, offering dance students a chance to strengthen their ballet technique, develop artistry, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming Nutcracker for the Golden Belt season, and is open to dancers of all experience levels.

Children with no dance experience can attend the week-long summer dance camp to be introduced to the ballet style by learning ballet vocabulary, class etiquette, and the story of the “Nutcracker.”

“Beginning Ballet Technique” for students ages 7-11 will meet from 10 to 11 a.m. and will be taught by Barton Dance Instructor Danika Bielek and Barton Dance alumnus ShaeLee Martinz. An “Open Ballet Technique” class for ages 12 to adult will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will be taught by Danika Bielek and Ballet Salina Director Mara Klenda.

Bielek is also the Director of the “Nutcracker for the Golden Belt” production, and said both age groups will learn dances from the “Nutcracker.”

“Students interested in trying out for this year’s production of the 'Nutcracker for the Golden Belt' will find participating in the workshop helpful to prepare for being part of the holiday classic event, but it is not necessary to audition if attending the workshop,” she said. “Teenage and young adult dance students will gain skills to become stronger, more expressive dancers through a combination of technical development and performance quality growth through ballet training.

Bielek said the week will be full of positive dance experiences for everyone.

“Ballet technique develops grace and athleticism in dancers of all levels of experience,” she said. “We wanted to offer a learning experience that teaches ballet is not only for developing strong dance technique, but is also a specific style of dance that is full of artistry and power. This workshop is taught in a warm and welcoming environment where all students can grow. You certainly do not have to be a ‘Prima Ballerina’ to take the workshop. All dancers will be immersed in dance training that will result in them feeling more like a ballerina or cavalier (male ballet dancer) by the end of the week.”

All classes will be held in Studio 34, located in the southeast area of campus. The cost is $10 per class or $40 for the full five-class intensive. Registration is available at shows.bartonccc.edu.

Auditions for “Nutcracker for the Golden Belt” will be held Aug. 29.