Summer Intensive Faculty Announced at Eastern Connecticut Ballet

Eastern Connecticut Ballet is pleased to announce the faculty for its 2016 Summer Intensive, “In Balanchine’s Footsteps”, August 1-5 & 8-12. Artistic Director Gloria Govrin, a former soloist with the New York City Ballet, provides the creative vision for the summer intensive. Mr. Balanchine created many major roles for Ms. Govrin; today she excels as both a master teacher and choreographer.

Joining Ms. Govrin in the East Lyme studios are five master teachers who were either students of “Mr. B” or members of companies that embraced his choreography. Under the guidance of these exceptional artists and teachers, students will discover their own artistic styles, while becoming a part of a living legacy.

Headlining the guest faculty for the Intensive is New York City Ballet’s extraordinary principal dancer Sara Mearns, whom Alastair Macaulay of the New York Times has called “the great American ballerina of our era”. Having starred as the Sugarplum Fairy in Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s annual Nutcracker at The Garde Arts Center, Sara resumes her role at ECB this summer as master teacher. Ms. Mearns is known for her riveting stage presence and powerful performances; students will thrive under her direction.

The dynamic and expressive Pennsylvania Ballet Principal Amy Aldridge returns to Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s intensive for a second year. Ms. Aldridge brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom after dancing as a principal with Pennsylvania Ballet for fifteen years.

Francis Veyette and Lauren Fadeley, both Pennsylvania Ballet Principals as well as husband and wife, will help students hone their technique and artistry. Mr. Veyette now serves as the Artistic Director of Pennsylvania Ballet II. Prior to joining Pennsylvania Ballet, Ms. Fadeley danced for two years with New York City Ballet and earned a degree in Ballet Performance from Indiana University.

To round out the program, students will enjoy jazz with Broadway veteran Mary Ann Lamb and modern dance with Paul Taylor Company member Eran Bugge. Ms. Lamb’s musical credits include Seussical, Contact, Fosse, Chicago, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Goodbye Girl, and the film Chicago. Ms. Bugge has toured the world performing in more than 50 works by Paul Taylor.

In addition to the summer intensive, Eastern Connecticut Ballet also offers a range of summer programs for all ages and skill levels. Programs include: Pre-Professional Intermediate/Advanced July Workshop (placement required), Young Professional Summer Dance Workshop (ages 8-12), Petite Dancer Workshop (ages 6-8), Storybook Magic Adventure (ages 3 ½ - 6), and Teen/Adult Ballet and Jazz classes.

A full schedule of summer programs, costs, and registration form are available at easternctballet.com. Register by April 15 and receive a $15 discount. For inquiries, call 860-739-7899 or visit ECB at 435 Boston Post Road in East Lyme.