The Program

Click here to download the Summer Intensive 2012 Intermediates information form.

Click here to download the Summer Intensive 2012 Intermediates registration form.

Summer Intensive Intermediates offers an exciting summer program for young dancers, modeled on our internationally acclaimed Summer Intensive, of which it is an extension. Summer Intensive Intermediates offers the same careful, personal training for which Princeton Ballet School is famous and is presented by some of the same teachers as those who teach the Intensive.

Ages 11 to 14, are key ones in the training of a young dancer, and the opportunity to study more intensively, and to experience a wider variety of dance styles, can make a huge difference in a young dancer’s progress. Just as in our Summer Intensive, we offer classes in variations, stretch and strength, choreography, jazz, and modern dance. These topics follow a strong morning of two ballet classes.

The program is for dancers at a high intermediate level. Many of these dancers have recently begun their pointe work. Others are getting ready for this major moment in a dancer’s life. We spend time within the week working on basic pointe exercises and pointe readiness work. For the young men involved, we offer a Young Mens Class.  Serious young dance students will want to take four to five weeks of the program. Each week builds on and refers to the others. But please note that one can take the program for as little as one week, if necessary. Each week has a different theme, with a classical ballet being studied. Admission is on a first-come, first served basis and enrollment is limited.

Please note that this is a daytime program - no boarding is offered.

Faculty

ERIKA MERO began her dance training at Princeton Ballet School. As a dancer in the Professional Training Program, she studied with Elisabeth Carroll, Septime Webre, Maria Youskevitch, and Mary Pat Robertson. Ms. Mero was a member of Princeton Ballet II, a pre-professional company of the school where she performed works by Sherry Alban. Later as a dancer in ARB Workshop, Ms. Mero appeared in the premiere of Graham Lustig’s Standstill as well as the ballerina role of Swanhilda in Coppelia. During these years, she attended The Juilliard School’s summer program. In 2006, Ms. Mero graduated Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase. After graduation, Ms. Mero continued teaching at Princeton Ballet School, where she had started in 2003. Recent performance work includes two season’s with Stuart Loungway’s Terra Firma Dance Theatre, several opera productions with Opera New Jersey and as a featured dancer/choreographer in Capriccio at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. Ms. Mero is an ABT® certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She has also been on the faculty of ABT’s Young Dancer Summer Workshop for two summers. In May 2010, Erika graduated with an MA in Dance Education with a concentration in ABT Ballet Pedagogy from New York University.

KATIE SCIBIENSKI (ballet) began her dance training at Princeton Ballet School with Cheryl Whitney, Carol Bellis, and Sally Edwards. After her family moved to Michigan, she continued her training at The Flint School of Performing Arts, and later studied at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. She graduated cum laude from Butler University, with a BA in dance pedagogy. Ms. Scibienski danced with Portland Ballet Company, in Portland, Maine. Since moving to New York in 2006, Ms. Scibienski has been teaching for Princeton Ballet School, and has performed in New York with the STEPS Repertory Ensemble and Contemporary Ballet Theatre. She has danced the works of Yesid Lopez, Monica Bill Barnes, Max Stone, and Jason Winters. This will be Katie’s fifth summer with Summer Intensive Intermediates.

JANELL BYRNE (modern dance, stretch and alignment) received her early training in California, and graduated from The Juilliard School. She has taught ballet and modern dance at Princeton Ballet School for over 25 years, and also teaches Pilates.

SUSAN TENNEY (choreography) received her early training at Princeton Ballet School from founder Audreé Estey. Susan has been resident choreographer for the Williamstown Theater Festival, has choreographed for McCarter Theatre, and has taught the art of choreography to many groups over the years, including through our program with Rider University.

Placement Information

Students new to Princeton Ballet School should speak with Carol Bellis 609.921.7758 ext. 14 to determine their level.

Click here to download the Summer Intensive 2012 Intermediates registration form.