I have only been at the Joffrey Ballet School for a little over a year. I have taken classes, participated in the summer intensives and had privates. I have definitely improved my dance technique while at Joffrey. It’s been a lot of hard work!
Last October, was especially exciting. I was asked to be in JBS’s Youth Ensemble – it was like a dream! We have been able to perform a few times so far and it has been a wonderful opportunity for me. The first time we performed, we only had a few days to prepare. I thought it was fun to have to rush to learn the dance – it was hard but it was also so fun. The performance was in Madison Square Park – we had such a beautiful dance, beautiful costumes and special music. Thanks to Ms. Jo and Ms. Irene for working with us. I love to perform and any chance to be on stage is magical for me. I was lucky to be with such talented dancers and I look up to all of them.
Competing at YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) was another first experience for me this year. The competition was fierce and I learned a lot by watching the other participants. There were so many talented dancers. I also learned just how much work goes into doing a short two-minute variation and how to adjust spacing depending on what kind of stage I’m dancing on and how big it is. I followed Ms. Irene’s advice and didn’t compare myself to other dancers while I was waiting backstage. Another tip: having classmates supporting you makes a big difference, especially when you are nervous at the last second. It was great having my friends there!
I hope I will be able to keep improving my dance day by day. I am so thankful for the Joffrey Ballet School and especially for my teacher, Ms. Irene. She has truly been my inspiration and has helped me get ready for all my performances. She has really worked with me to be more aware of my hands and to help me keep improving my transitions and turnout.
I love the Joffrey Ballet School and I love being in the performances and dancing everyday. Being part of the ensemble has given me an idea of what it may be like to dance with a company. I really hope that I will be able to continue improving and someday be part of a professional company. I would love to be a first soloist in a company one day – isn’t that every dancer’s dream? I know it is hard work but dance is my passion and it is worth all the sweat, sore muscles and sore feet.
Hannah Eng
Founded in 1953 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey Ballet School maintains the vision of its founders to transform passionate dance students into versatile, individualistic artists able to collaborate and evolve fluidly in a fast-changing society. With an accredited dance program that offers two core areas of study – ballet and jazz/contemporary – JBS is known for its diverse curriculum and has the largest summer intensive training program in the country.
