Testimonials
These are our top 100 essay submissions for our 2014/2015 Essay Scholarship Contest that ran from July through November 2014. We absolutely loved reading all 1000 submissions this year and they were all well received.
Want to leave a testimonial? Email us at: [email protected]
Kaitlyn Schoen
The two weeks I spent at Joffrey Ballet School's 2013 New York City Intensive were an amazing experience that I will never forget. I learned so much and grew as a dancer both mentally and physically. The instructors, staff, and other dancers inspired me to push myself in ways I never had before and challenge myself to further my career by training at JBS. The Joffrey Ballet School is the world renowned dance school in the USA because it offers such a wide variety of classes and styles. I feel that my experience at Joffrey strengthened my technique and encouraged me to believe that I can someday become a well-rounded professional dancer. Joffrey Ballet School has trained many students to become successful dancers with outstanding careers, and I'm confident that Joffrey Ballet School can do the same for me. I was not able to afford to go to Joffrey last summer, and I would be overjoyed to win a scholarship to the place that started my dance career. I learned so much in the two short weeks I attended Joffrey Ballet School, and I'm very hopeful that I will be able to attend Joffrey's NYC Summer Intensive 2015.
Katherine Beasley
Joffrey Ballet School is the best summer program I have been a part of. Not only do they teach you new steps, they taught me how to perform them. All of my teachers were the best in the business, and they taught me more than I could have ever imagined I could learn in one short week! Not only did I get the opportunity to take ballet and pointe, I took many modern, acting, nutrition, and dance history classes as well. At Joffrey there was only positive pressure to be the best that you can be. To me, it’s the world premier dance school because of their amazing and encouraging staff, great facilities, talented dancers, and an overall wholesome experience for us to grow in. JBS will make you into a dancer you’ve always wanted to be.
Katrin Denson
Dancing allows me to let go of all of my emotions. Becoming completely immersed in the music and movement is a feeling that cannot be described. Everything in your life is forgotten and you are transformed into another world. That feeling of true commitment is what I live for and something I couldn't live without. There is never a day when I don't want to go to the studio. I am addicted to becoming better every single day and the constant challenge of striving for perfection. The process of improvement is what makes me truly happy. I always leave the studio hungry for more. Dancing is such a hard profession; only the most passionate will make it. A strong work ethic and belief in oneself is more important than any other natural ability. I know that this is what I want to do with my life and I am willing to do whatever it takes. That is why I want to train at the world premiere dance school in the USA. To pursue my goal of a professional dance career at the Joffrey Ballet School would be a dream come true.
Kayla Fraser
The Joffrey School is definitely the world premiere dance school in the USA! I just finished my week at the Joffrey-NYC and I cannot wait to come back next year. This was my first year attending the intensive and all I can say is AMAZING! After my first day, I told everyone I knew how much I loved the Joffrey. I had learned so much and took classes that I have never tried before. Horton and Theater Dance were new to me, but the instructors made learning these styles stress free and fun. I learned so much and totally fell in love with Horton. Being at the Joffrey, I was surrounded by such great teachers and dancers. It was so amazing to know that everyone was there for the same reason. It was to learn, to grow and to do what we love. There was such positive energy there and the teachers and dancers were all so supportive. In one week, I felt stronger, more confident, more challenged and hungry to learn more. I met dancers from all over the country that I now call my friends. Thank you for making my first Joffrey experience a great one!
Kennedy Bagwell
The Joffrey NYC Jazz & Contemporary Intensive was the best 3 weeks of proffesional dancing I have ever had. I loved being in the dance capital of the world doing what I love every minute of each day. I made the most out of each class I had working hard to train with the top choreographers in the dance industry. The Joffrey Ballet School is the world premiere dance school in the USA because of the professional staff and the amazing opportunities a young dancer like me can take from this experience. I would love to come back to the Joffrey Jazz & Contemporary Intensive next summer to keep pushing my limits with dance and working hard on my dream to become a professional dancer in the dance industry in New York City. With enough passion, dedication, and hard work any dancer can become who they want to be.
Kristin Leechow
Almost four years ago, I spent two weeks at Joffrey Ballet School's Summer Intensive Track in New York City. Just having turned 13, Joffrey was my first ballet intensive and I will never forget it. At Joffrey, I was exposed to aspects of ballet that I had never before thought twice about. In Dance History, I learned about everything from Robert Joffrey and John Cranko, to George Balanchine and Les Sylphides. Before my experience at the Joffrey Ballet School, I had never taken a contemporary ballet class. Upon returning to my ballet school, I felt stronger and more secure in my technique. The Joffrey Ballet School is the world premiere dance school in the USA, simply because it is versatile. Ballet, Jazz, Character, and Contemporary, are supported by classes for stretching and conditioning. Along with aiding in refining my technique, I began to discover more in just two short weeks at Joffrey: artistry. Now, at age 16, I wish to return to Joffrey to continue to build upon my ballet technique, branch out into other genres of dance, and overall, grow as an artist.
Laila MacKay-Williams
Every time I dance I experience this never ending feeling, It's indescribable, a subtle sensation that allows me to express my entire being without saying a word. It’s odd but I actually love the feeling of being completely pushed to the limit, covered in sweat, panting for air and still being expected to dance. Those moments are when I surprise myself the most as my body is pushing and demanding me to keep going and striving for more. I don’t think you can ever stop trying to perfect dance as each day new emotions and life experiences affect the approach taken. I think that’s what makes dance to beautiful is that its completely different for each person and transforms people their best self. I believe the Joffrey Ballet School is the world premiere school in the USA as each dance style is treated and studied in the same respect and intensity to allow the individuals to find their own fire and quality that leaves them feeling as though every fibre in the body has been ignited. The Joffrey Ballet School will allow me to develop my artistry and passion in dance, the most powerful form of art there is.
Lauren Early
My training at the Joffrey Southwest Intensive was the highlight of my summer, and an experience I will never forget. Not only did I improve as a dancer, but I also grew as a person by learning lifelong lessons such as to always try your hardest, and never give up. My world of dance was expanded as I learned about new genres like African dance and the Alexander technique, and was challenged in styles from Ballet to Hip-hop. Everyday brought exiting classes in which I was being taught to feel the music with my heart, and move with the correct technique. All of the incredible teachers challenged me in a new way, and focused on each individual. The level of training by the Joffrey staff is truly outstanding, along with the quality of the dance environment. With all of these amazing teachers under one roof it inspired me to become like them, and I now want to further my dance career and become a professional dancer and teacher. Overall, attending the Joffrey Intensive helped me realize my passion for dance by providing amazing instructors, and I would be honored to attend this summer on a scholarship.
Lauren Scott
This summer was unlike anything I had experienced before. I would never have dreamed that I would learn as much as I did in the Joffrey Pre-Professional program. My four instructors, Matthew Presscott, Era Jourlavlev, Francesca Corkle, and Andrei Jouravlev helped push me to the limit not only physically but also mentally. I loved that not only did these incredible instructors help me become a more technical dancer, but they also gave me the tools to improve myself for the rest of my dance career. I came out of my two week program stronger, while also learning to let my emotions show through my dance. The Joffrey faculty is a major reason why the Joffrey Ballet School is the world premiere dance school in the USA. Not only is the faculty talented, but the dancers who graduate from this school go on to be very successful in the professional dance world. The environment Joffrey provides encourages their dancers to push themselves to their full potential. I will never forget how much I grew, not just as a dancer, while at Joffrey.
Leah Kalish
In the short two weeks I spent at the Joffrey Ballet School's Intensive in San Francisco, I gained more skills as a dancer and worker than ever before. My days were filled with new ideas, choreography, and techniques that improved my dancing, as well as my dedication and diligence. Each instructor shared their different methods and provided me with a unique experience. They taught me to feel my movements and express how I feel on the inside through dancing. I learned to be a smart dancer, one who is alert and aware of their surroundings and consistently focused. I became comfortable with improvisation and now view it as one of my favorite parts of dance. The Joffrey Ballet School strives to create dancers who are well rounded and skilled in a variety of dance styles. They focus on the dynamics of dance, while still building a strong technique base. The Joffrey Ballet School's Summer Intensive helped me discovered that dance is my true passion and where I feel the most in tune with myself.
Lia D’Alessandro
When I close my eyes and envision summer, I am immediately transported to an amazing class at the Joffrey Ballet School. For the past two years, my mind, body and spirit have grown through the unique opportunities that the Joffrey summer intensive has to offer. Michael Blake, the artistic director of the Jazz/Contemporary program, has been the ultimate guide. His warm smile immediately conveys a vibrant spirit and passionate dedication. Mind-blowing teachers/choreographers offer inspiration within challenging, supportive and diverse classes. Receptive young dancers can only thrive in such an environment. Mentioning the housing and meal plan may seem funny but, as a dancer who has participated in many programs, I find the Joffrey’s resources in this regard an amazing asset. Care is taken in creating room assignments and, when returning from a challenging day of classes, it is such a welcome relief to find that your meal has been delivered and that you can unwind with friends! Comfort outside of the class only serves to support productivity inside the class. Joffrey provides the perfect balance of rigor and fun. If you are a dedicated dancer seeking a transformative experience, you need not look any further than the Joffrey!
Lindsay Davis
This summer, I was able to attend the Joffrey Ballet School, for a Jazz and Contemporary camp, and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only was I able to learn new styles of dance, and learn how to have better technique, but I was able to grow physically and emotionally as a dancer, as well. I was able to take classes from crème de la crème teachers like Caitlin Abraham, Maximillien Baud, Lena Lauer and other amazing people made that week even greater than it already was- one of the teachers even someone even called me Beyoncé! Hearing what different, yet valuable pep talks each teacher shared with their students was something I would never trade from the world. Joffrey is THE World Premier dance school in the USA because they produce some of the best dancers in the world, due to the time and effort they spend, making sure all of their students have a well-rounded dance background. I am ready for the next level of my dance training, and I know that having Joffrey in my life will help me get there!
Lucy Sumner
The urban environments of the Joffrey intensives create an energetic atmosphere and enabled me to understand the professional life of a performer. The lively surroundings submersed me into a realm of possibilities. New York inspired me to exceed the boundaries I had previously created for myself and aspire to a whole new level of possibility. Now add in all the valuable direction of the teachers at Joffrey. I learnt how breathe can transform my dancing. I now feel every movement and every fragment of my body. I actually comprehend the proper placement of my core and ribs now. Most importantly, my teachers taught me the value of making the steps my own. Adding my personality to the choreography is unique to me and sets me apart in a myriad of dancers. The ability to experience contemporary dance styles combined with detailed instruction made the summer intensive a rejuvenating experience. After the Joffrey Summer Intensive, I wake up everyday and strive to be the best version of myself I can be, both as a dancer and as a human being. Now I never waste a day use every ounce of my energy and knowledge to get closer to my goals.
Mackenzie Hagerman
I feel so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to attend the World Renowned Joffrey Ballet School this summer. My experience was such a positive one as I felt I grew as a dancer immensely and learned so much from this valuable experience. I attended the Jazz/Contemporary Summer Intensive and was exposed to so many different genres of dance that every day was not only different from the day before but so exciting. The teachers were phenomenal and I absolutely loved every aspect of being a Joffrey student. I believe Joffrey Ballet School is the world premiere dance school in the USA because your amazing and talented faculty are professionals in the field and have danced with many world class companies. It is clear why dancers come from all over the world to train at the Joffrey Ballet School. Joffrey provides excellence in dance education with such a well rounded dance training program unlike any other. Joffrey's professional faculty gave me an even greater passion for dance then I ever thought possible. Not only did my technique improve but so did my confidence as a dancer. For me dancing at Joffrey was truly a dream come true!
Mackenzie Meade
My Joffrey experience was wonderful! I learned so much from all of the instructors. I also got to meet Davis Robertson himself! I loved that all the instructors taught you something new and different. I have a huge passion for dance and Joffrey made my passion for dance even greater. Joffrey has helped me in so many ways. I got to learn different dances in each class I took. Joffrey gives you an opportunity to learn a wide variety of dance styles. They give you a chance to make new friends and discover new things about yourself and your passion for dance. I learned that I can do anything and it doesn't matter what other people think of you. You are perfect the way you are. Joffrey is the "World Premiere Dance School" because they teach you to believe in yourself. They give you confidence to try new techniques and dance styles. I loved my 2014 Joffrey experience and I hope I will get to come back this coming year. I hope to go and learn even more than I did the year before. You can never stop learning and growing in dance or in life itself.
Want to leave a testimonial? Email us at: [email protected]
