WECT TV6 - WECT.com - Wilmington, NC news and weather - First Act: Carolina Ballet
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WILMINGTON -- With pointed toes and graceful arms, a group of young dancers receives professional instruction from one of the head masters of the Raleigh-based Carolina Ballet.
It's just one class during a five-week intensive summer training program at UNCW. The dancers are studying ballet, jazz, modern, and even yoga, sometimes taking up to five classes a day.
"The summer program started last year, and it's an incredible program for the children. They come from all around the country," said Ballet Master Debra Austin.
The dancers also come from as far away as France and Australia, but many of them live in the Wilmington area. Thirteen-year-old Audrey Thompson and her twin sister are from Kure Beach. They were both accepted into the program.
"I wanted to audition for a summer program that was close to where I live, so I wouldn't have to go far away from home so I wouldn't have to get homesick or anything, but still get to experience having different teachers from other places," said Audrey.
The fact those teachers have such a diverse dancing background only enhances the students' training.
"The children get a chance to really work with many different styles, so they take a lot home with them," said Austin.
Once the students finish in the classroom, they move to the stage to show off what they've learned. They'll showcase their performance pieces the first weekend in August, alongside some of the corps members of the Carolina Ballet. It's an opportunity unlike any other for the young dancers.
"We want to teach them as much as we can so that they take those keys back to their local schools, because you can't just stay in one environment. You must experience so much of the dance world," explained Austin.
That experience starts in a modest classroom, which could be the turning point for aspiring ballerinas.
Carolina Ballet Performances:
For tickets, call (910) 962-3500 or (800) 732-3643.
Reported by Heather Setzler
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