Academy Teacher, Melissa D'Avanzo, Reveals Benefits of CFB's Summer Intensive

 

Academy Teacher: Melissa D'Avanzo, 

Photo by Michael Cairns

What makes Central Florida Ballet's Summer Intensive unique?

CFB has a great Summer Intensive because it brings the student into contact with a variety of dance forms and instructors from ultra-classical ballet variations to Rockette-style jazz. The students have an opportunity to learn from teachers from around the world in an intimate studio setting with lots of personal attention.

 Photo by Lisbet Photography 

What tips do you have for students auditioning for the Summer Intensive program?
Auditions can be intimidating but remember it’s a class, so try your best and pay close attention. I like to see a dancer who looks like they’re enjoying themselves. It’s more important to see that a student respects their art form rather than doing four off-balance pirouettes.

How do you prepare for teaching ballet?

I usually like to prepare my combinations ahead of time. That way I can work on things at the barre that will help the steps in the center. If I have a class level more than once a week I will work on perfecting certain steps that whole week.

 

Courtesy of Central Florida Ballet Instagram

What advice do you have for students to get the most of out their classes?
Keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Take and apply every correction you hear. Don't wait for your name to be attached to a correction, just use them all! And have fun! Ballet is a lot of hard work but so rewarding!

What major benefits do dancers receive by participating in the Summer Intensive?
The intensive is especially good for improving pointework. Our program has students dancing for up to 6 hours per day which helps them to strengthen their technique and sharpens the mind’s attention to detail. At the same time, our dancers get to make new friends and experience different types of teaching styles.

Photo by Lisbet Photography

Which do you love teaching the most - ballet technique, pointe technique or variations?

I like teaching all three, but I think teaching ballet technique is the most rewarding because a teacher can really see improvement over the course of the year. Also I find theory and the scientific principle behind many ballet movements fascinating.

What has been your favorite part of teaching over the years?

I like to see when a new student has come to our Summer Intensive for the first time and so enjoys it that they decide to come back to our studio as a full time year-round student.

For information on CFB's Summer Intensive, visit www.centralfloridaballet.com or call 407-849-9948 ext 10.