Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

So what is the Harlem Shake?

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Harlem Shake videos are popping up on the internet like wildfire.

Patel Conservatory hip hop dance instructor Alesia Scott-Warren went on the national morning talk show Daytime this morning to set the record straight on what exactly is the Harlem Shake.

Hip hop instructor Alesia Scott-Warren, right, teaches the
original Harlem Shake to talk show hosts Cyndi Edwards
and Jerry Penacoli.

The dance started in Harlem and was made popular in the early 2000’s when featured in music videos from hip hop artists P. Diddy and G. Dep, as well as rapper Eve, said Scott-Warren.
The recent rash of videos are imitations of a video by some college guys, who dance to a 2012 song called Harlem Shake by Baauer.
Scott-Warren demonstrated the old version of the dance to Daytime hosts Cyndi Edwards and Jerry Penacoli.

The Daytime cast and crew even got into the action and put together their own version of the newer Harlem Shake trend.

The cast and crew of Daytime doing their take on the "Harlem Shake" video craze.

Catch the full segment on Daytime on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. on WFLA Channel 8.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

Hannah Beach to join the Hamburg Ballet

To contact us Click HERE
Congratulations to Next Generation Ballet (NGB) alum Hannah Beach who has recently accepted an apprentice position with the Hamburg Ballet for the fall.

Photo by Johan Persson

“I am really excited. The director, John Neumeier, is one of the best choreographers around,” said Beach, who has been taking classes at the Conservatory this week with former NGB instructors Peter Stark and Ivonne Lemus.
Beach, 17, is currently in the third year program at the Royal Ballet School (RBS) in London. She’s in town for a short break before returning to London.
“It’s so nice to come home to the family, and Mr. Peter and Ms. Ivonne. I miss them so much when I’m in classes (at RBS),” said Beach.
Beach left Next Generation Ballet at age 16 to study at RBS, where she excelled in her first year and skipped the second year of RBS’s three-year program.
Last fall, she was one of only five students chosen to perform with Royal Ballet’s professional company as part of their Corp de Ballet.
“Performing with Royal Ballet was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It’s completely changed my life,” said Beach.
She was in 21 performances of Swan Lake and 21 performances of The Nutcracker.
“It was really nerve wracking. You don’t want to mess up as a student, especially in Swan Lake....we all have to look the exact same,” said Beach.
In The Nutcracker, she got to stand out a bit more. “I was one of only eight of the Corp for the Waltz of the Flowers. It was really nice. You could definitely see me on stage.”
Of course, a demanding performance schedule takes its toll, both physically and emotionally.
“It was hard because they perform every night, but it’s worth it. Especially at the end, bowing on stage with the principal dancers,” she beamed.
Performing in The Nutcracker also meant she couldn’t come home for Christmas.
“It’s been a challenge, but Skype is very helpful,” said Felicia Beach, Hannah’s mother.
Felicia and Hannah feel that Hamburg Ballet seems like the right fit for her.
Neumeier, the company director, is internationally known for his choreography.
While many companies perform classic choreography, Hamburg Ballet exclusively performs Neumeier’s choreography, providing a rare opportunity for its dancers to be able to work with the choreographer directly.
“He has his own style. He choreographs all their ballets,” said Hannah.

Sisters Hannah, left, and Gabi, right
pursue ballet careers. Hannah will join
the Hamburg Ballet company in the
fall and Gabi will join the Royal Ballet
School.

It’s an exciting year for many of our students. Three NGB students, including Hannah’s sister Gabi, have been accepted to RBS, and NGB new artist William Dugan will join Hannah in Germany as he joins the School of the Hamburg Ballet. Gabi will attend RBS this fall.
With two young daughters overseas this fall (Gabi is only 15), it will be a big adjustment for Felicia, an accountant, and husband John, who works for Raytheon. 
“Gabi’s leaving a year younger than her sister did, that makes me anxious...But mostly we’re very thankful that the girls are having the education from Royal Ballet, and happy they’ve been able to learn from Peter and Ivonne. There’s no way they would have gotten there without them,” said Felicia. “I’ll just have to log a lot of frequent flyer miles.”
Best of luck to both Hannah and Gabi as they embark on new adventures this fall!

Flashdance cast member helps you learn How to Survive a Dance and Music Audition

To contact us Click HERE

Join Flashdance cast member Holly Ann Butler tonight at an audition workshop at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.
The workshop, How to Survive a Dance and Music Audition, is last of our three-part audition workshop series.

Butler is currently on tour with Flashdance, now playing at the Straz Center through Feb. 24.
This is your chance to work with a seasoned professional whose credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway and the National Tours of Shrek the Musical and Jersey Boys.
At the upcoming workshop, you’ll learn how to pick an audition song that suits your voice, how to handle choreography for a dance audition and how to assemble an audition book. Students will then be led through a mock audition and receive feedback on their performance.
How to Survive a Dance and Music AuditionFri., Feb. 22, 2013Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, TampaCost: $50
To register online, click here, or for more information or to register by phone, call 813-222-1002.
The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center offers classes in dance, music and theater. We are located in downtown Tampa, so please allow plenty of time to park and sign-in.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

Campos to host Ballet's Greatest Hits

To contact us Click HERE
Lissette Campos has been enchanted with the world of dance ever since she was a little girl.

ABC News reporter Lissette Campos
will host Ballet's Greatest Hits

“When you’re a child, and you hear the music and see the costumes, it’s all very magical,” said Campos.
Campos, an Emmy Award-winning ABC News reporter, will emcee Ballet’s Greatest Hits at the Straz Center this Saturday evening. Presented by Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and the Straz Center, this gala event will feature some of the world's top professional dancers.
Growing up in Miami, Campos developed a love and admiration for dance through the two daughters of her after-school caregiver. The two girls, Mable and Maribel Modrono, were like sisters to Campos. Both danced, and Campos watched them year after year in the Nutcracker, going from the small caterpillars to Clara. Both went on to become professional dancers, including several years with the Miami City Ballet and other professional companies.
“Watching them dance on stage, I felt so special that I knew someone who could create something that is so beautiful,” said Campos.
She is excited to host this weekend’s performance of Ballet’s Greatest Hits, not only because she loves dance, but also because she sees it as a special experience for the Tampa community.
“Any time you have an organization (like YAGP) that has different options around the world, and they select your community, it’s quite prestigious,” she said. “Couple that with the fact that our community has a chance to go to one place and see the best talent from all over the world. It’s a unique opportunity.”
For Campos, dance will always hold a special place in her heart.
“This friendship I had, hearing all their stories, of the rehearsals, even the names of the positions in French, it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Her experience is a reminder that, “each of us has the ability to create something beautiful.”

Ballet's Greatest Hits will be Sat., Jan. 5, 2013 at 8 p.m. at the Straz Center. For tickets, click here.

Dig It! cast gives a preview at Children's Museum

To contact us Click HERE


Thanks to the members of the cast of Dig It! who gave a preview of the upcoming show at Target Tuesday at the Glazer Children’s Museum last week.
Dig It! is an educational, family-friendly show that explores the wonders of ancient civilizations. It’s the perfect show for young children to attend and experience live theater.

Students in grades two through four have been hard at work rehearsing for the performances, which will be Feb. 28 through March 8 in the TECO Theater. 
“Dig It! is a magnificent way to introduce young ones to significant moments in archeological history,” said Ami Sallee, Patel Conservatory theater chair.
“The cast of young elementary students act, sing and dance around subjects that might seem dry or boring in a text book and breathe life into these ‘old bones.’ The show will be fun for the whole family."

The show is directed by Audrey Siegler and choreographed by Rodner Salgado. Music directors are Allison Novak and Kavan Gillespie.

At last week's preview, the students had a great time performing musical numbers from the show, including So Long Ago. They entertained children and families, and even let some of the kids join in the fun!
For tickets to the show, please visit patelconservatory.org.

NGB students accepted to Royal Ballet School

To contact us Click HERE

Kemper Cassada, left, with Hannah Stanford

Congratulations to three Next Generation Ballet (NGB) dancers who have been accepted to the Royal Ballet School (RBS)!
Kemper Cassada, Gabi Beach and Hannah Stanford have all received offers to train at the world-renowned ballet school in London.
Cassada and Beach, both 15, have been accepted for this fall, and Stanford, 14, has already been accepted for the fall of 2014 when she’ll meet the minimum age requirement for acceptance.
“The school feeds into the Royal Ballet, one of the best companies in the world,” said Beach, who recently returned from attending two weeks of classes there. “The training is just really fantastic.”
All three NGB students received short term scholarships to the school at last year’s final Youth America Grand Prix competition in New York. Those scholarships allowed them to visit the school and participate in classes. They were each independently accepted into the RBS three-year program based on their performances during those visits.
“It wasn’t anything I expected...it was very intense,” said Cassada of his time in London.
Even though he trains five to six full days a week here at the Patel Conservatory, he said being at RBS was a different experience.
“It was more intimidating to be over there just because it’s the Royal Ballet, and you have all these great dancers, they’re absolutely incredible,” said Cassada.
Beach had a similar experience on her visit.

Gabi Beach, right, with sister Hannah.

“It was amazing. It really opens your eyes to how good people are and how much you can learn,” said Beach, whose older sister Hannah graduated from NGB to study at RBS in 2011 and was recently offered a position with the Hamburg Ballet.
The younger Beach sister said she didn’t even like to dance when she was little, but did it because her sister danced.
“I was always the kid running around. I never liked them saying, ‘you have to do it like this,’” said Gabi.
When she and her sister transferred to the Patel Conservatory in 2009, her attitude shifted.
“With all the good people here and the opportunities to dance in productions, it puts you in the state of mind that this is a professional job,” said Beach.
Cassada agrees that work ethic is a big part of his success. He’s pushed past his share of injuries, and all the ups and downs that a full-time dancer endures.
“You really have to want to do it. Some days you feel like, ‘I don’t want to work out today.’ You just have to push past it,” said Cassada. “Being able to dance at the RBS is a great honor. I just want to go there so I can further my training and get better.”
When Beach’s sister was accepted to RBS, it was a motivator for many of the students at the Conservatory.
“Her going to Royal really opened my eyes, and especially hers (she was super surprised), that we can get into the best schools...a lot of us have gotten scholarships to so many places, it shows how the Patel (Conservatory) really works to get us to the best schools and how our students are amazing and we can really make it.”
Come see Gabi Beach, Kemper Cassada and Hannah Stanford in Cinderella in May at the Straz Center. Gabi and Hannah will both play Cinderella in different performances and Kemper will play multiple roles.