Summer dance shines in Benicia and Vallejo

Benicia Ballet Theatre is busy preparing for its third annual summer workshop.  The City of Benicia helped co-sponsor its beginning.  Valero then graciously donated to our program for children.  Workshops are available for the very young dancer to mature dancer.  Classes begin July 22 and the program concludes with a performance at the Empress Theatre on Aug 3 with live orchestra.

As a mom who works full time, the idea of a summer program for children was well received.  Dalene Waranietz suggested it to me in association with Benicia Ballet Theatre so we could make it something everyone could afford.  I had tried to just offer a selection of classes in the past summers but it was not enough.  With the two amazing musicians Dr. Steven Thompson and Dr. Teri Yumae there to create a production with dancers and musicians, it was more than I could have dreamed of for my child.  When we first walked into the Empress with our young dancers, one looked up at the beautiful room and said, “Wow”.  She looked like I felt when I first walked into the Kennedy Center to perform.  I knew we really had something special for these kids.  As for the community, the production is free of charge and the audience practically sits with the orchestra.  It is such a unique event and we have had a full house both years.

For us this gives our faculty time to really teach the things that we feel are important to our dancers.  The program includes different styles of dance beyond ballet.  It also gives time to learn about the history of dance, health of a young person, anatomy and physiology, and of course how to sew that pointe shoe back together.  I personally really enjoy the opportunity.

If you are looking for something for your young person, we are still taking applicants.  Feel free to let us know via email at info@benicia-ballet.org or by calling 707-746-6757.  Our spring show was so late in June that our breaks started a little late but we are back online.