Trio Heading to the Joffrey Ballet School

F or young dancers, the chance to study at one of the world’s most prestigious ballet schools is a dream come true. For three TFS sophomores, that dream is becoming a reality. Ava Hamon of Mt. Airy, Kalleigh Hartzog of Toccoa and Marina Dumas of Clarkesville have been accepted into the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program and will have the opportunity to learn from worldrenowned artistic directors, leading choreographers, and master faculty this summer.

The Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of dance and receive the highest standard of training. With resident programs in Italy, New York City, and throughout the United States, students select the site that appeals the most to them. For these three talented teens, the chance to participate in the program is a testament to their dedication, passion, and hard work.

Ava Hamon loves ballet for its ability to take her away from daily stresses. “I love dance because it feels like a place where I don’t have to think about all my assignments and other stresses of life, and I can just relax and have fun,” she said. Kalleigh Hartzog shares a similar sentiment. “I love dancing with my friends in a fun and creative environment,” said Hartzog.

For Marina Dumas, the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive Program represents an opportunity to grow and challenge herself as a dancer. “I am excited for Joffrey because I will have the opportunity to learn from some worldrenowned teachers all while being in a new city,” she said.

The Summer Intensive Program runs from June through August and is a fourweek, residential program. The girls auditioned in Atlanta and were selected from among hundreds of applicants from around the world. They study locally at the Clarkesville School of Dance.