Posting Date: November 30, 2011
KSU dance students invited to conservatory classes
Classes available through partnership with Atlanta Ballet
By
Scott Singleton
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Alainna Brown |
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Carrie Petrak Photos by Tracie L. Hinnant |
Two Kennesaw State University dance students have been invited by Atlanta Ballet to participate in conservatory classes. Sharon Story, dean of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education, invited dance majors Alainna Brown and Carrie Petrak after visiting "Paquita" rehearsals. This invitation marks an ongoing educational partnership between the KSU Program in Dance and Atlanta Ballet.
Brown, a freshman at KSU, started training with The Georgia Ballet at the age of 11. Sandra Parks, KSU assistant professor of dance, says, "I had a chance to work with Alainna in the beginning of the semester for a performance with Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre, another community partner with KSU. Alainna demonstrated professionalism, hard work and willingness to push her limitations."
Petrak, also a freshman, has trained with the Nashville Ballet. "Carrie is artistic beyond her years," says Reiko Kimura, KSU interim full-time instructor of dance. "She has very strong technique and a lovely presence. Her musicality makes you almost hold your breath because she is able to sustain a position longer than you think she can."
The partnership between the KSU Program in Dance and Atlanta Ballet continues to offer new opportunities for KSU dance students and members of Atlanta Ballet, who can take classes at KSU through the partnership.
"For the Program in Dance, the educational partnership with Atlanta Ballet has helped our students experience professional level ballet classes and performances," explains Parks. "Having our students being part of the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory means a lot to our program."