Director's Message
Why our Summer Schools are so great.
I have organized 27 Summer Schools in the past, and each one has been a success.
Great Faculty
I always invite a Faculty which is at the top of the teaching profession. Many teachers on the Faculty have danced with famous international ballet companies, and all have a comprehensive understanding of instruction for students. Their many years of teaching experience are an assurance of the high quality of instuction that is characteristic of our Summer School.
Great Programs
Ballet is the main focus: technique, repertoire, pointe, pas de deux and variations. There are also classes in Jazz, Modern, and Character. All these programs will challenge and stimulate the dancers to develop a flexibility of style that is so important in today’s dance world.
Great Performances
I realize that the purpose of dance training is performance, so I have organized seven performance opportunities over the six-week period. See “General Information” for details.
Great Outings & Activities
Interesting and exciting field trips in addition to other relaxation activities are on the leisure program.
Great Supervision
This will please the parents! Campus security is provided by the College. In addition, we have our own housemothers and student counselors. A registered nurse is in attendance to take care of any aches and pains. The students are required to observe a high standard of social conduct, and a diligent approach to their classes. They are also required to conform to the rules for the day-to-day organization of our program. Our summer school is not a “play-camp” but a serious school whose aim is to improve the dance abilities of the students in a nurturing and positive manner.
Two Special Programs
These have been devised especially to meet the needs of students. They are the Performance Awards and the Technique Intensive. See “Special Programs” for details.
Musicians
I believe that music is an important part of ballet education. We maintain a roster of fine musicians who will accompany the ballet classes.
Great Experience
The experience of our Summer School is unforgettable. For this reason, so many students return again and again to realize the sense of achievement that comes when challenges are met and personal best sets new levels of excellence. One-third of our enrollment consists of students who have attended in previous years. There is no Summer School that is quite like a Summer School of the American Academy of Ballet.
About Mignon Furman
Mignon Furman has, over a period of years, organized no less than 27 Summer Schools. She has been teaching ballet for more than 40 years. She was the Director of the University of Cape Town Ballet School with special responsibility for teachers’ training. At the University she formulated the programs to be used by 80 trainee teachers and 400 students. She was nominated for the Distinguished Teacher Award from amongst the entire University faculty of 1,500. She is a choreographer and educator, and has studied or been guest teacher in New York, London (England), Tel Aviv, Paris, and Cannes. She has served on city, state, and federal arts and education committees.