Dancers try something new in summer intensive program

August 05, 2022 7:03 pm • Last Updated: August 05, 2022 7:09 pm

By Sean D. Elliot
Director of Photography

Eleanor Armstrong Martin strikes an arabesque pose during a photo session with Eastern Connecticut Ballet project coordinator, and in-house photographer, Jenna Berloni, at right, at the end of the first week of the summer intensive program Friday, August 5, 2022 in East Lyme. Participants spend two weeks learning a variety of dance styles from guest instructors. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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Eleanor Armstrong Martin experiments with movement during a dance acting class with actor/dancer Susan Misner as part of the summer intensive program at Eastern Connecticut Ballet Friday, August 5, 2022 in East Lyme. Participants spend two weeks learning a variety of dance styles from guest instructors. Misner, who is a film and television actor, danced in the “Cell Block Tango” scene in the film version of “Chicago.” Her sessions invited the students to delve into emotional expression through their dance. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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Actor/dancer Susan Misner offers encouragement to one of the students in her dance acting class as part of the summer intensive program at Eastern Connecticut Ballet Friday, August 5, 2022 in East Lyme. Participants spend two weeks learning a variety of dance styles from guest instructors. Misner, who is a film and television actor, danced in the “Cell Block Tango” scene in the film version of “Chicago.” Her sessions invited the students to delve into emotional expression through their dance. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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Actor/dancer Susan Misner leads the students in her dance acting class in a review of some of their work as part of the summer intensive program at Eastern Connecticut Ballet Friday, August 5, 2022 in East Lyme. Participants spend two weeks learning a variety of dance styles from guest instructors. Misner, who is a film and television actor, danced in the “Cell Block Tango” scene in the film version of “Chicago.” Her sessions invited the students to delve into emotional expression through their dance. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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Students gather for a group photo with instructors Mary Ann Lamb and Susan Misner following a dance acting class with Misner as part of the summer intensive program at Eastern Connecticut Ballet Friday, August 5, 2022 in East Lyme. Participants spend two weeks learning a variety of dance styles from guest instructors. Misner, who is a film and television actor, danced in the “Cell Block Tango” scene in the film version of “Chicago.” Her sessions invited the students to delve into emotional expression through their dance. (Sean D. Elliot/The Day)
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For the students in the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s summer intensive program, the two-weeks are an opportunity to try new things.

Whether they are working in a style outside of ballet, or learning from an esteemed guest instructor, the summer program offers a range of opportunities.

In addition to the dance instruction, the guests led special topic sessions, talking about a wide variety of aspects of the world of professional dance. The company’s projects coordinator, who is also the in-house photographer, led photo sessions to provide students with head shots and portfolio photos.

Other instructors include Suki Schorer of the School of American Ballet, former New York City Ballet dancers Amanda Edge and Ashley Bouder, Broadway professionals Mary Ann Lamb and Donna Michelle Vaughn, and television and film actress Susan Misner.

Misner provided an intense lesson delving into emotions, with the doors closed from the usual prying eyes of staff, parents and other visitors to the school, to expand their minds into the acting in and around their dance.

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