Lizz Pimentel tends to think outside the box.

So, although it was an unusual request, she leaped at the chance to train US students alongside her own at In Motion School of Dance.

Six dancers from the Mid Maryland Performing Arts Centre are now here, participating in the Reid Street studio’s annual summer dance intensive.

“It’s the first time we’ve branched out internationally,” said Ms Pimentel.

“We hope we’re able to maintain the relationship and send our dancers there. The arts, dance, is all about connections; networking is important in the industry and it’s a great chance for us to build a relationship. It’s also great for our dancers to see the calibre of dance [at MMPAC] and compete in healthy competition and, hopefully, vice versa.”

The connection was made through In Motion instructor Candice Musselman, a former student at the Frederick, Maryland school.

The two-week programme offers instruction in all disciplines of dance. According to Ms Pimentel, it’s a no-holds-barred experience.

“Dancers understand that when they go to an intensive,” she said.

“They expect it to be hardcore and take them out of their comfort zones.

“I don’t think [the MMPAC] students came thinking they’d have an easy time. Luckily, they don’t have that preconceived notion.”

MMPAC chaperon Olivia Price said her group of 12-to-16-year-olds was “really excited” about the opportunity.

“It’s great that they can come out here and have this experience,” she said. “It’s a chance we can’t give even if [there’s a similar programme] in the States.

“A lot haven’t travelled without their parents or done things without their parents. They have to be independent, and put themselves out there in class. They don’t have the comfort zone [of home] to fall back on.”

Dancers CeCe Smith, 15, and Julia Reagle, 14, agreed.

“It’s been amazing so far,” said CeCe. “On the first day here we saw downtown and went to the beach. It was awesome.

“I’d never been in such warm ocean water before. Then we went to class. The girls were wonderful, they welcomed us with open arms.

“The choreographers, the teachers, they’ve been amazing and welcoming and pushing us really hard, which is really nice.”

Added Julia: “I feel like it’s so different from home, but in a good way.

“We started our classes off with ballet and I love ballet so it got me more comfortable. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I loved it. It’s beautiful here.”