I came to the summer intensive thinking that I would like it. How wrong I was? I love it here! Not only am I dancing with my dream company, American Ballet Theatre but I am also in beautiful Bermuda, where I am meeting many students who are just as dedicated to dance as I am.

It?s really awesome to be able to meet other dancers from all over the world, and to see that they have the same goals as I do.

I am twelve years old and have been dancing for ten years. I dance because when I hear music, I am moved. Before I came here, I didn?t know that there are so many other boys and girls who feel the same way.

In the last three weeks I have been able to explore my love of dancing and improve my technique while making plenty of new friends ? Bermudians and visitors alike.

I also get the opportunity of showing my love of dancing to an audience through our student performance, though I am sure I will do well with the help of my teachers and friends.

I look forward to showing the world what I can do. It will be a fun experience that my friends and I share!Hello, my name is Victoria DaPonte and I am in the red group of Bermuda?s first-ever international dance institute. This is a three-week programme of nothing but dance. We are taught by the finest teachers at American Ballet Theatre.

These three weeks have gone exceptionally well. I was prepared to get tired of ballet every day for three weeks, but as the days went on I grew more and more interested in what I would do the following day. We are all here to do one thing and that is to dance.

We are here to learn our weaknesses and gain from them. I would have to say that I have gained a lot out of this programme. I find myself at home with all the habits I must carry out in my classes: for example posture.

Whether I am taking pre-pointe, technique, or choreography, I know I am enjoying what I?m doing, and I should be grateful for even getting accepted to this programme.

I got to meet a lot of new people, ranging from Bermudians to Canadians, and I must say I don?t think any of us will forget each other.

We have a lot of laughs together, and these are memories that I will never forget.

Out of the three weeks I would have to say that the second week was my favourite because we were already acquainted with each other, so it was just a matter of getting to know them.

Overall, this programme turned out to be a huge success and I loved it tremendously. Hello, my name is Annae Robinson. I am 17 years old and I am in the yellow level at the ABT summer intensive.

It all started in March when we had the auditions for the programme. Lizz Pimentel, our Director at the In Motion School of Dance, thought it would be a great opportunity for us. So I auditioned. I was very nervous but after a while I gained confidence. We would find out in a week if we got in. I must admit I didn?t really want to get in, but I was very excited when I read the e-mail telling me I was accepted.

As the weeks went by, we were on the news, in the newspaper and on the Internet. I was also awarded a scholarship from the Department of Community Affairs and Sport, given to me by the Honourable Dale Butler himself.

On the first day of the intensive, we had placement class. I wasn?t nervous this time. I just tried my best and with that I was placed in the yellow (intermediate) level. I was very happy with that decision because I wasn?t going to struggle.

Ballet is not really my favourite style of dance but I do realise that I need the training to do the other styles. We start off at 9:00 a.m. in the morning with Pilates followed by ballet, pointe and then lunch. After lunch, we have either contemporary, modern, music or stage hair and make-up class.

The last class of the day is choreography. We use this time to learn our pieces for the end performance. We end our day around 5:30 p.m. I have done intensives like this in Bermuda and abroad so I am used to the daily schedule. I do get a little tired from the sun, though.

Throughout the whole three weeks I have met some amazing friends and some wonderful teachers. I would like to thank the National Dance Foundation and ABT for an experience that I will always remember.My summer in Bermuda training with American Ballet Theatre has been fantastic, and a great stepping-stone in my career. When I first arrived I was very unsure of where my dance career was going. As a dancer, one is always living in the present moment and therefore it is easy to lose one?s direction in life. My first day of the intensive was very enjoyable, and every day since then has been rigorous yet fulfilling. It has been an amazing experience training under world renowned faculty who were so attentive and helpful to both me and my fellow dancers. I immediately felt a difference in my technique and strength which enabled me to gain more confidence as a dancer. Being around other men of awesome talent has also boosted my technique to new heights and has given me competition that I have never experienced while in Toronto.

Taking part in Bermuda?s first cross-cultural dance programme has been an enriching opportunity. The Bermudians I?ve met were very hospitable and eager to show me all the popular sights and attractions in Bermuda. Visiting all the beaches and festivals has also been a welcome diversion from all the stress that accompanies being a dancer.

This intensive has also opened new doors for me in terms of my dance training and career. During my last week of the summer intensive, I was invited to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City which is affiliated with American Ballet Theatre. This has blown my mind and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime.This programme has been a wonderful experience and I am greatly appreciative to be selected to be a part of it. In every way possible, American Ballet Theatre and the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda have stayed true to their commitment to dance and to educate dancers to become better.

Every teacher who has taught me in the programme has helped me and improved my confidence to dance. They are professional and extremely talented, and have the greatest ability that any teacher could possess. They are able to use prior knowledge and experience to help shape the students, and most importantly to help shape lives.

I truly believe that every student, teacher, and staff member will be changed for a lifetime from this intensive. The people whom I have encountered from different places abroad have each taught me their own unique lessons. The friends I have made are all extraordinary, not only in dance, but their spirits and courage will be in my heart forever.

This summer intensive has also introduced me to different dancers who live on the Island. All of them are talented. Because they live in close proximity, this will allow the expansion of dance in the community now that many of the local talent have experienced this programme that connects us together through our love of dance.

Overall, the classes have been tiring but well worth it ? and one can always look forward to the catered lunch that is waiting every day!

This experience has changed my life. It has given me the opportunity to become a better dancer. I owe all of this to Lizz Pimentel for encouraging me to do the intensive, the staff of ABT and the National Dance Foundation. I encourage any dancer interested in becoming a better dancer to try out for the programme next year.