Home News Local News Young dancers from Mattituck studio reach for the stars at prestigious summer...

Young dancers from Mattituck studio reach for the stars at prestigious summer programs

SoutholdLOCAL photo by Lisa Finn

With television reality shows such as “Dance Moms” taking a glimpse into the intensely competitive world of professional dance — as well as the dreams, dedication, and die-hard commitment to the art involved in nurturing young dancers toward careers on the international canvas — thousands of young hopefuls across the country practice tirelessly, waiting for their one big professional break.

But at the Mo Chuisle Moya Strast studio in Mattituck, young dancers are already well on their way toward reaching that elusive, shimmering shot at stardom, with six of teacher Cheryl Kiel’s aspirants spending the summer at prestigious and highly competitive dance programs across the country.

And, at a recent rehearsal for a spring recital, it’s clear to see why the girls have soared into the dance stratosphere. They may be young, but the girls, across the board, share a common passion and singular commitment to their art — choosing to practice countless hours each week and forego sports and extracurricular activities in favor of donning their leotards and ballet slippers and spending hours at the barre. The girls are caught up in the very real drama of auditions and lay their hearts bare for both the heartbreak of rejection and the exhilarating thrill at stepping out onto some of the most celebrated stages in the world.

The girls are not alone: For each young dancer who pirouttes across the stage or works diligently to perfect their arabesque, there is a cheering mom in the audience, a mother who, along with dads and the rest of the family, has put aside personal dreams and is willing to sacrifice time and money to fuel their daughter’s dream.

Recently, some of the girls — and their moms— who spent their school vacations at summer intensives across the country, spoke out about what it takes to turn dreams into reality and win spots in programs young dancers compete fiercely to attend.

Amy Macaluso, 15, of Laurel, spent the summer at the American Ballet Theater’s summer intensive program in Alabama, where, for three life-altering weeks, she lived and breathed dance.

Summer intensives provide expert and professional training for girls ages nine through 14, or for ages 15 and over, for dancers serious about their craft. The girls spend up to three weeks studying different techniques, and dancing many hours each day.

Amy said she began her days at the ABT with ballet technique and pointe classes, with a focus on specialty courses, either jazz, modern, character or variation, in the afternoons.The students also took performance classes and studied choreography; hers was a ballet contemporary piece.

The audition process was an emotional journey, Amy said. The audition itself involved ballet, with barre exercises, jump combinations, pointe and basic technique. Amy had a Russian instructor who took the time to demonstrate each move to his rapt students, she said.

Learning she’d been accepted was a moment Amy said she will remember always. “I was completely shocked that I got in,” she said. “During the audition process, I was just thinking that it would just be a good experience, and I tried to have fun with it.”

Amy, who auditioned for both ABT and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s summer intensive, said she came out of the ABT on “the verge of tears. I was about to break down. I had no self-confidence, because all the others girls were so good.”

Although Amy did not get into the Bolshoi program, she was accepted into ABT’s summer intensive. “I was almost crying, I was so excited,” she said.

The program, which took place in Alabama, was “really great,” she said, taking her dance training to an even higher level.

“I love the expression that comes through dancing, just how freeing it is for my spirit. I can be me, without anybody else interrupting,” she said.

That’s why Amy said she’s willing to give up many other teen activities to focus on her art. “A lot of it comes from my love for dancing,” she said.

And it helps, she said, to have a best friend who’s equally committed to soccer. “She understands the commitment level,” she said. “We give each other mutual support.”

After attending the summer intensive, Amy said she’s made an important life decision.

“When I went into this, I wanted to dance professionally, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to,” she said, adding that, at 15, the window was closing for a professional career. “Girls are starting to join professional companies at my age and it was kind of unrealistic for me to start trying to do that. And, after dancing that much, continuously, for three weeks, six to seven hours every day, I realized that I would rather do it has a hobby and just involve myself in learning new things without the stress of trying to be a professional ballerina.”

And yet, Amy has no intention of packing away her leotards. “Every moment that I’m onstage, dancing in front of a crowd, is memorable for me,” she said.

Her mom Lisa said said it was exciting to see her daughter, who has been dancing since she was three, chosen for the program.

Being a “dance mom” involves sacrifices, including financial and family time, with many classes beginning right around dinner time. “But this is her happiness; she loves dancing,” she said. To see her passion unfold for dance is “emotionally fulfilling,” she said.

Since her daughter’s program was in Alabama, Macaluso said the family turned her journey into a shared family memory, with a drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains and a trip to Nashville.

The summer intensive, Macaluso said, also gave her daughter a look into what living on a college campus will be like, and offered valuable life lessons.

“She learned so much about discipline, prioritizing time, and perspective — it gave her such good perspective and and helps her to better understand what she wants or doesn’t want for her future.”

The summer intensive, she added, also affords focus and the ability to set goals. “The beauty of dance is that it teaches the individual that their own goals and needs benefit the whole company, the same as any team sport.”

As a mom, Macaluso said the program gave her daughter wings to soar. “Our philsophy has always been that I don’t want my limitations to limit my child.” To other moms, she’d give this advice: “I would encourage them to encourage their children’s passions, to whatever degree they’re able.”

Rita Nigro, 9, who lives in Riverhead and attends the Riverhead Charter School, took part in the Bossov Ballet Academy’s summer intensive in Maine, studying ballet and character dance.

“The audition process was hard for me because I had like one hour to come up with 10 combinations and another hour to do them perfectly while being filmed — pressure city. So it was really hard but I felt really happy when I finished,” she said.

When Rita, who also auditioned for the Bolshoi, learned she’d been accepted, she was “so ecstatic. Partly because I was so bummed when I didn’t get into the Bolshoi, so I was really happy when I found out i could do it.”

At a recent rehearsal, Rita eagerly helped her fellow dancers, as the girls collaborated to choreograph an impromptu dance while waiting for their turn to rehearse. Even when not onstage, the girls kept dancing — their faces glowing as they donned costumed and practiced routines as well worn as soft ballet slippers.

“What I love about dance is really everything,” Rita said simply. “I love the hours of training, I love the technique, I love the shows, I love everything. There’s not a single thing I don’t like about it. Everything about ballet is perfect to me.”

Rita, who dances for hours every week, sometimes getting injured or feeling tired after long hours in practice, would have it no other way. “I don’t know how I find the dedication to do it. I just love dance and that’s enough for me.”

Looking ahead, she added, “I don’t really know my career path as I am nine years old. But if I had to choose now I would say yes, I’d like to dance professionally because I am happy when I dance. But also no because oh, how I hate getting hurt.”

Reflecting on her dance experiences so far, she added, “My favorite dance memory is my first show when I did the Chinese in The Nutcracker. We were all so little and cute. But we did awesome and got a standing ovation!”

Her mom, Laurie Nigro, said she and her husband were both very excited when Rita was accepted into the Bossov program. “She was very upset when she was wait listed for the Bolshoi program, though we were very proud. We all want what’s best for our kids. We know how hard Rita always works, and how much she loves ballet, and we wanted to see her rewarded. Her pure, overwhelming joy when I told her she had been accepted still brings a smile to my face.”

A a “dance mom,” Nigro said life can get a bit hectic. “We have a pretty full schedule. During the school year, Rita dances four days per week, one to two and a half hours per day. She dances both days on the weekend, which makes down time a little difficult. During the week, we’ve worked out a dinner schedule to fit around dance. The summer hours increase significantly, but are more consolidated so it’s a little easier; we’re at the studio three days per week and no weekends.”

Rita, Nigro said, has been dancing for seven years, and for three, has had an intense schedule. “At this point, we’re used to it. We sacrifice time, mostly. The studio is a few miles away so there is a bit of travel involved, but she loves it. Seeing Rita’s growth in the art and her passion for dance takes away any question about whether we’re doing the right thing.”

And the rewards, Nigro said, are immeasurable. Her daughter’s passion for dance, she said, is “awe inspiring. I was never a dancer and never knew any dancers so the entire culture was foreign to me. Seeing the community of dancers that she is a part of grow together, has been amazing. They are a family that encourage one another, push each other, to improve.”

Sending her nine-year-old off for a summer program “was easy when it was just an idea. She was accepted months before she actually went. Leaving her there the first day was difficult,” Nigro said. “I drove away and she waved happily at me. I almost threw up for the first two hours of the return trip.”

The life lessons instilled through dance are lovingly imparted by Cheryl Kiel, the girls’ instructor, Nigro said.

“She’s an amazing dancer and a gifted instructor. She has a brilliant eye and the patience of a saint. She loves everyone of these girls and becomes a mentor and inspiration to them all. They adore her, while also respecting her role as teacher. I couldn’t have asked for better and consider my daughter and myself very lucky.”

With six girls in the Mattituck program heading to summer intensives this year — Aela Bailey also studed at the Bolshoi in New York City and Joanie Kopp at the Irina and Maxim summer intensive, also in New York — Nigro said Kiel has been integral to their success.

“Where do I begin?! Miss Cheryl has literally changed my daughter’s life. She has taught her structure, dedication, determination and instilled her with a desire to constantly improve and push herself to be more then she thinks she can be. She is strict, but fair and all the dancers, of all ages, love her.”

Dance, Nigro said, “will always be with Rita. Even if she decided to quit tomorrow, she will have built a foundation that will last a lifetime. She is strong and fit. She has developed a respect and love for classical music and dance that most nine year old children do not have.”

Nigro, who also helps Miss Cheryl at the office and stage manages the shows, said the experience helps her to be an active participant in a part of her daughter’s life, one she finds so important. “But I always let her know that dance has to be her choice. I will never force her to continue or even ask her to go on if she falls out of love with dance. Though it would be disappointing, it’s all about Rita, not me.”

And, to her daughter, she added, “I’m so incredibly proud of you for working hard to reach your goals. I love to watch you dance, I love to watch you grow and I love to watch your passion unfold. No matter what you decide, I will always support you. Thank you for bringing me along on this journey.”

Ellie Schultz, 10, of Jamesport, is entering fifth grade at the Pulaski Street Elementary School, was accepted into the American Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive for two years in a row — and for the first time this year, was accepted into the Bolshoi Ballet’s summer intensive program in Connecticut.

She chose the program because they practice Russian Ballet and it was held at the Westover School in CT; she was there for a week.

“The audition process was exciting,” she said. I wasn’t really nervous, I was excited to go to Boston for the audition and also about the potential of being accepted into the program.”

In class in Mattituck, Ellie said she and her fellow dancers have fun times. “We work hard but we laugh and joke around a lot, too.” Stand-out moments include a recent solo that mde her proud.

Ellie’s mom Deb said her daughter attends dance class four to five days a week. “And she really wants to be there. It’s so nice to see your child doing something she loves. We’ll support her dancing as long as she remains passionate about it.”

Sending her off for the summer is never easy, she added. “And she was terribly homesick, so that made it difficult.”

But greater than any applause, her daughter’s greatest gifts are the values she’s learned at the barre, Schultz said. “Hard work and dedication pays off,” she said.

Aela Bailey, 9, lives in Jamesport and attends Aquebogue Elementary School. She spent her summer with the Bolshoi Ballet’s summer intensive program in New York, steps from Lincoln Center at the LaGuardia School of Performing Arts. 

Aela traveled to Boston to audition and said she was nervous, with about 40 other kids trying out on the same day.

“I felt proud when I got accepted,” she said. Aela, who’d also been accepted to ABT, “wanted Bolshoi because I prefer Russian ballet style of ballet.”

Of the arduous schedule, she said, “Dedication is easy because I actually prefer dancing to anything else. I still get to have lots of fun. Sometimes I dance four days a week.” Hoping for a professional career, Aela said she takes dancing seriously. Experiencing the Bolshoi is her favorite memory so far.

Aela’s mom Amy Bailey said she and her husband are both committed to Aela’s dance schedule and speaks candidly about the challenges. “With four kids and both of us working we have a lot of juggling to do.”

Aela, who has been dancing since was four, “always had a very special talent,” Bailey said. “But now when she dances I see how much she loves it. I just see pure joy in her when she dances.”

While Aela was at the Bolshoi, a five-day per week program from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., the family rented a studio apartment in New York for the three weeks.”Commuting from Jamesport would have been impossible. I stayed the first week with her, my parents helped a few days in the second week, and my husband stayed the rest of the time. She came home on weekends” she said.

Bailey said her daughter took how lifelong lessons in dedication, the value of hard work and not giving up — and that hard work does have rewards.

“Dance moms and dads support their kids as best as they can. It really is hard to juggle other kids and sports and religion classes on top of regular schoolwork. It also is a big financial commitment so we feel very lucky that we get to support Aela in following her dreams,” she said.

Sofia Sabalja-Reid, 14, of Jamesport, studied at the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory for the Arts’ August professional program in Connecticut for two weeks, taking courses such as a morning technique class, pointe, partnering, variations, repertoire, modern, and theory.

“I was really excited to get accepted. I couldn’t wait to see the acceptance packet and see what the program would be like,” she said.

Dance, she said, is worth the personal sacrifices.

“Being a serious ballet student means you miss out on some normal activities like playing outside with friends, but ballet makes me happy. It’s what I love to do. You know there will be some sacrifices to have that.”

Down the road, Sofia hopes to join the professional ranks of fellow ballerinas. “Ballet gives me a feeling like no other. It is fulfilling and makes you actually feel like you can fly. The emotion you get when the music builds up and moves you is unique and irreplaceable.”

One of her favorite memories includes dancing the Dying Swan at the studio’s spring performance. “Being able to delve into the music of Saint-Saëns was really rewarding.”

Her mom Che Sabalja said Sofia’s acceptance to Nutmeg was an “opportunity to see her dedication and passion come to fruition.”

Ballet, she added, “it is a family effort. Often plans are altered or cancelled.” In fact, Sofia’s family re-located for the duration of the program, but they did not spend much time with her because she studied from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily.

But it’s worth every second of hard work, she added. “Watching your child communicate through the beauty of movement is a powerful emotion. At that moment you forget about the sacrifices and revel in it.”

Dance, she added, is a lifetime gift to her daughter, imbuing her with values such as fortitude, dedication, focus, camaraderie, “and most of all, a passion for living. The arts are what make us uniquely human and I am glad that she found her expression through dance at such an early age.”

To other moms, Sabalja said, “Allow your child to discover their passion for themselves, expose them to dance but let its splendor reveal itself on their terms.”

 

SHARE