The South Arkansas Arts Center’s virtual Summer Camp will continue July 6 through 9 with Variations ballet camp from SAAC instructors Cami Lowrey and Elizabeth Wood. Their video-based camp for older ballet students will focus on a series of solos within a ballet, often performed by leading or secondary roles, called variations.
This summer, all of SAAC’s camps are presented via the tuition-free virtual Summer Camp, which can be accessed via computer, tablet or smartphone. Each week, an additional instructor’s video lessons will be added to the library, available at SAAC’s website at saac-arts.org. Lessons can be completed on students’ schedules at their own pace.
During Variations ballet camp, the participants get to jump into leading roles, right in the spotlight of their own home, and learn some of the most popular variations from timeless ballets such as “The Nutcracker”, “Cinderella” and “Swan Lake”. These variations range in skill level from intermediate to advanced, but dancers both young and old are encouraged to join in and learn something new.
“Some variations will be easier than others, but all will be challenging,” said Elizabeth. “For our younger dancers, if you missed Ballet Camp Jr., be sure to go back and check it out!”
Elizabeth, who studied and taught ballet at Theatre School of Dance in Bossier City, Louisiana, is a physical therapy assistant at South Arkansas Orthopaedics and a Pilates instructor at Healthworks Fitness Center, in addition to teaching ballet as part of SAAC’s after-school programming. College student Cami began as a student in SAAC’s ballet program as a first grader, and has been dancing ever since, becoming a soloist, choreographer and teacher in her own right.
In addition to learning two variations each day, participants will begin with a ballet barre to improve technique and warm up. The chosen variations will not only be a fun challenge to learn the steps, but also a chance to improve the artistic expression within every dancer. Cami and Elizabeth are very excited to present the Variations ballet camp, and they invite you to join in on this great experience that will improve both ballet knowledge and skill.
“Grab some ballet slippers or socks, and join us in your home for ballet camp,” said Cami.
Visit saac-arts.org to access the summer camp videos or to register a student. By registering, SAAC will be able to keep students informed of new camp announcements and program updates. Students can enjoy summer camp at any time, choosing to complete the lessons day-by-day, week-by-week or saving them up to complete all at once. Each instructor will include a supply list of materials and all the information needed to complete the projects in their videos.
For more information about virtual Summer Camp, call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th St. in El Dorado.