When I first auditioned for ABA, I was surprised by the level of detail and corrections that were given to me in just an hour.  During the first week of attending ABA’s summer intensive, I was immediately welcomed by all the very kind and friendly dancers at the academy.  Through the first classes in the summer intensive, I experienced many different styles of dance and other classes I had never considered before.  In one summer, intensive week, we would take around 2.5-3 hours of ballet in the morning.  After lunch, we would have another style of dance for 2 hours, for example: contemporary, character, or mime.  For another hour, we would take a conditioning class to improve our cardio, flexibility, and strength, or a ballet history class, which I found very interesting.  All the dancers at ABA are very talented and always hardworking.  Outside of classes, the students are very light-hearted and funny, but also very encouraging about reaching new goals.  The students are always very positive about learning new steps, even though challenging classes.  In the studio, the students are focused and determined to make improvements whether the corrections are big or small.  The work ethic of everyone in the ABA community, including the students, teachers, and parents was what set them apart from other dance studios.  The students are always pushing themselves to do better alongside encouraging teachers and supportive parents that work to make student's dreams become reality.  

         Right now, everyone is preparing for the Nutcracker performance on December 16.  I am looking forward to being able to perform in the event with my fellow classmates who have all been working hard to make the Nutcracker come to life.  I am so thankful to Mme. Akhmedova and her talented staff for being able to put together this event while also preparing for upcoming competitions, new dances, classes, and all the behind-the-scenes coordination needed to keep the academy running successfully and efficiently.  

-Amelia