Valerie Cortier – Dreaming of Summer…dance!
May 27, 2017
Valerie Cortier shares her excitement about BAE’s Summerdance Program.
As winter approaches and Nutcracker season is in full gear, many dancers have visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads. I, on the other hand, am dreaming of a warmer and sunnier time. Summer!! As Head of Summerdance, I look forward to summer, when BAE introduces students to an array of fun, arts-focused activities. The studios become a place for little emerging artists to spend their day using their imaginations in every way possible. I feel so fortunate, not only to witness all the fun and discovery that happens each day, but to help coordinate many aspects of the program. From organizing weekly dress-up theme days and choosing daily art activities, to putting together impromptu dance parties, I love making every day as joyful and creative as possible. I wish I had Summerdance as a child. But, now I get the opportunity to experience it along with our young students.
Just a few weeks ago, I was strolling in Central Park enjoying one of our last beautiful fall days, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was one of our young students named Emma. She excitedly shared with me that she was joining Summerdance again next summer. She asked me if I could help her with a few tap steps. Emma wanted to practice and have them mastered by the time the program started again. I love that for months after Summerdance is over, our students are still thinking about summer and can’t wait for it to start again . . . just like me!
Last spring we offered our first ever Summerdance March Mini-Session. It was an opportunity for our young dancers to get a taste of summer even when the cool March weather was upon us. The children danced, sang, and crafted their springbreak away. The March Mini-Session left the students eagerly waiting for the full session of Summerdance to begin. I’m so happy that BAE is offering March Mini-Session again.
I will definitely be thinking of Summerdance to keep me warm this winter!
