Wednesday, August 6, 2003
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Wednesday, August 6, 2003 |
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Dancer keeps moving up By STEPHEN
W. LOWTHER
The accolades and accomplishments are beginning to pile up for local dancer Josh Reynolds, who has been featured on numerous occasions in local media. The 17-year-old received a full scholarship to study this summer with the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. He has previously been awarded a similar scholarship to the Pennsylvania Rock School of Ballet. Now Reynolds will be joining the Atlanta Ballet as a full-time apprentice company member, one of the youngest in the history of the Atlanta Ballet according to Artistic Director John McFall. "You get so well acquainted with them," said McFall of the young dancers who start with the company as apprentices. "I don't think of these things. He has a poise and stature that is very unusual for his age." Although shy and introverted, Reynolds' exterior cannot hide the intensity of the skills he has developed since he began dance lessons at age seven. His dedication has already allowed him to experience a level of success that few have achieved at his age. He is currently in Vail, Colo., with the Atlanta Ballet, performing various works including Garden of Mirth, choreographed by Stanton Welch, Houston Ballet Artistic Director. And Reynolds performed in "Requiem and Transcendence" this past spring with the Atlanta Ballet at the Fox Theater. "I would imagine his head is swimming a little bit right now," said McFall, "but he is a very talented and well-trained dancer." None of this success, however, comes as a surprise to Sherri Davis, owner and creative director of Georgia Academy of Dance in Peachtree City, and the Georgia Dance Theatre, her professional company. "He'll be on the cover some day," she said in an earlier interview while holding up a copy of Dance Magazine. "There's no doubt in my mind." And while his talents may one day call Reynolds back to New York City, he may decide not to answer. In fact, the School of American Ballet offered him a full scholarship to study this year, but Reynolds decided to return home, at least for now. "I just love Atlanta," said Josh earlier this year. "I would love to dance for the Atlanta Ballet full-time. It would be great to be back here dancing." This is another feather in Davis's cap, at least as far as the Atlanta Ballet is concerned. Last year, in addition to Reynolds, GAD alumnus Nicole O'Brien studied on a summer scholarship. And Principal Dancer Denis Malinkline was on staff at Georgia Academy of Dance before he retired to become Ballet Master for the Milwaukee Ballet. For further information on Georgia Academy of Dance, Georgia Dance Theatre, or other performing opportunities, contact Georgia Academy of Dance at 770-631-3128, or attend the registration and Open House Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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