Georgia Academy of Dance

Students Celebrate Scholarship Awards

Once again, students from the Georgia Academy of Dance are celebrating.  Based on their level of technique, three students were awarded scholarships to professional summer programs.  Brianne Wesolowski and Jenny Reynolds will attend the summer program at Burklyn Ballet Theatre; Ashley Grayson’s scholarship is from Ballet Austin.  The competition for summer scholarships is intense, with auditions being held all over the United States. 

All three students have trained with Sherri Davis, the owner and director of Georgia Academy of Dance, for the past 10 to 15 years.  And, they all have dreams of a career as a professional dancer.  Ashley, a Senior at McIntosh High Shool, looks forward to achieving her dream, “To be able to work at a job I love, and to perform, would be amazing,” she says.  “With the knowledgeable teachers at the Academy, I have gotten extensive training that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

 Brianne, a Senior at Starr’s Mill High School, credits her experience at Georgia Academy of Dance with helping her grow, not only as an artist, but as a person.  “I have learned how to deal with disappointments and success, and it has really helped me in all parts of my life. It is a part of who I am".

Jenny Reynolds, currently a professional member of Georgia Dance Theatre, credits her teachers at Georgia Academy of Dance with encouraging her to continue to reach for her goal.

"This past year I was in New York on a full scholarship with Alvin Ailey but due to an emergency surgery I had in December I was completely stopped in the dance world. It was like starting all over again. The encouragement I have received from my directors and teachers has made me strive for continuing my pursuit of a professional dance career.  And now I am in the best physical shape I have ever been in. In fact I have been invited to perform in Scotland this summer with the Burklyn Ballet."

Being immersed in the professional dance world has made dance an integral part of these young dancers lives. The performance experience these dancers have received throughout the years is just a part of their intensive training. The artistic quality of Georgia Academy of Dance's performances are present in each production - like those currently scheduled. On June 11 and 12, at The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County, Georgia Academy of Dance will present a  contemporary production , “A Few Pointers, Mouse in the House,” from the Early Childhood Program, and the classical ballet from the Shakespearean tale, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

 The Georgia Academy of Dance also offers summer workshops for all ages.  In addition, the Summer Intensive workshops offer professional training for the serious dancer.  This summer, guest instructors include contemporary artist Sarah Pride-Shoemaker, Thomas Shoemaker who is the Ballet Master and Principal Dancer with the Augusta Ballet, and Mary Carpenter, a principal performer, and a pointe shoe consultant to nationally-known dance companies and dance shoe manufacturers.

 For further information regarding performance tickets, fall registration or summer dance camps contact Georgia Academy of Dance at (770) 631-3128 or visit our website at www.gadance.com.