Summer Ballet Studies Keep Howell High School's O'Sullivan On Her Toes

HOWELL, NJ — While some of her classmates are spending their summer hanging out at the beach or going to Great Adventure, a Howell High School student is spending her summer dancing. No, not the kind of dancing that goes on at a party or a club; Āine O'Sullivan is studying ballet.

Her ballet summer began with the Summer Ballet Intensive at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

According to its website, the ballet intensive program at the Jacobs School of Music is devoted to working on ballet technique and learning choreography. The mornings consist of technique classes, including pointe, while the afternoons include variation classes, repertoire classes, Pilates and jazz classes. Talks are given by Jacobs School of Music faculty on music appreciation for ballet, the website says.

After the ballet intensive ended, O'Sullivan moved on to a five-week program intensive summer program with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The six-days-a-week program includes technique, partnering and pointe to jazz, modern and character dance.

"These students have chosen to dedicate a large part of their lives to dance, and many aim to go pro," the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre website notes. "During their time with PBT, they’ll meet peers with similar passions and absorb insights from teachers with extensive stage careers." There are about 225 students participating in the Pittsburgh program

O'Sullivan, a student in the Fine and Performing Arts Academy, will be a senior at Howell High School in the fall.

Freehold Regional High School District officials said, "The Fine and Performing Arts Academy has provided conservatory-type training since 1984 to young artists who want to combine a college preparatory academic schedule with advanced arts training in a traditional high school setting."

The academy offers a four-year program in three distinct majors: Acting, Dance, and Entertainment Technology, which includes a music production and a video production track. Students train and work in an acting studio, two dance studios, a video studio and a music production and recording studio.

Photo via Howell High School/Freehold Regional High School District