Trained at MEBA auckland

RE: 'American Academy of Ballet' New York Scholarship

Our trip to New York was absolutely amazing! Brooke attended the last three weeks of the American Academy of Ballet's Summer School of Excellence.

The main focus was on learning and preparing dances for their Gala performance at the end of those three weeks. Brooke did Technique classes every day, as well as Character, Modern Dance, Pointe, Repertoire, Pas de Deux and Jazz classes.

Brooke also opted to do level 12 performance awards, which were extra classes that were held in the evenings. Her favourite class was Pas de Deux - such a thrill for her to have the opportunity to do Pas de Deux! Brooke felt privileged to be taught by some very experienced international teachers such as David Howard, Brian Loftus, Galina Samsova, Steve Rooks and Olga Dvorovenko.

The Gala performance was a wonderful way to end the three weeks, and was extra special as it was performed in the theatre where Black Swan was filmed. The dancers were all very excited to dance on such a grand stage in such a beautiful theatre, and I felt very privileged to be able to watch. It is difficult to adequately express how richly Brooke benefitted from this whole experience.

Being able to dance with, and be inspired by, dancers from many different countries, as well as being taught by international teachers was such a thrill and really opened her eyes to the bigger ballet world. We truly are very thankful to you Katie for all your hard work and dedication to the Alana Haines Australasian Award, and also to the American Academy of Ballet for their generous sponsorship.

The opportunity you both provided for Brooke is something we never ever dreamed of, and we are sincerely appreciative.

Sonia and Brooke Ray