Students fill out surveys upon completion of the program, and we have included some of their comments here.  We have also included quotes from the many letters sent to us from students and their parents. 

"Overall I have had a really fun experience at Boston Ballet’s Summer Dance Program. It has truly been a wonderful learning experience both physically and mentally. I have expanded my mind to a new art form of ballet and taken it to the next level."
- Jennifer McCoy, SDP 2007

"This was an awesome experience – better than I imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect, especially the balance of dance with time to enjoy Boston."
- Jaclyn Arcy, SDP 2007

"I truly love this program. Over the past two summers I have not only learned about myself as a dancer, but I have come to learn about myself as a person. The bonds that you make with friends are unbreakable. Not to mention Boston is such a great city!"
- Kerri Riccardi, SDP 2006, 2007

"The Summer Dance Program is such a great way to meet a variety of talented people from across the US and abroad. The training challenges me both technically and artistically by studying a very versatile combination of classes. I have attended this program for three years and I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. Every summer I look forward to this outstanding program that pushes me to reach beyond my limits and achieve my dreams! Thank you for yet another amazing summer that I will never forget!"
- Sylvia Deaton, SDP 2005, 2006, 2007

"I am so glad I decided to take part in SDP again. This is my third summer at the program, and I enjoy it just as much as I have in the past. The teachers are knowledgeable and provide valuable personal attention to help students improve. I love the diverse class offerings and that each year there is something new. I definitely plan to come back in the upcoming years!"
- Samantha Cohen, SDP 2005, 2006, 2007

"This summer really helped me improve. Having technique on pointe was a big help! I’m more comfortable on pointe and my pointe work has improved a lot. I also loved having a primary teacher who could really help you and give more critiques. This summer was the best experience ever! I want to return next year."
- Brittany Rogers, SDP 2007

"Overall this program has been spectacular and the teachers and faculty have been the reason why I have attended this program for 3 summers. I love Boston Ballet’s program and if I could I would come back many years to come."
- Marisa Franklin, SDP 2004, 2005, 2007

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my experience here.  The faculty and classes have been amazing and have certainly contributed a great deal to my ballet training!"
- Emily Tyra, SDP 2005

"I am in awe of how much I learned from this program, and am thankful that I had the opportunity to attend the SDP.  All of the different teachers here are so fabulous, and I really appreciate the helpfulness and consideration from the entire staff. Everyday here I found inspiration and challenge within a great ballet environment. It was such a pleasure to experience this program.Thank you!"

- Sarah Wolff, SDP 2005

"Boston Ballet's SDP has given me wonderful opportunities not only to take class with very talented teachers, but has also given me a chance to perform.I have greatly improved since I started coming to Boston's SDP in 2003.  It is hard to imagine a better program."

- Ashley Burger, SDP 2003, 2004, 2005

"I really enjoyed this summer in Boston. I loved each faculty member and more importantly, I was able to take something with me out of every ballet class." 
- Caroline Gerloff, SDP 2005

"I loved this program.  I was able to meet people from different parts of the world.  I learned the Balanchine technique.  The weekend activities were great.  The freedom here is really nice.  Although the classes were hard, it was good for me and helped me better myself.  It was a great summer!"

- Caili Quan, SDP 2005

"In my opinion, Boston's SDP was more beneficial to me than other programs that I have attended because of the instructor's attention to all different aspects of dancing. I thoroughly enjoyed this summer (as well as last summer).  I loved being with my level because we all worked hard and cooperated as a group."

- Ariel Choi, SDP 2004, 2005

"I love this summer program!  I think it is a wonderful dance program, with a fabulous location, great staff, great activities, and a wonderful schedule, allowing us some room for freedom and time management.  Keep up the fabulous work!"

- Sissy Bell, SDP 2005 

"I loved everything about this program… from the dancing to the dorm life.  This was definitely the perfect program for me this year.  Being here is very inspiring as a dancer and as a whole.  I felt a very positive energy from the faculty.  Thank you!"

- Anna Lunberry, SDP 2005, DanceLab 2004 

"I really enjoyed this summer program.  The teachers are great, the studios are great, and Boston is amazing!  I loved being here because I was able to see amazing talent and watch the company dance, which is truly inspiring." 

- Cassie Smith, SDP 2005, DanceLab 2004

"The faculty in Boston is great!  Each of my teachers gave me corrections that I have written down and will continue to review daily.  Every teacher pushed us so that we could find out what our full potential was.  I had an unbelievable time!  Thank you!"
- Samantha Galler, SDP 2004, 2005

Parent Comments:

"My daughter was fortunate to have been able to attend this past years' SDP training.  We cannot be more enamored of your program!  Keep up your highest levels of training & support to our aspiring dancers.  Your program is truly exceptional in so many ways."
- Marybeth Quick, Olivenhain, CA, SDP 2004 & 2005 Parent

"Thank you for the wonderful experience my daughters, Jordanne and Justine, had at SDP this summer.  They thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the experience.  They also really appreciated your kindness and special attention.  They have come home stronger and with a renewed enthusiasm for ballet.  Dancing with Boston Ballet's SDP was a dream come true for them.  I have really noticed an increased confidence and maturity in their dancing."
- Lisa Lackman, Tijeras, NM, SDP 2004 & 2005 Parent
 
"Our daughter had such a positive learning experience at the Boston Ballet Summer Dance Program. From the moment the car pulled up in front of Shelton Hall and we were swarmed by helpful, smiling people in purple Boston Ballet shirts, we felt welcomed!  The check-in and move-in process was flawless.  The RA was there to greet us, and kindly answered our questions.  I thought "off to a good start" as I pulled away and left her in Boston for the next five weeks. She loved the experience. My daughter enjoyed all of the instruction.  The amount of dance was just right, and the approach was organized and professional.  The performance at the completion of the program was the perfect balance of allowing us parents a peek into their training, without the formality of a theatre.  Thank you for lettingus attend… I realize it is easier to forego that display, but it was appreciated. My daughter also enjoyed the freedom to explore the wonders of Boston, within the guidelines of your approporiate rules and curfews.  I thought your program handled this aspect well.  The weekend programs provided a nice range of activities, and she participated in many fun and educational trips… such fond memories!"
- Jayne Melrose-Smith, McLean, VA, SDP 2004 Parent

"Thank you so much for assisting my daughter this summer, especially when she experienced a few toe infections.  Her time at Boston Ballet was unique in many ways.  Aside from learning new skills and being challenged in the dance realm, she was extremely impressed with the quality of the faculty.  She found them demanding, yet approachable; direct, yet supportive.

She enjoyed her time while staying at [Boston University] and established a number of new friendships.  The strong bond between her and her roomates, as well as other students in the program, was astonishing.  She truly enjoyed Boston and being a small part of the Boston Ballet summer program community, and I felt comfortable as a parent with the communications that I had with your office and was extremely pleased with your responsiveness and helpfulness. We thank you so much for providing this wonderful experience."
- Ms. Zboyan, SDP 2005 Parent