NHB Takes NYC!
On Saturday, September 26, 2015, thirty-four NHB students, faculty and chaperones boarded a 5:39 a.m. train bound for NYC and enjoyed a fantastic day at Lincoln Center with the New York City Ballet.
After grabbing a sleepy breakfast at Grand Central Terminal, the students excitedly travelled uptown to the Rose Building where they were given access to NYCB’s Company changing rooms and participated in a challenging 1.5-hour ballet technique class taught by NYCB Soloist, Antonio Carmena, who we learned knew NHB Faculty Member, Jeremy Cox, as they studied together at the School of American Ballet. The beautifully appointed, spacious 8th Floor studio featured large windows framing the NYC skyline and an impressive grand piano played by a talented accompanist. Many students were amazed to catch a peek of Justin Peck roaming the hallway.
After class, the group soaked up the gorgeous sunny weather by eating lunch outdoors near the fountains that welcome visitors to the theater. Then, NYCB Principal, Ask la Cour, warmly greeted and provided NHB students with a private tour of the theater, stage and backstage area. The group had the opportunity to learn about the dancers’ schedules, see costumes and sets up close, observe the tech crew preparing for the performance, pose for photos, and even watch Daniel Ulbricht, who taught a master class at NHB last year, and Antonio Carmena, who taught the students that morning, warming up for their respective leading roles in Swan Lake.
The students visited the gift stand and proceeded to their seats in the Third Ring of the Koch Theater, where the entire cast of Swan Lake, including: Tyler Angle, Sara Mearns, Megan Fairchild, Tiler Peck, (the aforementioned Mssrs. Ulbricht and Carmena) and many others dazzled the audience with their spectacular dancing.
It was a long but magical day, which all will remember for a lifetime. Thank you to the dedicated and patient NHB faculty and chaperones and everyone at NYCB!
Photos: (a) Mr. Carmena teaches NHB students technique class; (b) Students and faculty pose with Mr. la Cour on stage at Lincoln Center; (c) Up close look at Swan Lake costumes; (d) Outside the stage door; (d) Waiting for the curtain to go up.
