WILLIAMSTOWN -- For students of the Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter Public School in Adams, a Friday afternoon lesson in listening and cooperation came in the form of classical music and ballet moves.
For the second year in a row, principal dancers of the New York City Ballet included the school in their trip to Williams College by conducting an hour-long workshop with a group of about 30 middle and high school students.
This year, students got a more professional taste by visiting the dancers in the rehearsal studio at the college’s ‘62 Center for Theatre and Dance, a trip sponsored in part by Bob and Martha Lipp.
"We love this visit and are thrilled to have the dancers work with our students again this year. Also, anytime we can get our students on a college campus is a plus," said Julia Bowen, executive director at BArT.
Led by professional dancers Jenifer Ringer and Jared Angle, the program was designed to introduce students to "Liebeslieder Walzer," a ballet based on the music of Johannes Brahms and choreographed by George Balanchine.
In between fits of giggles and exaggerated moves, the students also showed focus on their waltzing steps and arched arms.
"They did so great. I hope they realize that they are able to dance and appreciate the music and working with each other," Ringer said.
The New York City Ballet will give a sold-out performance of the work that the students learned
part of today on the ‘62 Center stage.
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