Hear from Intensive Semester Graduates!

I loved the Intensive Semester program because we were able to cater our own schedule to meet our individual needs. The training curriculum is perfect for personal development, with its strict discipline and attendance policies (which keep us in check during our training). Overall, everything about Peridance is great. You can have the bet of both worlds - with a balanced mix of commercial classes and concert-based classes. It can be humbling to dance with professional ballet dancers, before transitioning to a hip-hop class with celebrated commercial dancers. -Bridget Derville-Teer, Fall Semester '18

I didn't really know what to expect, but I'm so glad I participated in the Intensive Semester because I ultimately learned so much. While in the program, I discovered more about myself as both an artist, and as a person, which prompted me to change my original path (and pursue what my heart truly yearned for). Moreover, Peridance gave me a family, which made me feel more at ease, particularly while being far from home. They offered a safe space where I could grow and prosper comfortably. For that, I am so thankful. I loved everyone in the studio-from the teachers who widened our knowledge, to the people at the front desk who remembered our names and greeted us with wide smiles. -Sofia Pomeroy Fernandez, Fall Semester '18

Because of my experience at Peridance, I feel so changed. It wasn't always easy, as I was confronting personal challenges at the time, but dance offered me a sense of power, strength, and knowledge. I feel like a different person than when I enrolled. During the program, I learned more about my tastes and style as a dancer. I'm not exaggerating by saying that my time at Peridance changed my life. I met so many great people and dancers; friends and colleagues that I can't imagine my present life without. I learned a lot about myself in this program, and improved so much. -Martina Turroni, Fall Semester '18

Intensive Semester did meet my expectations-it was physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging, and, therefore, very rewarding. Because of its caliber, I feel that I have grown significantly not only as a dancer, but also as a person. -Samantha Mandich, Fall Semester '18

Intensive Semester established within me the desire to become a dancer, and dedicate my life to dance. The program-with its physically demanding, dense schedule taught me what it's like to dance at the professional level. Our schedule was jam-packed with a diverse roster of classes in different styles/genres. This intensity made me so much stronger. -Sarah Perez, Fall Semester '18

I gained so much confidence during my time at Peridance. I definitely didn't overcome all my insecurities, but I became objectively stronger and bolder. I am very grateful for that. Besides gaining confidence, my dancing has improved a lot. I have never been able to train as often and consistently as I have during these 6 months. And it shows my technique, dynamics, and musicality have all been sharpened. -Lea Korner, Fall Semester '18

I have grown so much at Peridance. When I arrived, I was anxious about all the work I had to do; I feared that my level was too low, and that I was going to be laughed at. Luckily, the teachers and students around me helped and encouraged me. They weren't judgmental, but incredibly supportive. -Eve Ravello, Fall Semester '18

Intensive Semester had a large effect on me. I watched as my whole class improved together due to the intense and high-quality training. But I also gained a lot of knowledge on what I have to work on, including how to practice movements, and execute them correctly. -Sara Meyer, Fall Semester '18

When I first came to Peridance, I was negative about my dancing, but now I'm proud of myself, and have a more positive perception of myself. This program helped me a lot. There were so many good teachers and classes. -Mi-Jung Kim, Fall Semester '18

I'd do Intensive Semester again! It's the best program ever! -May Mattunyuta, Fall Semester '18

This program helped me to decide to pursue dance professionally. Before, I wasn't sure if I was good enough to make it in the ultra-competitive professional dance world. But, after this program, I know that I am talented enough to make it, and that there will be a place for me out there. -Amelia Schloesser, Fall Semester '18

This was my first experience trying so many different styles of dance. I was very lost at the beginning, and I struggled in every class. But now I can say that I'm proud of myself, and the work that I've done. I still have a lot of things that I have to improve upon, but I have accomplished so much growth. While at Peridance, I figured out how to use contemporary and commercial classes to supplement my ballet technique to strengthen underused muscles, improve my musicality and dynamics, etc. -Celine Belinski, Fall Semester '18

I would say the Intensive Semester program exceeded my expectations. I never thought I could grow so much in every style, in every way. I made friendships and relationships with students and teachers alike that will last forever. I'm very happy with how this semester went. -Molly Null, Fall Semester '16

This was a very complete program. It's not just a dance course, and for me it was the best option to start with this program first, and then audition for the certificate program later on. It was like an "introduction" to what I was about to experience here at Peridance and in NY. It helped me get to know the teachers, how they run classes, and how the school works. -Valeria Ramirez Vazquez, Fall Semester '16 / Certificate Program '17

As I'm from Germany and trying to stay in the US for a longer period of time, this program has basically affected my entire life. Of course, my dancing improved; I got to experience so many different classes, so I'd say I've broadened my horizons. I've also met a lot of people who have and will be affecting my life - friends, and hopefully also teachers and choreographers. I have been very very happy with this program. I would not have expected to be put into intermediate and advanced-intermediate classes from the beginning, but I am very thankful that the coordinator did this! Before I applied for the program, I came to NYC and tried different schools, and also now, after I've been here for 6 months, I would choose Peridance again. It has the largest faculty, amazing teachers, a great variety in styles, and I like the atmosphere. It's just great. -Theresa Fervers, Fall Semester '16

The mentor and coordinator both did a fabulous job in supporting me, and all the other dancers in the program. Rachel read every word of my self-reflections and responded with such care, kindness, and wonderful advice. She was available to meet with me whenever I had questions or concerns, and was never bothered by my minute-detail questions. Erika, too, offered honest and helpful advice, especially in terms of which classes to take. She really saw me and my dancing for where I was at, and looked at which classes would both support me and push me. She's very familiar with all of the various styles and teachers that are offered at the studio, and she is great at helping coordinate a schedule that supports your growth. -Rebecca Murray, Fall Semester '16

The Intensive Semester program developed my dancing skills and my personal skills. I developed my memory skills and my technique. The program also exposed me to different and unique styles that I had never seen before, and it gave me the opportunity to experience them all! -Maya Ronen, Fall Semester '16

I loved the Intensive Semester program and am very grateful to have chosen to complete it. It is very serious and personal, and encourages each student to push themselves to their limits and create their own opportunities. -Noga Raban, Fall Semester '16

went through a big personal growth during this program. I can be really shy, but now I'm taking every chance there is. Even though sometimes I'm not flawless, I have fun and take the opportunity to learn! I have a lot more confidence and I'm hungry to learn more! In this program, I expected a lot of classes, getting in shape, and having fun while doing that. But I didn't expect so many opportunities while in the program, like teachers asking to perform with them! That was a great surprise. -Melany Smith, Fall Semester '16

A really good aspect of this program is that it requires you to get up and keep reaching. There were some morning when I would wake up and not feel great that day, but I had to go and take my classes that day anyway. Through this though, I learned that when a day comes when I have a bad feeling, I start to dance and those bad feelings are all released. I finish the day with a big smile and happiness! -Lee Valis, Fall Semester '16

Everything in this program was totally new for me, and I overcame being scared of it. I became more confident about myself. I'm much stronger than before, and more versatile in picking up different styles or routines. Personally, I became more disciplined about what I have to work on and learned to never stop working on anything. I found different things to work on every class, every week. I continued growing in every aspect while enjoying dancing each and every style no matter what. This program is perfect for anyone who is new to the country and the city, and to the one who doesn't know where to start within the dance community. The six months gives you time to settle and understand yourself, as well as learn what you are good at and what doesn't work for you. -Koomal Surve, Fall Semester '16

Through this program, I improved on my focus in class. I am now strong enough to maintain my focus through all of my classes through the day. It also helped me learn and gain stamina and endurance. Having six months without much of a break is great because when you work professionally, that is likely to happen often, and you need to learn how to work intelligently when you're very tired. The mentor and coordinator helped me with anything I asked. They were so accommodating and got to know every student and their individual strengths and weaknesses. -Rosalia Panepinto, Fall Semester '16 / Certificate Program '17