Elite Ballet Program (EBP) at Southern Dance Theatre is in its second season. The Program is designed for the serious ballet student; offering special classes, classical variation and contemporary solo coaching, group choreography, performances, and select high level competitions.
This season six students were selected for the program by audition: Sienna Alpert, Madison Bourque, Savanna Bourque, Tori Gilbert, Caroline Kern, and Salma Kiuhan.
Participating coaches and choreographers included EBP Directors; Sandra Goodnough and Elizabeth Gonzalez, Julie Bravata, Christine O’Shea, and Roger Dunson.
The EBP team attended Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP) Regionals in Tampa and Universal Ballet Competition (UBC) in Miramar.
The following are some of the EBP dancers accomplishments at the competitions and acceptance by audition into Sumner Intensive Programs:
YAGP
- Madison Bourque (Senior Division) and Savanna Bourque (Junior Division) placed in the top 24 for their Classical Variations.
- Contemporary Ensemble “Stillness and Noise” was invited to perform at the New York City Finals.
Caroline Kern onstage performing Classical Bluebird Variation from Sleeping Beauty at YAGP
UBC
Intermediate Level Classical Ballet Variations Junior Division:
Salma Kiuhan – 1st Place, Savanna Bourque – 2nd Place, Tori Gilbert – 3rd Place, Sienna Alpert – 8th Place
Senior Division: Madison Bourque – 1st Place
Intermediate Level Contemporary Solo Junior Division:
Salma Kiuhan – 1st Place, Savanna Bourque- 5th Place, Tori Gilbert – 6th Place
Senior Division: Madison Bourque – 1st Place
Intermediate Level Contemporary Ensemble Junior Division: 1st Place
Summer Intensive Programs
- Houston Ballet: Salma Kiuhan
- Joffrey Ballet New York: Salma Kiuhan (full scholarship)
- Modas Dance: Madison Bourque (scholarship), Salma Kiuhan (scholarship)
- Next Generation Ballet: Madison Bourque (scholarship), Savanna Bourque (scholarship), Tori Gilbert (scholarship) Salma Kiuhan (scholarship)
- Orlando Ballet: Sienna Alpert, Madison Bourque (scholarship), Savanna Bourque (scholarship), Tori Gilbert, Caroline Kern
- Sarasota Ballet: Savanna Bourque, Caroline Kern, Salma Kiuhan (full scholarship)
- Washington Ballet: Madison Bourque and Salma Kiuhan
