Prestigious Dance Programs Accept 15 Local Girls

Fifteen girls studying ballet in Palm Desert may be young, but they made a choice to start pre-professional training last summer, propelling them into some of the top dance programs in the country.

The ballerinas, who range in age from 10 to 14 and are residents of Palm Desert and nearby surrounding cities, train at Studio 4 Dance at78078 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert.

“New York City Ballet Company and Joffrey Ballet School of Boston are two programs that are very hard to get into, due to limited spots,” explained ballet director Penny Huffor, “Kids across the country are vying for a spot, and I’m so proud our girls got in.”

Courtlyn Wheeler, 12, who has been training with the studio since it opened up four years ago, received acceptance to both of these programs, as well as to the Joffrey Ballet School of New York.

“When I found out I was accepted, I was surprised because this was my first year auditioning,” Courtlyn said.

Additionally, some of the girls have received acceptance to the American Ballet Theater, and the Joffrey Ballet School of Georgia.

The successes of their auditions were a product of a vigorous training circuit consisting of five to six practices a week, three to four hours a day.

“We trained intensely, focused on getting better, and it helped with the results of our auditioning,” she said.

Now that the girls have been accepted, they will start planning the dates they will attend their programs, depending on how fast they can raise money for expenses outside the cost of tuition. 

The young ballerinas will be hosting a picnic in the park performance fundraiser at the Civic Center Park Amphitheater in Palm Desert on Sunday, March 13.

The 45 minute production starts at 11:30 am, and is aimed to raise money for their traveling and living expenses, such as room and board, while they are away from home attending their programs.

Donations are encouraged, and sponsorship opportunities are available.