Burklyn Ballet Theatre

Hello, Vermont dancers and families across the Green Mountain State! Are you searching for an enriching summer dance experience that combines rigorous training with a supportive, family-like atmosphere? Burklyn Ballet Theatre in Johnson, Vermont, is a truly special destination. For decades, Burklyn has been a beacon for aspiring dancers, offering a highly acclaimed summer intensive program that nurtures "the whole dancer." Whether you're a young student taking your first steps into intensive training or a pre-professional dancer seeking to refine your artistry, Burklyn provides a unique opportunity to grow technically, artistically, and personally, all within the beautiful, inspiring landscape of Vermont.

The philosophy at Burklyn Ballet Theatre is deeply rooted in fostering both technical excellence and genuine artistic expression. As one glowing review states, "Burklyn Ballet Theatre is a wonderful summer program that nurtures the whole dancer. With weekly performances, dancers have the opportunity to develop their artistry and technique with the gratification of performing for a live audience." Another parent enthusiastically shared that their daughter "has attended the intermediate program the last 2 summers and LOVED IT! She was saying on her first night there ever how much she couldn't wait to return the next summer!" highlighting the program's captivating nature. The instructors are consistently praised for their care, with comments like, "Her ballet skills increased immensely each summer and her teachers were always happy to see her improvement when she returned to classes. The instructors really cared about my daughter as a whole person and were so good with all of the kids." Director Joanne Whitehill is singled out as "a warm and caring director that somehow manages to remember each dancer from audition to attending Burklyn Ballet Theatre, year to year. She wants every dancer who attends to have the best possible experience they can have and works SO hard to make that happen." This dedication to individual growth within a "caring, safe and FUN environment" makes Burklyn Ballet Theatre a cherished institution for the Vermont dance community and beyond.

Burklyn Ballet Theatre is nestled in the picturesque town of Johnson, Vermont, with its primary location at 337 College Hill Rd, Johnson, VT 05656, USA. This address is part of the Vermont State University Johnson campus, offering a conducive environment for an immersive summer intensive program. Johnson itself is a charming town in northern Vermont, known for its scenic beauty and small-town atmosphere.

For Vermont locals, and those traveling from other parts of New England and beyond, accessing Burklyn Ballet Theatre requires a scenic journey into the heart of the state. Johnson is primarily reached by car via Vermont Route 15. When arriving in Johnson, the path to the campus involves turning onto Pearl Street, crossing a bridge, and continuing straight up College Hill Road. While specific details on on-site parking for Burklyn Ballet Theatre are not explicitly provided, being located on a university campus typically means there are designated parking areas available for program participants and visitors. For those considering air travel, Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the closest major airport, and while there is no direct public transportation from the airport or major bus/train stations to Johnson, families typically arrange for car travel or carpooling for their dancers. The journey, though potentially a drive, is often considered part of the unique, immersive experience of attending a summer intensive in Vermont's beautiful natural setting.

Burklyn Ballet Theatre offers a comprehensive summer intensive program designed to immerse dancers in a rigorous yet nurturing environment, fostering both technical prowess and artistic depth. While the primary focus is on classical ballet, the program integrates various complementary dance forms.

• Classical Ballet Training: The core of the program, featuring multiple daily technique classes to build and refine classical ballet skills, including barre work, center exercises, allegro, adagio, and turns.
• Pointe Work: Dedicated classes for dancers at appropriate levels, focusing on strengthening, alignment, and artistry en pointe.
• Variations and Repertoire: Students learn and rehearse excerpts from classical ballets, allowing them to explore famous choreography and develop performance qualities.
• Modern Dance: Classes in modern dance provide a contrast to classical ballet, encouraging different movement qualities, floor work, and contemporary expression.
• Jazz Dance: Engaging classes that introduce students to various jazz styles, focusing on rhythm, isolations, and dynamic movement.
• Character Dance: Explores theatrical dance forms based on traditional folk dances, typically incorporating storytelling and specific national styles.
• Partnering: For more advanced students, classes focusing on pas de deux (partnering) skills, essential for classical ballet performance.
• Weekly Performances: A unique highlight, providing dancers with the invaluable opportunity to perform repertoire and variations for a live audience every week. This consistent stage experience helps develop artistry and stage presence.
• Pre-Professional Program (Ages 12-25): Modeled after a professional ballet company's schedule, this intensive offers 3 technique classes per day, rehearsals, and weekly theater performances. Sessions range from 2 to 6 weeks.
• Intermediate Program: Designed for specific age ranges (e.g., ages 8-13), often with half-day options for younger participants (e.g., ages 8-9). This program focuses on introducing dance forms including ballet, modern, and African.
• Young Dancers and Choreographers Intensive (Ages 11+): Offers focused training in ballet technique, variations, artistry, and partnering. It also includes interdisciplinary dance techniques (ballet, modern, contemporary, African, salsa, yoga) and dedicated time for dance-making and choreographic work, culminating in a sharing for families.
• Specialized Workshops (Ages 10+ and Adults): During specific weeks, Burklyn offers workshops in styles like Simonson Jazz (Ages 18+), Hip Hop and Street Style (Ages 10-adult), Limon-based Modern Dance (Ages 16+), and Musical Theater (Ages 10+).
• Dance Adventure (Ages 4-7): A half-day program for the youngest dancers, exploring creative dance, tumbling, and drumming.
• On-Site Housing and Meals: For residential students (typically for the longer intensives), the program offers comprehensive room and board, providing a full immersive experience.

Burklyn Ballet Theatre distinguishes itself with a range of exceptional features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing reputation and its appeal as a summer intensive destination in Vermont.

• Nurturing "Whole Dancer" Philosophy: A core strength is its commitment to developing not just technical skills, but also the artistry, confidence, and overall well-being of each student. This holistic approach is frequently praised in reviews.
• Weekly Performance Opportunities: This is a significant highlight. The chance to perform new repertoire for a live audience every week is rare for a summer intensive and provides invaluable stage experience, helping dancers develop artistry and build confidence.
• Highly Experienced and Caring Faculty: Instructors are described as "skilled and patient," "so good with all of the kids," and genuinely caring about students "as a whole person." Director Joanne Whitehill is particularly noted for her warmth, attentiveness, and dedication to ensuring every dancer has the best possible experience.
• Family-Like Atmosphere: The "lovely staff has created a family atmosphere where students are able to bond over their love of dance," fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, crucial for an intensive residential program.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a diverse range of dance styles beyond classical ballet, including modern, jazz, character, variations, and partnering, providing a well-rounded dance education. The opportunity for dance-making and choreography is also a unique artistic outlet.
• Structured Progression for All Levels: With programs for ages 4-7, 8-13, 11+, and 12-25 (pre-professional), as well as adult workshops, Burklyn caters to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, ensuring appropriate challenges and growth for everyone.
• Flexible Commitment Options: While pre-professional programs offer 2-6 week options, shorter specialized workshops and day-student options provide flexibility for families and dancers who may not be able to commit to longer, full-time intensives.
• Proven Track Record of Improvement: Parents consistently report immense increases in their children's ballet skills, with teachers noting significant improvement upon their return to regular classes.
• Safe and Fun Environment: The emphasis on a "caring, safe and FUN environment" ensures that students can learn and thrive without undue pressure, making it an enjoyable summer experience.
• Scenic Vermont Location: Situated on the Vermont State University Johnson campus, the program benefits from the beautiful natural surroundings of Vermont, providing a refreshing and inspiring backdrop for intense training.

For those in Vermont and beyond interested in experiencing the enriching summer programs at Burklyn Ballet Theatre, here is their contact information:

Address: 337 College Hill Rd, Johnson, VT 05656, USA

Phone: (877) 287-5596

Mobile Phone: +1 877-287-5596

For locals in Vermont, Burklyn Ballet Theatre stands as an exceptional and accessible summer opportunity for dancers of all ages and aspirations. Its location in Johnson, amidst Vermont's natural beauty, offers a unique, immersive experience away from urban distractions, allowing students to fully focus on their craft. What truly makes Burklyn Ballet Theatre suitable for local families and dancers is its renowned reputation for nurturing the "whole dancer" – a philosophy that emphasizes not just technical skill but also artistry, confidence, and personal growth within a truly supportive and family-like atmosphere.

The consistent weekly performance opportunities provide invaluable stage experience, a rare feature in many summer intensives, ensuring students can apply their learning and build stage presence. The highly experienced and caring faculty, led by the dedicated Joanne Whitehill, ensures that every student receives individualized attention and feels genuinely supported. Whether you're introducing a young child to the joys of dance, looking for a summer activity that significantly boosts ballet skills, or aspiring to a pre-professional career, Burklyn Ballet Theatre offers a fun, safe, and profoundly enriching program right here in our beautiful state, making it a highly recommended choice for any Vermont dancer.

Burklyn Ballet Theatre

337 College Hill Rd, Johnson, VT 05656, USA