It's great because this allows them to study with various teachers, which is something they can't do here. They get to have a wide array of ballet classes-classes they wouldn't normally be able to take like classical jazz, Pilates, or character dancing.

I wouldn't dream of doing anything else. I'm fortunate that I get to do what I love to do.

The most important thing for them to do is to do research and develop goals and a plan for their future. They all have so much potential.

Being a serious dancer means sacrificing other things as well. It means if there's a school dance at the time of practice, you don't go. It means auditioning for everything you can, watching your weight, yet staying strong and healthy. It also means balancing friends and family, and planning your future. It's really amazing what they've been able to accomplish.

For some of these programs, thousands of people audition and they only choose a couple hundred to go to the summer sessions, so it's really a great opportunity for these students.

I'm a little nervous, ... I've heard no matter how hard you study you fail, and the teachers are pretty unforgiving. I'm glad of the challenge.