It’s always bittersweet to watch our students grow older, graduate, and move on from our studio. As the premier ballet studio in the East Valley, we’ve had our fair share of graduating seniors. This year is no different—we have four beautiful dancers graduating. Let’s take a moment to celebrate them and their wonderful accomplishments!
Allison Hong
Have you had any other training outside Studio R? If so, where and when?
I previously trained at World Class Dance in New York and Club Dance Studio.
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing altogether for twelve years and I’ve been at SRB for five years.
What made you want to start dancing?
I originally started dancing as a supplement to improve artistry in my figure skating, which I’ve done since I was four. I immediately fell in love and would constantly dance to Disney songs in the living room, so I eventually transferred my focus from figure skating to dance.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love how ballet is a form of individual expression that also has the power to connect people. It’s an art that is not only healing towards the dancer, but also the audience. Having the opportunity to let my mind open and allow emotions naturally flow through my body is already an incredible feeling. But on top of that, seeing how my movements can emotionally impact or inspire others makes ballet even more rewarding.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
My favorite variation to perform is Kitri’s Entrance. I feel like I don’t have to hold back and can put all my energy into every moment. It also feels natural to add my personality into the performance, making the whole piece so enjoyable and flow together. And although I struggled with this in the beginning, it is so fun dancing with a fan.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role is Kitri in Don Quixote.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall to study Psychology. I also hope to join one of Dartmouth’s dance teams to continue dancing these next four years!
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I love ballet but I also really enjoy contemporary and jazz.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
I usually wear each pointe shoe for around 4-5 months.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
The studio’s group prayer always helps me calm down and trust that everything will go well. Right before I go on stage, I also like to do a couple of quick jumps up and down to help shake off my nerves.
How do you relax and repair your body after a strenuous day of training or performing?
I take a nice, long nap and then roll out my muscles or do some gentle stretches.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
Outside of ballet, I love to ice skate, swim, read, and go on walks with my family!
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
Every time the curtains were drawn after bows of a show felt so special because nearly the whole studio would be cheering on the stage together and I could feel the genuine love everyone has for each other. I always get chills during that moment, thinking all these dancers came together to create one amazing performance.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
Remember that everyone has a spark and quality to their dancing unique to themselves, so stay true to who you are. When you show your authentic self when dancing, that’s when you shine.
Anything else you want to add?
I just want to thank Ms. Robbin and all of the teachers and dancers at SRB for making this studio really feel like a second home. I feel so honored to have been able to dance and interact with all of these incredibly talented people these past five years. The love and support this community fosters constantly amazes me and I will always be proud to say that I am a part of the SRB family.
Evie Humphrey
Have you had any other training outside Studio R? If so, where and when?
I initially began dancing at Brooksher Ballet for a handful of months prior to the lockdowns. After about a year off, I began training again at Studio R Ballet where I really began to fall in love with the art. I have also had some ballroom training through school as well as tap, Fosse, and musical theatre through Jenifer Hansen.
How long have you been dancing?
I have been at SRB for four years and dancing for just under five.
What made you want to start dancing?
I initially began dancing just to have something to do. It took me a good while to realize my love for the performing arts as well as my lack of skills when it comes to sports haha. My sister had been dancing for several years, and my mom had even danced professionally. I figured I’d just give it a shot. Something clicked with me. I immediately connected with the demand for discipline and precise understanding of my body. It was so different than anything else I had tried that I dared not give it up.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love the individuality it can cultivate. You must be so in tune with your body, and you learn new things about yourself every class even if unconsciously. That coupled with the classical music and the room for artistry is one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I can give my time towards. It is an edifying art beyond comprehension. I love how much it incorporates the principle of continuous progression and improvement. It has built my character so much. I have become more disciplined, patient, enduring, and courageous because of ballet.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I love Theme and Variations because of its playful dynamics. It opens up a lot of room for artistry and is a manageable challenge for me technically.
What’s your dream role?
I would love to be the Russian girl in Balanchine’s Serenade and perform The Man I Love pas de deux or “Fascinating Rhythm” variation from Who Cares. I also love Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I will be a swing in the Hale Centre Theatre’s The Scarlet Pimpernel and part of the ensemble for their next production Charlie and the Chocolate Factory over the summer. I will also be attending Studio R Ballet’s summer intensives and Balanchine Clinic prior to studying liberal arts and theatre at Southern Virginia University.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I absolutely love tap and Fosse. The latter was heavily inspired by George Balanchine who developed my favorite style of ballet.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
The longevity of my pointe shoes typically ranges between two weeks and two months.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I do my best to focus on hydration the prior 24–48 hours before the show as well as daily stretching 2–3 days before to avoid any stiffness. I think it is important to find the difference between stretching to avoid stiffness, to warm up, and to push the boundaries of your flexibility. Although the latter-most is important while training, it can impair your performance. However, being stiff or not warm enough is far riskier. Finding that balance has been a continuous journey. I also love to turn on good music or a podcast to help ameliorate some of the nerves. As soon as I get to the theatre, I focus on connecting with my friends to build up the excitement in a positive way.
How do you relax and repair your body after a strenuous day of training or performing?
Sleep is always my best friend after a long day and/or week of performances. It can sometimes take a few days to fully recover, but prioritizing the time to do so is always worth it. I also do similar stretching as leading up to the day to avoid stiffness. Rolling out, especially my feet, is also very beneficial.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
I love musical theatre, reading, and listening to podcasts. My start in performing began with choir and has expanded since. Musical theatre has been an amazing way to connect my love for creativity, song, dance, and storytelling. I also have a strong passion for the liberal arts. Tolkien is by far my favorite author, and Dostoevsky is becoming a close second. Jordan Peterson is also up there, and hosts my favorite podcast. I love diving into nonfictional books as well, especially ones on early American history.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
There was one particular rehearsal for Nutcracker where my body felt like it was about to give out. It was our second-to-last chance to rehearse before opening, so I knew I had to lock in and show up 100%. I said a quick prayer asking for strength, and I had a better run than I could have thought I ever could have. It wasn’t perfect, but there was such a noticeable difference in my physical ability that I cannot deny that God had answered my prayer. I was able to connect with the music and story so strongly that I finally knew I had a love for the art. That small miracle has had such large impacts.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
Find your “why” and remember it! Why do you dance? My “why” for dance has been feeling that divine connection between music and my body which I believe are both heavenly gifts. As I remember that, the music begins to give me strength as my legs give out, my poor self-esteem regarding my body lessens and is overpowered by gratitude, and the discipline becomes worthwhile and impactful on my own personal character development not just my body’s and musicality’s. There are going to be a lot of hard days, but your “why” will bring you joy! It is never too late. You can never mess anything up because you can always start where you’re at. There’ll be ups and downs, but having a consistent purpose makes that cycle wonderful.
Also remember the wise words of Elle Woods: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.”
Anything else you want to share?
I just want to express how incredibly grateful I am for Studio R. The instructors I have had have been better mentors than I ever could have asked for and have had so many positive impacts on my life in so many ways that will continue to last for many years to come. I am especially thankful for Ms. Robbin. She is so inspirational. The studio she has created really is a miracle. Ballet is such a beautiful art, but its current world is filled with a lot of negativity. She has managed to build up a place where that negativity is nowhere to be found and that carries such a unique spirit of joy.
Presley Broberg
Have you had any other training outside Studio R?
I have not danced anywhere besides SRB.
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been at SRB for about 5–6 years. I started dancing towards the end of 7th grade.
What made you want to start dancing?
I danced at SRB when I was really little, but after a year I started to pursue other interests. I did tumbling, gymnastics, volleyball, football, dive, and tennis before deciding that I wanted to dance again as I got older. I loved watching dancers, and a lot of kids at my school danced, so I decided to go back. It was a hard decision to stop playing tennis for high school to pursue dance, since I didn’t have time for both, but I’m so glad I chose to continue dancing at SRB.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love ballet because of how graceful it is and I love the artistry of it. I also love all the different types of characters you can be while doing it.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I never performed a variation but my favorite piece that I performed was the Salem Witch dance from this year’s Halloween show. I always dreamed of being in that piece and I fell in love with the choreography and music. Performing as the mini soloist in it was a dream come true.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role is Dew Drop from The Nutcracker. I love how smiley and happy the role is and I feel the dance style matches my artistry really well because I’ve always felt the most expressive in the Waltz of the Flowers.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan to attend ASU and take dance classes there and continue dancing at SRB before applying to be a cruise ship dancer.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I love Broadway and contemporary. Broadway is so fun for me because I love performing in the face and the acting that comes with dancing. Contemporary is very expressive and beautiful and I love the emotion and freedom in it.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
Pointe shoes have always been different for me because I’ve tried so many different kinds but I would say they last me at least 3 months if I’m lucky.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I always say an extra prayer with my friends before or after our studio prayer circle on stage.
How do you relax and repair your body after a strenuous day of training or performing?
When I feel really sore I go out to my hot tub and relax my sore muscles and then I just sleep a lot.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
Outside of ballet I’m either reading, playing video games with my brothers, drawing or painting, sleeping, or hanging out with my friends.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
There are so many special memories I have from dancing with SRB. I will forever cherish all the friends I made and the laughter we experienced together. SRB has been my home away from home and my second family.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
I would say that it’s never too late to start dancing and when you feel like you’re behind everyone else just remember that everyone goes at their own pace. Always remember to be kind and patient with yourself because dance can be so difficult mentally and your mindset is what’s going to make or break you.
Anything else you want to share?
I’ve gotten straight A’s throughout all of high school and received a $35,000 scholarship to ASU.
Rihanna Denvir
Have you had any other training outside Studio R?
I’ve done dance intensives for UDA (Universal Dance Association), I’m a part of my high school dance company and hip hop team, and I’m a part of my school’s competition Pom team. I also danced at Monica’s Loughman Elite Ballet Academy in Dublin, Ireland for a short period of time.
How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing at SRB for 11–12 years. I started dancing when I was three.
What made you want to start dancing?
I’ve been dancing for as long as I remember. I don’t remember why I originally wanted to start dancing, however I am reminded every day of why I dance.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love ballet because it allows me to express myself in a way that feels both disciplined and free. I love the routine of ballet and the endless ability to “perfect” each movement as you grow as a dancer.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
Kitri Variation, Don Quixote. I like the performance quality I often see along with Kitri.
What’s your dream role?
I don’t have a dream role, I enjoy dancing in all different roles of ballet, and I appreciate them in different ways.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I plan on getting an undergraduate degree in chemistry on the pre-medicine path.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I love the styles jazz, hip hop, and contemporary in addition to ballet.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
It takes me about three weeks before my pointe shoes are dead.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I make sure not to go over any choreography right before I go on, otherwise I forget it.
How do you relax and repair your body after a strenuous day of training or performing?
I like to stretch the day after a performance.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, baking, shopping, and studying.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
Every moment and experience has been special with SRB.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
My advice would be to never give up. Even if you don’t see improvement, it doesn’t mean that you’re not improving.
Anything else you want to share?
My training and time at SRB has made me into the person I am today. I will forever be thankful for Mrs. Robbin and the staff at the studio, along with the girls who I love so dearly. I will never forget my time here, and I will always know that I will forever be welcomed at the studio.
