
Kaia Neal at the 2017 RWB School’s Professional Division Summer Session; photos by Kaia’s classmate Lily
Kaia Neal, age 12, was the only C.S.D. student who auditioned for the 2017 Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Professional Division Summer Session. From July 2 to 29, 2017. Kaia trained intensively in ballet and pointe technique, character dance, and modern dance with classes in historical dance, conditioning, music, repertoire, Spanish dance, improvisation, choreography, visual art, dance history, creative movement, nutrition, and performance enhancement.
Of her first invitational residential training experience Kaia said, “At first I was nervous about being on my own away from home, except for when I was in class I forgot about everything else and focused on learning and doing my best. As time went on I met new friends and started to feel more comfortable. I really learned a lot from my teachers. They were all very encouraging and helpful. It was really cool to see dancers from different places like Japan, New York, Kansas, China and all over Canada. It was an amazing experience I am glad I got the opportunity.”