11 July 2019
Inside Summer Intensive Student Brooklyn Kershner’s Dance Bag.
Originally from sunny California, ballet has always been a part of Brooklyn Kershner’s life. She began dancing when she was little and continued to pursue her dreams at the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago this past year as part of their trainee program. We sat down with Brooklyn to talk about why she chose to come to Arizona for the summer and got a peek inside her dance bag to see what gets her through a demanding day at The School of Ballet Arizona’s Summer Intensive!
The Goods:
2 pairs of pointe shoes, canvas flat shoes, gel toe pads, jet glue to harden pointe shoes, trash bag pants and booties for warming up, Icy Hot stick, pain relief gel, Advil, scissors, sewing kit with floss instead of thread, scissors, Thera-band, stretch band, Lacrosse ball to roll out muscles, arch roller, foam roller, band-aids, deodorant, lip balm, smoothing brush, notebook and pen, headphones, sunglasses, keys to ASU dorm, Hydro Flask water bottle, backpack.
Why did you choose The School of Ballet Arizona for your summer intensive?
I chose to attend Ballet Arizona’s summer program because I could tell that the training here is outstanding, and I was eager to experience it for myself. I commonly strive to push my speed and movement quality since I am a tall dancer that can struggle with that at times, and I felt like I could find guidance in that here. I’ve felt comfortable here right from the start. It can be hard coming to a new place with new people over the summer, but it is such a great environment here, so I had little trouble adjusting.
Have you found a routine that you like to stick to?
I have always been a person that likes routines, so I stick to a similar morning schedule everyday. I wake up at 6:30, play some Khalid on Spotify, and start my day. I get packed and dressed for my day of dancing, and then eat breakfast. I’m not much of a coffee person, but I always make sure to have a cup of tea in the morning. After taking the bus to the studio, I roll out my muscles with all my rollers and warm up for the day.
Who are some of your greatest dance inspirations?
I am inspired by so many dancers today and from the past, but I will never forget the time I was able to watch Tiler Peck perform Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante and how she gave that performance her all. The energy that she puts into every movement is something I attempt to replicate in my own way.
What have you explored so far in Phoenix and what has been your favorite?
My friends and I have explored quite a few places while here this summer, but one of my favorites has been the public market that is held every Saturday by our dorms at ASU. We have made it a ritual to go there every Saturday morning, and it always gives us something to look forward to!
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