Meet the dancers attending "The Director's Summer" at BBT!
On June 30, 2025, Boca Ballet Theatre opened our doors to welcome the dancers attending “The Directors’ Summer” workshop. This year, we have 31 dancers joining us from top dance programs across the country to study under the five guest Artistic Directors joining us for this year’s workshop. We spoke to just a few of these dancers to learn why they chose to spend their summer here at BBT and what their dreams are for the future. Here’s what they had to say!
Brooke Baldwin, BBT summer alumna - University of Utah School of Dance
Brooke Baldwin is a ballet major from the University of Utah who has returned to Boca Raton after attending our summer program last year. “One of the biggest reasons I chose to return is the program’s versatility,” Brooke says. “As an ex-competition dancer, I have always loved performing and taking hip-hop, jazz, and modern classes alongside ballet. Boca Ballet’s summer program definitely deepens my appreciation for all styles of dance and allows me to grow as an artist.” As her first two weeks in the program drew to a close, Brooke shared how she enjoyed working closely with James Sofranko, the Artistic Director of Grand Rapids Ballet, in class and rehearsal: “His choreography is so lively and fun to dance, and he’s incredibly kind and patient with dancers when learning difficult steps. I already feel like I’ve grown so much.” Having healed from multiple injuries in school, Brooke now hopes to continue doing what she loves onstage and in class. “I am very excited to see what God has in store for me after I graduate college in the spring.”
Emma Joy Foo - Singapore Ballet Academy
Emma Joy Foo joins us all the way from Singapore on a competitive scholarship! For her, BBT’s summer intensive offers a great opportunity to enhance her technique, gain valuable experience in the professional ballet world, and widen her understanding of the art form. Reflecting on her experiences working with James Sofranko and Nick Mullikin these past two weeks, Emma said, “I really appreciated the feedback from both the artistic directors as it was encouraging, honest, and helped me grow both in my mindset and technique. Even though I’ve never taken jazz before, I’m so glad I got the chance to try it. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in the best way. I genuinely enjoyed the classes and felt supported every step of the way.” After graduating with a diploma in dance, Emma aims to join a ballet company as a professional dancer. “I’m additionally open to teaching young students if I ever get the opportunity,” Emma shared. “I find it enriching to share what I’ve learned and inspire the next generation.”
Cecilia Schmidt - FSU School of Dance
Cecilia Schmidt is joining us from FSU’s School of Dance in Tallahassee, Florida. She chose BBT’s summer workshop now that she’s transitioning from a BFA student to a professional dancer. “This summer intensive is a perfect place for me at this time of my ballet journey,” Cecilia shared. “I greatly appreciate [the guest artistic directors’] knowledge and openness regarding the ballet industry. The technique classes, including ballet, modern and jazz, are challenging and keeping me in shape during the long summer break, and the enrichment classes are very informative.” Cecilia’s dream is to land a contract with a professional ballet company so that she can continue honing her craft as a dancer and artist.
Tyler Trussell, BBT alumnus - Butler Ballet
Photo by Maximillian Tortoriello.
Tyler Trussel is a recent graduate of Butler University and a proud alumnus of Boca Ballet Theatre. He has participated in many other summer intensives, but he chose to return to his alma mater because our summer program offers many opportunities for aspiring professional dancers. “As a dancer who just graduated from college, I am the target audience for this summer program,” Tyler shared. “Here at BBT, I am surrounded by like-minded dancers who also want to build connections, audition and take classes from several artistic directors, and have the opportunity to perform and showcase their artistic abilities.” Tyler loves the more personal audition opportunities in our smaller classes rather than typical cattle-call style auditions. He’s been enjoying the challenging and exhilarating experience dancing in James Sofranko’s piece. “On another note, it wouldn’t be a Boca Ballet Summer Intensive without Jimmy Locust’s jazz class!” Tyler said. “I always know it will be hard work so I need to bring the energy! Regardless of the class given, however, I am focused on expanding my toolbox as a dancer while exploring different styles of movement!”
Elizabeth Turley, BBT summer alumna - University of Utah School of Dance
Elizabeth Turley returns to our summer program this year from the University of Utah. She chose our program in part because of the exposure it promises. “At most summer intensives, you only get to learn from and be seen by one company or director,” Elizabeth shared, “but at Boca you get to be seen by five at once.” This year’s workshop also features the opportunity to have our artistic directors set original work set on our dancers. “This allows the directors to work with us more intimately and is an incredible opportunity to get to know them more personally,” Elizabeth went on to say. “Working with Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director Nick Mullikin in rehearsals has been amazing and I feel stronger every day. This is such a great way to preview what it would be like having rehearsal in a professional company and I feel more prepared to take the next steps in my career.” In the future, Elizabeth would love to join a professional ballet company that performs iconic classical repertoire like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker as well as modern contemporary works that would allow her to stay well rounded as a dancer!