Hello! I am Caroline Barna, social media intern for Bates Dance Festival this summer. I traveled to Bates from Washington, DC, where I have been living, dancing and arts administrat-ing for the past two years, since graduating from James Madison University.
I am here to blog, dance, tweet, eat, snap, post and like! You will hear a lot from me through the blog as I get the inside scoop on each program this summer: the Young Dancers Workshop, Professional Training Program and Youth Arts Program. Be sure to check out each blog category to learn about the different sides of BDF. I hope to post my thoughts and impressions of the festival, along with many interviews, quotes and photos from the participants, counselors, performers, staff, musicians and faculty.
Since arriving, I have met many of the young dancers that will be inhabiting the campus these next three weeks. The Young Dancers Workshop kicked off Friday night with a meet and greet orientation. As each teacher and staff member introduced themselves it became immediately apparent what a beautiful community we have here. Some instructors have returned each summer for years, others have performed previously at the festival, a few worked as counselors in the past and some are brand new. No matter where they came from, each was excited to introduce themselves and join us for a summer of dancing.
Director Laura Faure, closed the meeting with the principles that will guide our doing and dancing these next few weeks. Curiosity, cooperation, respect and generosity. I look forward to inhabiting these four principles myself, and finding out what they mean to the other diverse bodies here at Bates. Be sure to check back with us to watch this process unfold and feel free to leave any thoughts in the comments section!
