If you want to know where the best summer schools are, ask someone who's been before. To help you decide , we invited students who came to International Ballet Masterclasses in Prague 2004 to write something about their experiences so you can judge for yourself. See also Feedback from Prague 2003

From Megan Kurashige (California)...

Dear Mme. Richard,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful classes which you gave in Prague. They inspired me and made me
think about dancing in so many new ways. I'm very jealous of the students who are lucky enough to
receive your teaching all year round!" Cigarette" was such an enjoyable variation. Very
difficult, but interesting because I've never seen it before in America. Can you tell me what the music is?
I'd like to keep on practicing it until I can manage without falling over!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Best wishes for good health and happiness.

Dear Ian and Daria,

I just wanted to write to thank you for the wonderful time I had in Prague. It was quite possibly one of the most amazing summers I've had so far! I apologize for not writing sooner, but I've just started the new season and moved to a new apartment in the process and so have been without internet for awhile!

I really, really enjoyed the program. I loved the classes. It was so inspiring to have such beautiful dancers as teachers. I particularly loved the solos we got to learn. They were so different and interesting. It was really special for me to have Tamara as a teacher. I saw her dance on my first visit to England and was completely blown away, so to have her right there, teaching us was amazing. She encouraged me to audition in the UK, so now I'm brimming with inspiration and hoping to make it there when my company is on holiday (if you have any words of advice, I'd be hugely grateful!).
Prague was as beautiful as promised, and the other students were wonderful people. I made many friends and I hope to keep in touch with them in the future.
I wish I could properly thank all the teachers since they were all incredible, inspiring, and helpful. Do you think it would be alright to send them letters c/o their respective companies/schools?
Thank you for a lovely two weeks, and please keep me up to date on the classes for next year.

From Emma-jane Maguire (Dancer with the Royal Ballet London)...

Dear Ian and Daria,

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for being so kind and looking after me but also for making the week such a wonderful experience.The teachers were superb and it was just a pleasure for me to be back in a solos class and doing a pas de deux as in the corps de ballet I do not have the chance to.
For me the course was so beneficial, I remember how much I love to dance!Thank you
Wishing you all the best for the new season ,
yours sincerely,

From Emina Adderley (Student at Elmhurst Ballet School)...

Thank you very much for allowing me to join in the Prague Summer School. I had a brilliant time and enjoyed all the classes, especially pas de deux as I learnt lots of new things. Thankyou for meeting me at the airport it was a great help as it was my first time there.
I would love to come again next year and will be looking out for application dates!!!

From Sonoya Mizuno (Student at the Royal Ballet School)...

I just wanted to say the biggest THANKYOU for accepting me on the course! I honestly had one of the best weeks in my life. I feel like I learnt a lot and the teachers really inspired me- after a very difficult year of injuries
I cannot remember enjoying dancing as much as I did in Prague. Also, I met so many great people, who I have kept in touch with, such as Charlotte Gleason who I’ve seen frequently since we left in London. We all had so much fun and it was thanks to you, please keep me posted with regards to your plans for next Summer.
Thankyou again,
With love

From Tsumugi Misaki, who came to the 2003 Masterclasses...

KUMI OZAKI she told me that she had a great time at Prague experiencing a dancer's life. She did not want to leave the country. I am sure that everyone will be learning so much from your course.
Your master course had changed my life greatly. ...Most ballet schools tend to make a barrier and keep their secret for themselves. But I was so happy to find a place where I could hear a teacher saying "Hungry to learn" is important whatever the levels at your course. I was given a chance to work for K-Ballet as teacher from September this would not have come true if I did not attend your course. Love of dance and passion of ballet was hidden deep in side of me. After attending your course I really wanted to challenge anything without a fear.
Thank you very much.
I would like to see you soon somewhere!
Best wishes from Tsumugi Misaki

From Stephanie Clayton...

I just wanted to write to thank you for the brilliant two weeks I had with you in Prague. I feel that I have gained so much from the course and renewed my love of dance.
I have been totally inspired by what I have seen and learnt, and feel priviledged to have worked with such world-class dancers, particularily since they were all so friendly and helpful.
Prague is a truly beautiful city, and the experience of doing what I love in such a fantastic enviroment was amazing. Thank you again and hope to see you in the future…
Best wishes
Stephanie Clayton.
(Student from London Studio Centre)

From Chris Mason...

(Father of Sophie Mason, a student from Central School of Ballet in London, who had to go home early due to an ingrowing toenail swelling up badly after 3 days of her two weeks)

I am not sure if this message will reach you but it's worth a try ! I just wanted to let you know that Sophie and I were very grateful for the help she received in Prague from you and the Physio when she was unable to continue with the course. Events moved very quickly on Thursday and we were lucky in a way to be able to travel home together. We have had tears because she was so upset to have to leave early but in the circumstances I think she made the right decision.
A friend asked her today how she had felt on the course and she replied 'Like I belonged '. Isn't that lovely and testament to the warmth of the welcome she had received. She is so disappointed to be missing this week but such is the lot of a dancer !
Thanks again and good luck with the rest of the course

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