Young dancers get chance to thrive
Diablo Ballet's Professional Intermediate Program teaches students much more than dancing
By Janice De Jesus
STAFF WRITER

Article Launched: 08/02/2007 03:10:29 AM PDT


When Claire Kragen started eighth grade last September, she knew it was going to be hectic.
In her last year in middle school, she was also beginning an after school dance program -- Diablo Ballet's new Professional Intermediate Program (PIP) through Civic Arts Education.

That meant that she had little breathing time after school before heading straight to her PIP class.

Once there, Claire had to block out everything from her mind and concentrate on the dance techniques being taught. She quickly learned that concentration was the key to succeeding in a rigorous dance program and career.