Students board new DMA ship. (Conversations With Jazz Dancers).

Dance Masters of America's weeklong Teacher Training School at the University at Buffalo attracts a capacity crowd of more than 300 each year (350 are expected this year). Participants include not only those who seek DMA's professional teaching certification and veteran teachers returning for refresher courses, but also a growing number of advanced dance students ages 16-18. This year, to accommodate the special needs and interests of these younger students, DMA will conduct its first Student Honors Intensive Program (SHIP), July 29-August 2.

SHIP is the brainchild of Tom Ralabate, assistant chair of the University at Buffalo dance department and DMA national education director. He notes that the young dancers attending teacher training were mixed into classes alongside established teachers. Not only was it difficult to teach to different experience levels, but the focus of the teacher training wasn't quite right for this younger group. "I think most 17-and 18-year-olds are not thinking of teaching right away. They're thinking performance," Relabate says.

SHIP accepted forty-two initial participants. An advanced level will be added in 2004 for those who wish to return. DMA President Lee Garrard says the intent is to keep the program small to make the most of one-on-one mentoring opportunities. Many dancers this age are grappling with the college decision, she says. Should they go to college and where? Or should they audition directly from high school to be a professional dancer? SHIP is designed to help young dancers address such questions and to introduce options.

"I want to create an arena for them to look at everything from education to the technical side of production--a full smorgasbord of the dance experience--not just auditioning and performance," says Ralabate. "I want to excite them about other things besides performance, give them a little more information so they can be resourceful and make solid choices for themselves."

SHIP sessions include technique classes plus sessions on massage therapy, dance technology, acting and voice, social dance, kinesiology, Pilates, and nutrition. At the end of the week, all participate in both a musical theater and a modern dance production.

"We encourage them to not be selective about things but rather to be very, very open to the whole experience," says Ralabate. "Some things you'll gravitate to and some things not, but keep an open mind.

"I'm interested in combining a strong educational and artistic experience for each participant. I want these young people to nurture and find their dance identity. The program is a great beginning for that," he says. "It is for the serious-minded dancer. It's not like dance camp."

"We are so excited about this program," says Garrard. "DMA is about education. It's been the key to our success for 119 years. That's why this is so important--so the kids can get the best education we can provide." www.dma-national.org/SHIP.htm