Summer is without a doubt my favorite season of the year. There is no school, warm weather; I get to hang out with friends and for me, dance intensives are the best. In summer 2014 I went to Belvoir Terrace. Now that was a summer I will never forget. For my first summer at Belvoir, I lived in bunk "Hepburn" in the Grove, and it changed my life, and although it’s weird to think that six weeks at an all-girls performing arts camp could impact you so much, it’s surprisingly true. Belvoir was absolutely amazing. I made more friends than I can count, I was given so many opportunities that allowed me to try different art forms .For example, ever since I was little I've always wanted to be a Rockette and dance at Radio City Music Hall, and if it weren't for Belvoir, I wouldn't have been able to take a tap class taught by a Rockette (Lisa) twice a week. I even got the chance to take a mini Rockette Workshop.
Before I left New York to go to Massachusetts and spend six weeks at a camp where I knew a grand total of 4 girls, I did not know what to expect. By the time I got back to New York, I formed friendships with more than half of the girls there. For example, I've really taken an interest in musical theater. During my summer I had the privilege of being in the Belvoir production of Hairspray with some of the most talented people I've ever met. I played the role of Seaweed and I got to sing, dance and act. I fell in love with the process of studying lines and learning new songs and the show was a success.
Overall, Belvoir is a wonderful place but I think the aspect that makes Belvoir so great, is the environment. Belvoir is a friendly, safe, loving place. The food is awesome and in a very short while everyone knows your name. It’s also the only place that I've been able to experience and witness friendly competition, which is remarkable due to the fact that there are so many talented people in one place. Everyone strives to do their best while encouraging their friends to do better. Everyone is also very supporting and caring for one another. I'm so happy to have been able to meet so many wonderful people who are genuinely kind hearted and sincere and do hope that I will get to go back for my Cottage summer in 2015.
Special thanks Nancy and Diane for this wonderful opportunity, as without their help I would not be able to attend Belvoir because my mom could not afford the fees. I would like to thank all the staff and team at Belvoir, extra special thanks to Nancy as she encouraged me to try everything and she looked out for me.
Summer 2014 at Belvoir was the most fun I ever had, even though I was learning lots of new things.
Anya-Jae Brown