Hartt School Student Earns Bronze At World Ballet Competition

Simsbury resident Rebecca Cornett, 16, participated in the World Ballet Competition in Orlando, FL, June 7 through 12. The competition draws competitors from around the world to compete at the highest level. Rebecca competed in the pre-professional level, for which she was awarded a bronze medal, the highest prize awarded in her category. She also received a $1000 prize and a scholarship to a summer program in Italy. Following her performance at the competition she was invited to train year round with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Rebecca began training with Magda Aunon when she was ten years old. At 14, she came to The Hartt School and trains under Miguel Campaneria, Hartt School Community Division Dance Department Chair. Campaneria, who worked with Rebecca for two months specifically to prepare her for this competition, said of her achievement, "I always thought she had the potential to win a medal." She has attended summer programs at the American Ballet Theatre, School of American Ballet, and International Summer Ballet Academy, and will attend Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program this year. She has performed such coveted roles as Snow Queen, Clara, and Sugar Plum Fairy. Other ballets include La Bayadere, Le Corsaire, La Tarantella Grande, and Swan Lake. Earlier this year, Rebecca traveled to Miami to take part in the National High School Dance Festival where she performed a variation from Carmen.

"We at the Hartt Community Division Dance Program are extremely proud of Rebecca Cornett's bronze medal success at the World Ballet Competition," said Hilary Field Respass, Director of The Hartt School Community Division. "Rebecca embodies the talent, diligence, and commitment of our Intensive Ballet Program, and we are thrilled to have her represent our Program at this high level of achievement."

The World Ballet Competition's (WBC) goal is to achieve and encourage excellence in the art of dance. WBC brings together competitors from around the world, from ages 10 to 22, and of all levels of experience from introductory to professional. This annual event, attended by major international dance critics, is now in its fourth year of existence and is going strong due to its unbelievable support, participation, and quality. For more information visit www.wbcorlando.com

The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford is a comprehensive community arts school providing instruction in music and dance for individuals of all ages and experience levels. It is a division of The Hartt School, one of the seven colleges of the University of Hartford. The Community Division is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Pre-College Art Schools, is an active member of National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and is viewed as a national model for community schools based on university campuses. It is one of the largest and most evolved programs of its kind in the country. For more information on The Hartt School Community Division, visit http://www.hcd.hartford.edu/

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. With more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, master classes, dance performances, and musical theatre productions a year, performance is central to Hartt's curriculum. For more information on The Hartt School, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.

Pictured (L to R): Rebecca Cornett, pictured in rehearsal with Rickey Flagg, a student in Hartt's BFA dance program.
Photo credit: Amilia Day

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