The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

38 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 1, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008 Dancers living their dream at ballet camp By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Three Oakville elementary school students are taking part in a month-long summer dance competition that might define their life as dancers forever. Alex Hall, Holly Monks and Sebastian Lecomte from Allegro School of Dance were accepted to take part in Canada's National Ballet School's (NBS) summer school program - the second stage of a two-stage audition process for the school's fulltime program. Monks said she auditioned for the program in February. After her audition, she had an interview with judges, where they asked her what she liked most about dance. Her answer: "I like to express myself that way." After her interview, Monks was informed that she was accepted into the program. "It's a really big achievement for me because I've always watched people who went to the school and I said I want this for myself," explained Monks, a Grade 6 student. From approximately 1,000 young dancers who audition each year, about 50 are accepted into the school's full-time professional ballet/academic program and the post-secondary program, which combined accommodate 150 students from across Canada and around the world from Grade 6 through post-secondary. Monks, as well as Hall and Lecomte admit that without the help of their instructor, Laura Dacyshyn from Allegro School of Dance, they may not be at the NBS today. "She really helped me to know how to hold my positions and I'd really like to thank her for that, because if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have gotten in," said Lecomte. While Lecomte, 10, won't be considered for the fulltime program until next year because of his young age, he said he hopes that he will follow the footsteps of his sister, Olivia Lecomte, who got accepted to the full-time program last year. Dacyshyn was also Olivia's instructor. The instructor said having three students accepted into the summer program and another into the fulltime program in such a short period of time is a big deal. "I make sure to teach them proper techniques. When I see somebody who has talent I mention it to their parents right away," she said. The three students start their classes at the ballet school, located in downtown Toronto, at 9 a.m. and generally finish by 4:45 p.m. NBS is known worldwide for its ballet training and enriched academic programs. While at summer school, Hall attends ballet, Chinese folk dance, composition and pool classes. "Ballet is my favorite, though," said Hall. Both Hall and Monks eagerly await the decision of whether they are accepted to the program. In the meantime, however, they have both agreed to enjoy the opportunity that they have already earned and build on the skills acquired. MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES: Allegro School of Dance students Alex Hall, left, Sebastian Lecomte, centre, and Holly Monks spent the past month studying at the prestigious National Ballet School's summer school. Art in the Park runs holiday Monday The Oakville Art Society is holding its 43rd annual Art in the Park on the waterfront in Bronte on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Heritage Waterfront Park, Bronte Road at Ontario Street. Featuring more than 150 artists and artisans from across the country, the 2007 event attracts thousands of people to the Bronte waterfront. Artists were selected by a jury process. Art in the Park is alive with some artists demonstrating in their booths or at the Oakville Art Society demonstration area. Visitors will get to meet the artists and learn about their motivation and excitement about the works they have created. Another much-anticipated aspect of the event this year is the return of Trafalgar Brewing Company that will be providing food and refreshments at a beer garden right on the grounds. Admission is $3 at the gate. Visitors to Bronte can also enjoy live music that day in Centriller Square, which is located east of Bronte Road on the south side of Lakeshore. Musicians are lined up to play from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in front of CJ's Café in Centriller Square. For more information, visit www.oakvilleartsociety.com.