Youth & Teen Art Camps
“I heard that it was the place to go for male training, and that
has been more than true,” he says. “I heard many people go
here and come out as very strong dancers, and I wanted to
become that.”
The academy continues to produce impressive talent: Over
60% of the Houston Ballet’s company dancers come through
the academy. Linzau and Mench have a shot at being part of
that statistic.

Third position: Staying sharp
So, what has it been like to participate in the intensive so far?
Mench and Lanzau say it’s like working a full-time job: Dancers
start technique or conditioning classes, depending on the day, at 9
a.m., but Linzau usually arrives at the studio early to warm up. In
the afternoon, after pointe training, the dancers work on their rep-
ertoire pieces to perform at the end-of-summer showcase.

Houston Ballet’s summer program is unique because of its
emphasis on performance, Sommers says. “You can really focus on
taking your dancing, both as a technician and as an artist, to the next
level,” she explains.

But despite having “intense” in its name, the program ensures its
students are taken care of, whether it’s helping them balance school
work with dance (for the yearlong program Lanzau also partci-
pates in) or providing trainers, mental health services and nutrition
courses through Houston Methodist Hospital.

Houston Ballet Soloist Harper Watters and
students of Houston Ballet Academy Summer Intensive Program.

18 Washington FAMILY JUNE 2023