Ballet+ Hawaii
(Beyond Technique)
August 16-18, 2024
Honolulu, HI
3 Sunny Island Days
2 Stellar Faculty-Mentors
1 Unforgettable & Life-Changing Experience
Ballet+ Hawaii is a three-day intensive leading students toward developing a strong technical foundation in ballet and modern with a highly refined and authentic individual artistic voice.
We meet competitive and conservatory dancers where they are in their training journey. Our faculty travel through Ballet+ together with each individual student – honoring their uniqueness, encouraging growth, and challenging them to realize their full potential.
Frequently called a ‘breath of fresh air’ by students, parents, teachers, and directors alike, every one of Francisco Gella Dance Works’ programs delivers on a central commitment: to transform hardworking young adults into remarkable young artists regardless of body type or background, and instilling a belief in them that anything is possible with hard work, a sense of purpose, and a willingness to take risks.
We return to Hawaii summer of 2025
To learn about the intensive, you can review last year’s information below. Join our interest list to receive an alert.
Enrollment
We are currently taking 50% deposits so that you may hold your space in the program, the remaining amount is due on July 15. Ballet+ staff will reach out to you with payment information just before the due date. Please note that deposits will require an additional fee of $9.95 for processing the payments.
Full In-Person Option
3 Days / 20+ Hours
Dancers planning to attend in person are required to register for all three days.
$545 Regular Registration
$395 Regular Registration for College Students*
$145 Teacher Passes
*College student discount available for those currently enrolled as an undergraduate in a university. You’ll be asked to verify the institution where you are enrolled as you register.
Parent Involvement
We embrace parents' involvement in their dancer's journey. In this spirit, parents are encouraged to attend our welcome/orientation session and the closing session. We will also open up selected classes for observation throughout the weekend.
Eligibility
Ballet+ Hawaii is limited to intermediate and advanced dancers ages 10-22 only due to the requirements of the program. For the purposes of this workshop, ‘Intermediate/Advanced’ is roughly defined as a competition or conservatory student, having danced for at least one year in a competition studio as a company member with a minimum of 2 ballet classes per week and 10 hours total weekly of dance classes, or enrolled in a conservatory setting with at least six hours of ballet a week and a minimum of 10 hours of total weekly dance classes. What is most important is that dancers come with a strong desire to be challenged and grow.
The Joan Myers Brown
Equity Dance Scholarship Fund
A limited amount of scholarships are available for especially deserving dancers. Scholarships will be allocated according to the combined consideration of both merit and financial need. Decisions on scholarships will be made about two weeks after each early deadline. Since a limited amount of scholarship awards will be offered, it is better to apply by the early deadline. Please click below to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.
Scholarship Application Deadlines
2/15
Early Deadline for Summer Programs
4/30
Late and Final Deadline for Summer Programs
About Ballet+ Hawaii (Beyond Technique)
Highly acclaimed choreographer and dance educator Francisco Gella has introduced his revolutionary philosophy and approach to dance training to thousands of dancers around the world through intensives, masterclasses, and individual instruction. For eight years since the introduction of the Ballet+ program in Miami, young dancers have had the opportunity to spend seven days with Francisco and his team through this innovative program called Ballet+ (Beyond Technique).
Beginning in 2015, our Ballet+ Miami Intensive marked a significant milestone as the inaugural Francisco Gella Dance Works event. It holds a cherished place in our hearts, igniting the essence of summer each year. Ballet+ exudes an enchanting allure that is truly one-of-a-kind. Now, we feel immensely privileged to share the magic of Ballet+ for three exhilarating days at the end of summer, as we get to extend this transformative intensive to the opposite sides of the nation. The Islands have such an incredible energy and we cannot wait to have Ballet+ Hawaii back for its second year.
Ballet+ is much more than an intensive. It’s a powerful idea and a transformative experience. The program is based on his extensive thirty-year dance career and his background in gymnastics coaching. With an integrated teaching approach, he incorporates spirituality, psychology, physiology, and kinesthetic awareness – all toward developing dancers into holistic and versatile performers and most importantly, human beings. The results are astounding.
Our carefully designed curriculum accelerates the learning of children, youth, and college students, and assists them in being fully prepared and motivated for a successful year-round of meaningful dance experiences. With the guidance and knowledge of expert faculty mentors, each with years of experience dedicated to education, training, performance, and choreography, young dancers quickly become more aware of their own body and the mind’s connection to it. Regardless of how long they’ve been dancing, participants grow more than they ever believed they could and get closer to realizing their full potential.
Highly-acclaimed choreographer and dance educator Francisco Gella has introduced his revolutionary philosophy and approach to dance training to thousands of dancers around the world through intensives, masterclasses, and individual instruction. For seven years since the introduction of our program in Miami, young dancers have had the opportunity to spend eight-days with Francisco and his team through this innovative program called Ballet+ (beyond technique).
Ballet+ is much more than an intensive. It’s a powerful idea and a transformative experience. The program is based on his extensive thirty-year dance career and his background in gymnastics coaching. With an integrated teaching approach, he incorporates spirituality, psychology, physiology, and kinesthetic awareness – all toward developing dancers into holistic and versatile performers and most importantly, human beings. The results are astounding.
Our carefully designed curriculum accelerates the learning of children, youth, and pre-professionals, and assists them in being fully prepared and motivated for a successful summer of dance experiences – whether going to an intensive, a national competition or staying at your home studio to train in preparation for a college dance program or professional audition.
With the guidance and knowledge of expert faculty mentors, each with years of experience dedicated to education, training, performance, and choreography, young dancers quickly become more aware of their own body and the mind’s connection to it. Regardless of how long they’ve been dancing, participants grow more than they likely ever believed they could and get closer to realizing their full potential.
Schedule
Below you’ll find a general schedule to help you prepare for the experience
August 16-18 (estimated daily schedule)
8/16
Friday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
8/17
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
8/18
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Class Size
Up to 35 dancers will be admitted into each class. Classes will be based on age group, although faculty reserve the right to move a student to a different class if it is obvious they will benefit from the change.
Teaching Artists & Mentors
Francisco Gella (he/him)
Founding Artistic Director & Core Faculty
Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Improv, Choreographer
Francisco Gella’s distinguished thirty-year career as a compelling dancer, award-winning choreographer, and widely recognized dance educator, began when he took his first formal dance class during his freshman year at the age of nineteen. His innovative choreography and highly effective teaching methods are sought after by professional companies, universities, arts high schools, ballet conservatories, and studios across North America and around the globe.
In addition to a successful performance and choreographic career, Francisco is a renowned educator, artistic director, and arts entrepreneur. He is the founding co-artistic director of Zeitgeist Dance Theatre launched in January of 2020. He is also the founding artistic director of NUEVO School of Contemporary Dance and COLABO Youth Dance Collective (2008-2015). As Chief Creative Officer of Francisco Gella Dance Works, he has created numerous influential educational programs; Ballet+ (beyond technique) workshops, the Preprofessional Dancer Institute, New Year’s Training Camp, Seattle Dance Advance, the New Century Dance Project (a festival for choreography and performance) and the College Dance and Career Prep program. Additionally, Francisco is the lead ballet and modern faculty member, and adjudicator for the 24 Seven Dance Convention.
Yusha-Marie Sorzano (she/her)
Founding Co-Artistic Director and Core Faculty Member
Ballet, Modern, Contemporary
Yusha-Marie Sorzano (she/her)
Founding Co-Artistic Director and Core Faculty Member
Ballet, Modern, Contemporary
Yusha-Marie Sorzano is an Afro-Caribbean immigrant hailing from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a relentless, dynamic performing artist, choreographer, director, and educator who has worked in concert dance, theater, opera, television, and film. Ms. Sorzano is an alumna of Armour Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and New World School of the Arts, and she is a Winner in Dance from YoungArts. She graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program, and in her junior year she joined Ailey II on invitation.
To date, Ms. Sorzano has performed in 8 renowned dance companies, including Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, TU Dance, Morphoses, BODYTRAFFIC, and LA Dance Project. She is currently a member of Camille A. Brown & Dancers, having been an original cast member of both the Bessie-nominated Black Girl: Linguistic Play, and Ink, the 2nd and 3rd installments of Brown’s acclaimed trilogy. Ms. Sorzano is currently co-leading and choreographing a new musical titled We Won’t Sleep, and she is special faculty and a mentor at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in the School of Dance. She will rejoin CalArts in Fall 2022 as Director of the BFA Program in the School of Dance.
More faculty to be announced soon…
Program Location
Founded in 1980, Hawaii Ballet Theatre is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing and presenting professional dance for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to create performances that inspire and educate, to develop young artists’ full potential, and to enhance the cultural dynamic of our islands.
The company has a diverse repertory of nearly 60 original works, including 16 evening-length ballets and a popular series of youth concerts enjoyed by thousands of elementary school students. HBT’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker has been a Christmas tradition for Honolulu audiences for almost 40 years. The production involves local professional dancers, mainland and international guest artists, and more than a hundred students from dance studios across the island. The Honolulu Advertiser has praised HBT’s Nutcracker as "grand...full of energy and excitement...does what good ballet should do...leaves us cleansed and ennobled...."
HBT’s colorful history includes performances across Oʻahu, as well as tours to the neighboring islands and the continental U.S. It has danced with the Honolulu Symphony, the Royal Hawaiian Band, the Spring Wind Quintet, and others. It has extensive experience in both classical and contemporary programming in a wide variety of performance spaces, including concert halls, gymnasiums, public parks, hotels, and at the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Shell.
Hawaii Ballet Theatre is located at:
1221 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 400
Honolulu, HI 96814
Lodging
The Ballet+ staff have arranged for a limited number of discounted hotel rooms for dancers and families traveling from a distance. Please note that the hotel is about 15 minutes from Hawaii Ballet Theatre, the host venue for Ballet+ Hawaii.
You'll want to make your reservations early since there is a limited number of rooms available.
Discounted Hotel Block Details
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
2552 Kalākaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
The following room rate is available from August 15 check-in to August 18, 2024 check-out:
- $199 per night plus taxes and fees
- Self-Parking and Resort Fees waived
Click the link below to email the Ballet+ staff. Include the name of the student, parent/guardian name, phone number, check-in and check-out dates, number of rooms, and whether you’d like a king or double room.
Email us at balletplus@franciscogelladance.com to book your rooms at the group rate for Ballet+ Hawaii.
About Honolulu, Hawaii
Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu, Hawaii, is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Waikiki to the serene shores of Lanikai Beach, Honolulu offers a kaleidoscope of experiences unlike any other city in the United States. Its diverse neighborhoods are a testament to the rich heritage of the Hawaiian islands, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern cosmopolitan living.
Honolulu's story traces back centuries, from its origins as a sacred site for indigenous Hawaiians to its transformation into a thriving hub of commerce and tourism. The arrival of Western explorers and missionaries in the 18th century heralded a new era of change, shaping Honolulu into the dynamic metropolis it is today. One of the pivotal moments in Honolulu's history came with the arrival of American businessmen in the late 19th century, spearheaded by figures like Sanford Dole. Their influence paved the way for Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898, forever altering the island's destiny.
Today, Honolulu stands as a beacon of Hawaiian culture and hospitality, welcoming visitors from across the globe to indulge in its myriad attractions. Whether you're exploring the historic sites of Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Chinatown, there's no shortage of adventures to be had in this tropical paradise. From savoring fresh poke bowls at local markets to embarking on breathtaking hikes through lush rainforests, Honolulu offers a feast for the senses at every turn. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, serenity or excitement, Honolulu beckons with open arms, promising an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hawaii's capital city.
Ballet+ Hawaii (beyond technique) Enrollment Form
Cancellation / Refund Policy
No full refunds will be issued for registered participants. A 50% refund will be issued up to forty-five (45) days prior to the start of the program. An exception will be made for documented medical or health reasons due to an unforeseen injury or illness. For dancers with an injury or illness, 100% of the tuition will be refunded up to thirty (30) days prior to the start of the program. If the illness or injury is reported to the program director under thirty (30) days prior to the start of the program, a 50% refund will be issued no more than five (5) business days after the completion of the program, and the other 50% may be used as a credit for another program in the next twelve (12) months that is produced and owned by Francisco Gella Dance Works. In the case of any injury or illness, a documented note or letter from a licensed physician must be submitted before a refund will be considered.
Feel free to contact us in the chatbox below or email us at balletplus@franciscogelladance.com if you have any questions.