Summer intensive hosted talent from around the globe

Our recent Orlando Ballet School Summer Intensive has come to a close and it’s been an incredible two weeks, with talent from around the globe joining us at the Patel Conservatory.

Skyler Martin

Nearly 100 students came from 19 U.S. states, Canada and Brazil.


Skyler Martin, 18, of Ohio, traveled to Tampa from the Royal Ballet School in London, a prestigious year-round dance and academic program, for the opportunity to train with our dance department chair, Peter Stark.

“I worked with Peter [Stark] last summer, and I wanted the chance to work with him again,” said Martin.

Martin began dancing when he was about three years old because he was always tagging along to older sister Taylor’s classes. As the two progressed, teachers noticed something special in them and urged them to consider training at a performing arts school.

With their mom, Sherry, they moved to Cincinnati to attend the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Their dad commuted every weekend to spend time with the family.

They moved again to Orlando for a year to attend the Orlando Ballet School, where they worked with Stark.

“Peter’s been such a mentor for him,” said Sherry, “They really clicked.”

Taylor now dances for the Alabama Ballet in Birmingham, AL.

After participating in the Youth American Grand Prix last summer, Skyler was invited to attend the Royal Ballet on a year-round scholarship, an extraordinary accomplishment and honor.

“Royal Ballet is the ultimate goal for anyone wanting a career in ballet,” said Skyler, who’s been asked to return this fall for a second year. With Royal Ballet’s reputation for placing their students with a professional company, Skyler’s career looks promising.

Through our summer intensives and our top rated ballet program, we’re proud to host artists of Skyler’s caliber, and proud to be a part of the professional training that helps students like him from around the country and the globe reach their professional goals in the industry.

“[The Patel Conservatory] is a really nice facility,” said Skyler, “and with Peter as director, he’s always been great with helping people achieve their goals.”

Fall ballet classes begin soon. Click here for more information.