Time to sparkle: A freshman dancer shares highlights from her first year at Interlochen Arts Academy
From making new friends to the thrill of rehearsal, Amelia Travelbee is shining bright.
Amelia Travelbee (center) hangs out with two friends after Interlochen's performance of The Nutcracker.
When Amelia Travelbee discovered the joy of ballet, she knew there was no turning back.
Encouraged by her mom, a dancer, Travelbee had started dance classes at a very young age. Though at first she was more interested in contemporary dance, she soon came to appreciate the way the two styles inform each other.
“I started finding the balance between how ballet enriches your contemporary dance and how contemporary enriches your ballet,” she says.
Travelbee explored her newfound passion during two summers at Interlochen Arts Camp, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more. And she soon realized that a typical high school schedule wouldn’t allow her to pursue dance to the extent she had hoped.
“ I felt that normal school wouldn't really fulfill what I wanted to do for the next four years,” she says. “If I were going to a regular school, I’d have classes all day and then dance till 8 or 9 before coming home, eating dinner, and doing schoolwork. I did not want to have to deal with that.”
Travelbee was excited to find out about Interlochen Arts Academy, where a block schedule allows young dancers to balance their academics and artistry with much more ease. After applying and getting accepted, she settled into her new life as a day student.
“ I knew that starting early as a freshman would give me ample time to discover ballet and enjoy my experience here,” she says. “Plus it would allow me to meet more people and create connections with my teachers.”
Scheduled for success
So far, Travelbee’s Academy experience has fulfilled her expectations. Most importantly, she has time in her schedule to pursue college-preparatory academics alongside a rigorous dance education.
“I have academic classes from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and then a lunch break,” she says. “After that, I go to the studio around 1:00 and warm up for about an hour before technique class. Then we have another class like pointe, partnering, character, contemporary, or Pilates. And then we have rehearsals until 6:00.”
Travelbee loves the excitement and energy of rehearsals.
“Seeing everything come together in the studio before we get to the stage is so exciting,” she enthuses. “There are students dancing, watching, and understudying, and there’s live music from our pianists Steve and Derek. Plus our instructors are always giving directions. It can be a little chaotic, but it’s great and I really enjoy it.”
Travelbee’s evenings are spent catching up on homework and hanging out with friends.
“I manage my time well, I think, so my homework is very manageable. I take French II online and that’s the majority of my homework. I can be social and hang out with friends until 9:00, which is how late I can be on campus as a day student. But usually I go home earlier, and get way more sleep than I would if I wasn’t attending Interlochen.”
Lasting friendships and dreams for the future
Even though she’s a day student, Travelbee has been able to form strong friendships with her fellow students.
“It’s really easy to meet new people at Interlochen,” she says. “I'm especially close with a bunch of the dance majors, because we have more time to relax and talk to each other. Everyone here is super nice, though. I also have a bunch of friends who are international students, which is really cool.”
Looking ahead, Travelbee sees herself double-majoring in dance and an academic subject in college. Beyond that? She’s not sure, but she has a few ideas.
‘“I definitely want to explore and travel. I’m interested in a career in physical therapy or a similar field. I’d love to do something where I get to interact with people.”
The sky’s the limit for this young dancer. With a schedule that allows her to chase her dreams, world-class instructors, and a supportive environment, she’s set for success in whatever she chooses to pursue.
Learn more about freshman support at Interlochen.
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