International Ballet Star, Cynthia Harvey, will make her first visit to Australia next year as a guest of honour at the 2008 International Summer School.

Cynthia is a former Principal Ballerina of The Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, and now a renowned teacher for ballet companies such as ABT and Teatro alla Scala, The Norwegian National Ballet Company and Schools including The Royal Ballet School London.

After the resounding success of last year's summer school, the 2008 program will be held once again at The McDonald College, North Strathfield, Sydney, running for two weeks from January 14th to 26th. The Summer School will provide classes in classical ballet, Spanish, contemporary, jazz, repertoire and national character. There will also be sessions for conditioning and exercise programs, pointe, Pilates, stagecraft/mime, musical appreciation, boys coaching and technique, for both junior and senior students.

The International Summer School, in its second year, is directed by Jacqui Dumont, formerly of The Royal Ballet School, London and their successful Outreach Program.

During the 2007 program, acclaimed Russian Ballerina, Irina Baronova, was a special guest and led a master class incorporating her dancing experience and fervour that inspired students, teachers and parents.

Students last year were ecstatic with the line up of international teachers and mentors, and next year's program is set to excite and challenge dancers once again with teachers coming from all over the world to share their talents.

Along with Cynthia Harvey, the 2008 faculty will include:
Jane Devine, formerly with The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet School, Arcadio Carbonell, Director of Escuela de Danza Espanola and former Professor of Classical Ballet, Madrid Royal Conservatoire of Dance, and Steve Rooks, the resident Choreographer and Associate Professor of Dance at Vassar College USA, and guest instructor for Alvin Ailey & Martha Graham Schools of Dance, New York.

Josephine Jason, Head of Ballet at The McDonald College and former Principal with The Australian Ballet will take ballet classes along with Stephen Clarke, International Jazz Choreographer, Dancer, Teacher and Artistic Adviser.

Paul Boyd, Internationally recognised teacher and choreographer, and Allan Cross, Director of Premier State Ballet and Former Soloist, The Australian Ballet, will also teach along aside professional dancers Katie Pianoff, Mary Grotto Auer, Jane Kesby and Kate Fitzgerald.

David McAlister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet will also be a guest at the summer holiday event.

The International Summer School also has a program for dance teachers, who are welcome to observe the Summer School led by the international faculty, and join in workshops and discussion sessions.

'I am delighted to be holding another International Summer School for 2008, with registrations already flowing in. The International Summer School is a 'must attend event' as it allows students to study with highly respected professionals in the field of dance training from around the world' says Director Jacqui Dumont.

Register today and take advantage of this amazing line-up of international professionals. Places are limited, so early enrolment is essential.

Click here to register or visit www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au
Call 02 9752 0600