A native of Poland, Norbert began his ballet studies at the National Ballet School in Gdansk. After leaving Poland, Mr. Nirewicz joined Ballet Classico de Camara in Venezuela, as a Principal Dancer. After Mr. Nirewicz competed at US International Ballet Competition, he was offered a Principal contract to join Cleveland/San Jose Ballet. After two seasons, Mr. Nirewicz joined Columbia City Ballet with a Principal contract. Since 2002, Norbert has been working as a dancer, teacher and choreographer, performing across numerous countries.
This summer intensive is ideal for the serious dancer who wants to further hone their skills in a variety of disciplines and learn under the direction of world-class instructors.
Dates: July 19 - August 14 2021 Held at the RBT studios
1318 Grandin Rd. Roanoke, VA
For Dancers Aged: 12-22
All auditions (required for non-RBT students) will be held online this year. You will need to submit a head shot, a picture in first arabesque, and a video of your classwork for placement.
There is a list of suggested hotels provided at the bottom of this page.
Tuition for the Intensive is: $500/wk or $1800/4 wks
Should you have any questions, please contact the studio at: rbtoffice@roanokeballet.org
2021 Instructors:
Rolando Sarabia
Rolando Sarabia is a Cuban ballet dancer of international acclaim who has danced with companies throughout the world including the Cuban National Ballet, Houston Ballet and Miami City Ballet. He danced with American Ballet Theatre as a guest artist in 2011, and is currently a principal dancer with the Washington Ballet. Sarabia is often compared to the young Mikhail Baryshnikov, and has been called the “Cuban Nijinsky” by The New York Times.
Norbert Nirewicz
LeeAnn Elder
Mrs. Elder began her training at the Academy of Dance with Patricia Sorrell and further continued her training with Ballet Virginia International. She spent several summers training with the Allegheny Ballet Company, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, the Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She graduated in 2014 from Radford University with a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics. Mrs. Elder joined the Professional Company in 2014.
Sandra Meythaler
Ms. Meythaler was a principal ballerina with the National Ballet of Ecuador. She has performed ballet and contemporary dance around the world in over 10 countries. She began dancing professionally at the age of fifteen before joining the National Ballet of Ecuador in 1989. In 2001 Sandra became a part of Roanoke Ballet Theatre, and was promoted to Director in 2007. Ms. Meythaler also performs and teaches Flamenco, Salsa, Rumba and Afro-Cuban styles.
Renee Aguilera
Renee Aguilera, born outside of Chicago, Illinois, began dancing at the age of 9. Renee was a summer scholarship winner of CNADM (Chicago National Association of Dance Masters), which she attended for three years. She attended the Virginia School of the Arts full time, graduating in 2005. Ms. Aguilera continued her dancing at Radford University. Renee is currently Ballet Mistress and Pointe Teacher for Roanoke Ballet Theatre and City Youth Ballet, and is a former member of the Roanoke City Ballet.
Pat Wilhelms
Pat Wilhelms founded and served as Artistic Director of Roanoke Children’s Theatre from 2008-2020. Prior to that, she worked at Mill Mountain Theatre as Director of Education and Resident Director for 10 years. Pat’s theatre education includes a BFA from Daemen College. She attended Penn State for her MFA. Acting credits include residencies with GEVA, Theatre of Youth Co, Idaho Rep, Melic and Mime and Mill Mountain Theatre. Pat is now excited to helm the P B & J Theatre Co. and to bring the art and craft of theatre to Roanoke Ballet Theatre.