DANCERS ATTEND PESTIGIOUS SUMMER PROGRAMS

WHEELING, W.Va. (March 9, 2009) —Three students at Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance were accepted into prestigious summer dance programs.

J'Lyse Kafana, daughter of Jay and Kim Kafana of St Clairsville, will be attend "The Rock School" in Philadelphia for 6 weeks.  J'Lyse is a student at St Clairsville Schools. Whitney Thompson, daughter of Angela and Bill Thompson of St Clairsville, will attend the Walnut Hill Ballet of Boston.  Whitney is a student at The Linsly School. Vanessa Hotlosz, daughter of Cindy and Frank Hotlosz of Wheeling, will attend The Perry -Mansfield Summer Intensive Dance Program in Colorado for 6 weeks. Vanessa is a student at Wheeling Park High School.

All students have studied with Oglebay Institute for several years and enjoy ballet, tap, jazz and other forms of dance expression. Director of Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance Cheryl Pompeo praised the students for their hard work and dedication.

“I am very proud of each of these girls. I have watched them grow into wonderful and talented dancers,” Pompeo said. “They are wonderful ambassadors for Oglebay Institute, and I know they will all have an incredible learning experience this summer.”

Pompeo said the summer dance intensives to which the girls were accepted are selective, audition-only programs that immerse aspiring dancers in high level, concentrated study and pre-professional training. The comprehensive curriculum includes intensive dance technique and elective classes, the opportunity to learn and perform original choreography and repertory with faculty and guests artists, cultural excursions, outings and performances, plus the companionship of their peers.

Dance continues to grow at Oglebay Institute where dozens of classes in dance are offered to the public throughout the year with everything from belly dancing to ballet on the schedule.

For more information on Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance, please call the Stifel Center at 304.242.7700 or visit on the web at www.oionline.com.