Radford University international dance program featured in Roanoke Times

The dancers took the stage this summer at an international training program hosted by Radford University Ballet Youth (RUBY).

The RUBY International Summer Intensive Program (ISIP), held annually on campus, is a two-week, classically-based program for ballet students ages 12 and older.

The twist? Some of the dancers came all the way from Japan to study alongside their American peers.

The cultural exchange was recently highlighted in the Roanoke Times.

According to Inessa Plekhanova, RUBY director and associate professor of dance, ballet is immensely popular in Japan and visiting dancers were talented and eager to learn. The visitors spent 11 days on campus before a 20-hour flight back home. In addition to ballet classes, students will train in contemporary dance as well.

ISIP is a competitive program, but RUBY, founded in 2006, offers classes for young dancers of all skill levels in the regional community. Directly associated with the RU Ballet Theatre, dancers in the program have the opportunity to perform in shows on campus.

For more information about enrollment or the dance programs, visit the RUBY website.