Emily comes from a family of five siblings, who along with their parents, Peter and Tobi Van Dolah, are residents of Ojai. “I knew I wanted to dance since I was three years old when I saw The Nutcracker on a video,” recalls Emily. Shortly thereafter, Emily began dancing, and by the time she was eight, she set her sights on becoming a professional. The Van Dolahs searched southern California for a top-notch ballet teacher and found Clarissa Boeriu, artistic director of AAB, with whom she has trained since. Boeriu says, “I had no doubt in my mind that Emily would be ultimately accepted by the school of a top professional company. She has the talent, set her goal and worked for it.”

Emily moved to Pittsburg in September to start the 2009/10 program and resides with a host family. “It was extremely hard to let her go at her age,” says her mother, Tobi, “but I knew I had to or I’d be holding her back from her dream. Emily will perform in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s upcoming company production of The Nutcracker and she will have excellent opportunities for her future.”

To most people, Emily’s day would seem grueling. She wakes at 5:45 a.m., arriving at the studio at 7:30 a.m. for two hours of dancing. Then she’s off to her high school studies that she takes through a home-school program, which she hopes to complete this year. At 3:00 p.m., it’s back to dance classes, which end at 6:00 p.m. Emily also trains on Saturdays from 9-2:00 p.m. “I love the program,” Emily says. “It’s 30 hours of dancing a week, which is what I need to really progress.”

Emily’s honor was preceded by many summer program acceptances with pre-eminent ballet companies, including San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet New York, Joffrey Ballet Chicago, Houston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Washington Ballet, The Rock School in Philadelphia, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Met, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, additionally receiving scholarship offers from the latter five schools.

Emily credits AAB and Mrs. Boeriu with exceptional training that has fully prepared her for this opportunity. “I wish that Mrs. B. could come with me – she is the best,” she says. “We are extremely proud of Emily, her talent, hard work and accomplishments,” says Camille Wallace, AAB Board President. “She has definitely earned this distinction.” Wallace goes on to say, “AAB is unmatched in the area for the number of scholarships, acceptances and dance careers with national ballet companies achieved by its students, and the area’s only non-profit ballet school.”

All American Ballet School & Company was founded in 2002 by Clarissa Boeriu. AAB School offers classical instruction in a progressive program of pre-ballet level through pre-professional for ages 3 and above, and recreational classes for ages pre-teen through adult. AAB Company presents two professionally-staged and -choreographed productions annually in Ventura, including a Holiday Nutcracker show, featuring student dancers alongside professional guest artists. AAB School & Company is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, located at 1932 Eastman Avenue in Ventura. Call (805) 650-6316 for information about class enrollment and sponsorship opportunities.

Photo: Photo: James Scolari: Emily Van Dolah soars in grand jete at AAB’s 2009 Spring Gala

ALL AMERICAN BALLET SCHOOL & COMPANY
1932 Eastman Avenue Suite 105
805.650.6316
Copyright (c) 2009