Kannen, a 17-year-old dancer, has been passionately pursuing dance since a young age. He finds fulfillment in the hard work, discipline, and continuous progress that dance demands. Dance has not only allowed him to express himself but has also instilled a sense of confidence in his own body. For Kannen, dance is both a challenge and an outlet that he embraces wholeheartedly.
Boston Ballet's summer program holds great significance for Kannen because he has had the opportunity to witness the company's performances multiple times. Each time he watched them dance, he was inspired and in awe of their talent and athleticism. One performance, in particular, Pas/Parts 2018 by William Forsythe, left him speechless and ignited a desire within him to dance with the same level of skill and artistry. As he considered summer program auditions, he knew that auditioning for Boston Ballet was a must due to his personal connection and admiration for the company.
During the summer course, Kannen aims to refine his ballet technique, specifically focusing on improving his jumps, which are crucial for male dancers. He also seeks to develop a more dynamic style, finding a balance between speed and softness in his movements. Through the instructional experience offered by the program, Kannen hopes to gain confidence in his dancing and acquire the tools and knowledge needed to approach pirouettes and jumps with assurance. He also looks forward to gaining insights into the life of a professional dancer and understanding what it means to be part of a company he has admired for so long.