Sattler invited to Joffrey School of Ballet this summer

By Rose Hooper

Since she was a 3-year-old putting on her first pair of ballet slippers, Julie Sattler longed to attend the prestigious Joffrey School of Ballet in New York City.

This summer the 16-year-old rising junior at Smoky Mountain High School will achieve her dream. Following an intense two-hour audition in Atlanta, Sattler was invited to participate in the ballet school's summer program.

"I can't believe I made it," said this daughter of Ken and Sandy Sattler of Cullowhee. "When I was chosen, I thought, OK, that's good; I've achieved my dream of being selected. I wasn't really sure I would be able to go ­ it's so expensive, so I was just glad to have been chosen."

Her dance instructors and family decided that money shouldn't hold back Sattler's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so they are helping her with fund-raising activities.

"It's expensive, not just for classes, but for the place where I'll stay and all the other incidentals," said Sattler, who has applied her "Sweet 16" birthday money to the ballet fund.

The teenager has a fierce drive and determination when it comes to ballet, say her instructors, noting the young dancer spends long hours at the Sylva studio every evening practicing and training.

At the New York ballet school Sattler will receive advanced instruction in pirouette, pointe, jazz and ballet technique. The school is known for helping young dancers achieve their professional, as well as artistic, goals.

"I'm going to try to get in lots of experiences," said Sattler. "I hope to meet people and make contacts that will help me in my ballet career."

Sattler leaves June 14, and for the first part of the session she'll be accompanied by instructor Jeanna Carswell, with instructor Kim Luzzi joining her for the last week in New York.

Contributions to help Sattler may be sent to 1204 Nicholson Cove Road Cullowhee, N.C. 28723; or left at the Dance Center of WNC at 509 Asheville Highway, Sylva.