I T A L Y REMEMBERED

In June 2001, members of the YDR traveled to Italy to participate in the Dance Grand Prix Italia - an international dance festival featuring youth ensembles from around the world.  The following pages capture some of those special moments... Bon Voyage Celebration in Brooklyn Festival Performances YDR on Tour

"Performing in the Bonci Theater was a great experience. I have seen several performances in large opera houses in New York and I always wanted to be on the stage. Finally, I was given the chance. The theater was very beautiful. Its balconies and large painted ceiling were breath taking. It was a once in a life time experience....My best experience in Italy was meeting people from all over the world. On one of the nights of the performances, we shared a dressing room with a group of dancers from South Africa. They were very friendly to us and taught us hand games.....Our trip was an eye-opening experience and I will never forget it....My best experience in Italy was meeting people from all over the world. I liked going to Venice and riding in a gondola. Riding in a gondola was a whole new experience for me. I loved how we were riding through water canals and seeing the houses only accessible by boat. It was so different from Brooklyn with all of the streets and cars." Philippa Crowne, age 11 YDR MEMBER