Christina Shortt, Studio Owner and Artistic Director of RAVE STUDIOS by Dance Progressions in South Windsor, Connecticut, began working with ETI more than 25 years ago. As a dance teacher for over 30 years and a professional adjudicator for several national dance competitions, Shortt wanted to give her own students a professional and educational dance experience in order to get a taste of what it’s like to be a professional dancer. ETI helps provide exactly that!
“The programs at both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios offer this type of experience,” Shortt explained, noting the ages of her students who travel for these competitions fluctuate according to the year. “Sometimes, we are traveling with a seasoned group of graduating students. Other times, we are in a ‘re-building’ year where the students ages are trending more towards middle school age. We appreciate that Disney and Universal cater to all ages.”
Shortt especially enjoys the bonding experience student travel offers.
“Traveling together brings the students and families closer together, so that when we return, we work better together on home events and studio programs,” Shortt said. “As the studio owner and group leader, I appreciate the educational opportunities available to my students. I organize these trips because they are beneficial to my students in a variety of ways. The educational workshops are absolutely necessary for me to be interested in a student trip.”
In addition to the competitions, the travel experience itself is something Shortt finds to beneficial for her students in a variety of ways.
“When we expect students to navigate travel, they are learning many life lessons along the way,” she said. “They are learning how to go with ‘Plan B’ when needed without letting disappointment change the value of the experience.”
Students also learn, Shortt added, to be proactive in their packing and moving forward without when they forget things.
“They are also learning how to take care of themselves and each other, which helps us in performance situations and also helps them with college dorm situations,” Shortt continued. “All in all, student travel aids in the maturing process of high school students and leads to independent thinking and problem-solving after high school.”
Shortt continues to work with ETI to plan her competition trips each year.
“I have been working with ETI for over 25 years; I enjoy their attention to detail and the focus on student and family events,” Shortt shared. “When organizing group travel, things don't always go as planned and I appreciate the customer service and friendship that ETI offers.”
Courtesy of ETI.
Photos courtesy of Christina Shortt.
