Kofa sophomore to attend Ballet Magnificat summer intensive program

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) said Alycia Swope, a sophomore at Kofa High School, has been selected to attend the month-long Ballet Magnificat summer intensive program.

In a press release, she will participate in the pre-professional level (PPL) during the program, taking place in Jackson, Mississippi.

"By attending this intensive every year, for the past three years, I have seen how much I can do with my career in dance," Swope said. "I plan to graduate with my associate's [degree] while in high school and then finish college while continuing my training, then eventually join the Ballet Magnificat trainee program and hopefully work my way up to the company."

Swope, according to YUHSD, was one of 35 to 40 dancers "who were invited to audition for the PPL, and was ultimately one of 25 selected," and said, "She learned an entire ballet, approximately 14 dances, in just one month."

This year, YUHSD said she trained and performed "The Prodigal's Journey," which was a "production previously toured by Ballet Magnificat’s professional company."

"Her accomplishment shows our community what can grow from years of passion, discipline, and consistent training," Kofa dance teacher Ashley Atherton said. "Fine Arts students dedicate countless hours beyond the school day to classes, rehearsals, practice, and performances. Her success is an opportunity to celebrate not only this exciting achievement, but also the commitment of all our student artists and the teachers, studios, families, and programs that support their growth."

To learn more about Swope, read the press release below.