Making it to the top is usually a long road, but many dancers in the North Country are getting a jump start. Our Rachael Paradis has more on the Rebecca Kelly Ballet Camp.

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Dancer Meagan Wood said, "Feels amazing. You're working so hard, and it's impossible to be perfect, but you get a little bit closer."

Ballet teacher and dancer Rebecca Kelly said, "It's beauty. It's humanity. It's energy."

To help Wood and other North Country dancers get to where they want to be, Community Performance Series invites the Rebecca Kelly Ballet out of New York City to host a week-long camp every year in Potsdam. Classes teach technique, choreography, and sequences.

Students say it's a great opportunity, as this is the only place this kind of camp happens.

Wood said, "It's an amazing opportunity. I got to meet principle dancers. During class she'll talk about her experiences and it's just really cool to learn from someone who is that."

While the students are learning many skills that will take them far in the world of dance, there are many other things they are taking away from this experience.

Kelly said, "Learning to listen attentively to the music, memorize sequences, or follow directions- well you may need that whether you're reading a map, or you're the CEO of a large company."

Wood said, "Helped me able to meet other people, and be able to walk into a room of strangers and not be shy."

And even though Wood isn't sure where her dancing feet will take her, she says she is inspired by this experience to do her best.

The students at the camp will be putting on a performance for the public this Saturday at the SUNY Potsdam Dunn Dance Theater.

For more information on how you can go call the CPS Box Office at 315-267-2277.