The only ninth grader in the Advanced Dance Ensemble, Lena Mazel ’13 is poised and controlled, devoted and passionate.

“Lena was allowed into it [The Ensemble] not only because of her prowess as a dancer, but also because of her maturity, dignity and grace,” said Director of the Dance Program Jennifer Whitcomb.

Mazel started dancing at age three and became seriously committed at eight. Mazel admitted, “I quit one year to play baseball and try gymnastics,” but she soon returned to dance. Her styles of expertise are ballet and modern, but she dabbles in jazz as well. Mazel laughed, “I’m awful at hip-hop!”

Her dance training is extensive, not surprisingly. She started at the Brattleboro School of Dance in Vermont and has also danced at The Rock School in Philadelphia.

For this April’s dance showcase, Mazel is choreographing a piece for her first time. While she does not aspire to become a professional choreographer, she plans to dance professionally.

For a dancer engaged in academics, summer can be the most critical time for improvement and professional training. This summer, Mazel will attend an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) summer intensive in Alabama.

Her favorite dance performance is Le Corsaire, “Hand down, my absolute favorite! It’s about pirates. How can you go wrong with that?” she exclaimed.

And for such an experienced dancer herself, she ought to know.