THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 13, 1995 TAG: 9504120140
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
WHEN JENNIFER Sauls was 3, her mother enrolled her in a dance class because she thought it would be a good place for her to meet other children.
While dancing certainly led to friendships, Jennifer now hopes her feet will lead her into an exciting profession.
Jennifer, 18, has five scholarships to help her follow her dream - results of the First Regional High School Dance Festival, sponsored by the Governor's School for the Arts and Old Dominion University.
A senior and honor student at Smithfield High School, she has attended the Governor's School for the past four years.
She plans to use one scholarship to attend the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Program in New York City. Then, she will use a $2,000 scholarship to attend Shenandoah University in Winchester in the fall.
She'll take some academic courses, she said, but concentrate on dance.
``I would love to dance with a professional company. More and more dance companies are working with their dancers to help them get an education.''
Jennifer decided when she was 13 that she would pursue a career in the performing arts.
She follows a daily regimen that would challenge many athletes: After morning classes, she drives to downtown Norfolk for two advanced dance classes. Afterward, it's rehearsal for 1 1/2 hours for performing companies, which present two concerts a year.
At 5 p.m., Jennifer returns to Smithfield, frequently to keep a dinner date with her boyfriend, Jason Boothe, and his family. Then, it's practice from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Southside Ballet Studio. Homework takes up the rest of her evening before she falls into bed about 11 p.m.
Jennifer attends scheduled rehearsals with the Virginia Ballet Theater on Saturdays and Sundays.
Jennifer has taken lessons in jazz, modern, tap and pointe.
Modern dance is her favorite.
She disliked it at first, she said, ``but I've grown to love it. It's taught me to breathe properly and has improved my ballet techniques.''
Jennifer performed at the Second International High School Dance Fest in Miami. As a result, she was invited to spend two weeks at Texas Christian University last summer.
During Christmas season 1993, Jennifer dressed in Spanish costume and danced with the director of the Virginia Ballet Theater in the Nutcracker Ballet. She also took the part of a Chinese doll in the Ballet's ``Waltz of the Flowers.''
Last Christmas, Jennifer captured the starring role of ``Clara'' in the Nutcracker production.
Most ballet companies have height limits. At 5 feet, 3 inches, Jennifer barely qualifies.
``I'm short,'' she admitted, ``but I can be a partner with any guy.''
Jennifer enjoys tennis and swimming. She is a member of the National Beta Club and the Student Government Association of Smithfield High.
Her parents are Glen and Mary Webster ``Webbie'' Sauls of Smithfield. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Jennifer Sauls plans to use one of her scholarships to study at the
Joffrey Ballet School Summer Program in New York City.
by CNB