RADFORD -- The 2009 International Summer Intensive Program (ISIP) will present a demonstration program on Thursday, July 16, at 2 p.m. in the Albig Dance Studio in Peters Hall. The demonstration will feature ballet and dance performances by intermediate and advanced level ballet students, ages 11-17, including eight from Japan.

The program is a culmination of the 2009 ISIP program now in its third year at Radford University and is directed by Inessa Plekhanova, assistant professor of dance in RU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Drawing on her role as a master teacher and special guest instructor in the Japanese Grand Prix Dance competitions, Plekhanova has worked with the Japanese students from Sapporo, Osaka and Tokyo during recent trips to Japan.

“From 2005 when we started ISIP and welcomed two Japanese students, the international presence has grown each year,” said Plekhanova. “RU has such nice facilities for our program, so the kids accomplish much and have fun too.”

The international dance students are among 24 intermediate and advanced level ballet students from Virginia and neighboring states participating in the program that emphasizes ballet technique, pointe and character while offering courses in modern dance, jazz and hip hop during the 11-day session. The ISIP is part of the RU dance department’s “Radford University Ballet Youth” (RUBY) program, a year-long series of programs for ballet students that includes the popular biannual performance of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker.”