Page 17 - LifestylesinPalmBeachGardens - April '22

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 17
Florida Teen Selected For Prestigious Training

Program At Dutch National Ballet

Devon Luxton, 17, Was The Sole American worldwide invited to audition at Barcelona’s Grand
Male Dancer Offered A Contract At Audition on Feb. 8 and 9, a prominent audition opportunity
Barcelona’s Grand Audition, Earning A for dancers (ages 17 to 26) to be seen by directors of
multiple international ballet companies. After the first day,
Coveted Spot At The Renowned Dance the dancers were narrowed down to 49 (of whom Luxton
Company’s Training Program In Amsterdam was the only American male dancer), and only 10 of those
dancers were offered positions by company directors. He
It’s a real-life Billy Elliot story. was one of them – accepting a coveted placement that most
Similar to the young hero of the Broadway blockbuster young dancers can only dream of.
and film, a talented American teen who started ballet “It was an amazing experience,” said Luxton. “I’ve
classes only five years ago has earned a sought-after known for some time that the Dutch National Ballet was
training program spot at one of the world’s foremost where I wanted to be. I can’t wait to continue training in
professional ballet schools: the Dutch National Ballet their pre-professional division starting this fall.” Only 12
Academy in the Netherlands. male dancers and 12 female dancers from across the world Jupiter’s 17-year-old Devon Luxton has earned a sought-
Jupiter resident Devon Luxton, 17, was selected through earn spots each year for the 61-year-old Dutch National after training program spot at one of the world’s foremost
a rigorous video audition process as one of 177 dancers Ballet Academy’s celebrated two-year training program. professional ballet schools: the Dutch National Ballet
Academy in the Netherlands. He earned the spot earlier
this month in Spain, where he was the only American male
dancer offered a contract at Barcelona’s Grand Audition.
Photo by Jonathan Givens
of EPS Entertainment Photography Specialists

An opportunity that will also earn Luxton an associate’s
degree in classical ballet, the intensive program serves
Upscale Resale as a training ground for the legendary Dutch National
Ballet Company, the official and largest ballet company
in the Netherlands. The program gives talented young
Experience The Difference dancers the opportunity to prepare for a career with Dutch
National Ballet or another leading international ballet
company. Its dancers also regularly perform in popular
New and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts. professional productions by Dutch National Ballet.
Complete wallpaper and fabric library for all your design needs. “We are thrilled that Devon Luxton will join Dutch
National Ballet Academy’s associate degree upper school,”
said Ernst Meisner, choreographer and artistic director.
New 23,000 sq. ft. Location “He performed wonderfully well in Barcelona and I look
forward to working with him at our academy this fall.”
Luxton’s journey started just five years ago, when he
saw a regional production of Billy Elliot: The Musical,
Consign and Design has EXPANDED! They have moved to a new, much the hit musical about a boy who discovers ballet and the
larger location at 7700 N Military Trail. The previous “Golf Store” has been teacher who fosters his natural talent. Inspired by the show
and subsequent exposure to other dance musicals, Luxton,
redesigned and it’s gorgeous! Consign and Design has been the place then 11, told his parents he’d like to try ballet. His mother
to buy and consign for the last 20 years. They specialize in working with enrolled him in his first class on his 12th birthday at Paris
high-end homes, upscale designers, and luxury model homes. Multiple Ballet and Dance, the Jupiter school founded in 2009 by
celebrities and sports legends have used their services and shoppers have former international ballet star Jean-Hugues Feray.
purchased incredible pieces as a result. With wait times for furniture at A native of France, Feray served as a principal dancer
with many international companies, including Ballet
more than a year in some instances, luxury consignment brings great Florida and National Ballet de Marseille. With both his
value. They also carry fabulous new artwork, lighting, and accessories. If school and conservatory, he and his staff focus on teaching
you haven’t experienced Consign and Design, check it out soon! You won’t ballet in its purest, original French form, in addition to
believe the buys. At least 5 trucks roll in weekly and it goes out fast! other forms of dance. He knew immediately that Devon
had natural talent that could be cultivated, Feray said.
“Ballet is something that chooses the dancer, and
Nanci Smith, the owner, has had a fabulous store in Wellington for years it absolutely chose Devon,” he said. “He is incredibly
but decided to expand in the Gardens 5 years ago. She couldn’t be happier naturally talented, so we started with the fundamentals
with that decision. She states, “I knew we would do well because our of ballet and he progressed quickly from there. I am so
Wellington clients expect a certain level of service and I felt we could deliver proud of him and his many hours of training that have
that in a different way than others in the Gardens, Jupiter, Stuart area. Our earned his success.”
Within 18 months of starting training, Devon traveled
store was well received here and the time has come to expand. We also to Kansas City, Mo., to compete in the regional dance
fill a void for well curated artwork and accessories. Art is one of our top competition Youth America Grand Prix, often referred
categories, and it’s hard to find in the mid range price point. It’s either very to as the “Olympics of ballet.” Up against students who
cheap or super expensive. People want original and unique pieces without had been training for many years, he won first place –
purchasing a name. We offer new and consigned items at a fraction of the then went on to dance in the New York finals. In the
years since, he has been selected for the finals every
price and you can take it home today!” year and has been offered numerous scholarships and
opportunities. He has attended summer intensives at
such famed institutions as the Paris Opera Ballet (where
Feray received his training), Joffrey Ballet and the Dutch
National Ballet Academy, which solidified his love for
the school and company.
“Devon has been recruited for many renowned
residential training programs through the years, but we’ve
always felt that he’s already getting exceptional ballet
training at Paris Ballet and Dance,” said Julie Luxton, his
mother. “His success is a testament to Jean-Hugues Feray,
who is an extraordinary teacher. Devon has received elite
Call us to sell. See us to buy. training at Paris Ballet that is comparable with some of
the best international ballet schools in the world.”
31,000 total sq. ft. in 2 locations to serve you! Meisner of the Dutch National Ballet Academy
congratulated Feray for Devon’s progress. “Devon has
PALM BEACH GARDENS: improved so much since I last saw him in our summer
7700 N Military Trail • 561.694.0964 program,” he said.
And ballet isn’t Luxton’s only gift. A skilled visual
WELLINGTON: Wellington Marketplace artist, he is a senior digital media major at West Palm
13857 Wellington Trace • 561.798.5222 Beach’s A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, a highly
competitive magnet school that consistently ranks among
myconsignanddesign.com
Nanci Smith, CEO
Florida Teen Selected on page 18