WESTBROOK – Westbrook seems to have a knack for churning out great musicians and performers, stemming from a multitude of high school and community programs that focus on the arts. 15-year-old Hannah Herman, entering her junior year at Westbrook, is the latest example.

Herman, who has danced since age 3, was recently selected to participate in an exclusive summer program with one of the world’s most famous dance groups: the Rockettes.

From July 27 to Aug. 1, Herman will be in New York City to train in the recognizable Rockettes style during what’s known as the 2014 Rockettes Summer Intensive, an opportunity to study with a Rockettes choreographer and take part in a showcase performance.

According to the program’s website, the Summer Intensive is designed for advanced dancers (five years experience is required for auditions), and is entering its 13th season. The program has produced more than 50 Rockettes.

In March, Herman auditioned for the program in Boston and was selected from hundreds of dancers. Tuition for the weeklong program is $999.

In a press release last week, Drouin Dance owner Danielle Drouin said she was proud of Herman’s selection to the exclusive group.

“It shows that focus, dedication and working toward your dreams pays off,” she said.

Herman has been dancing with Drouin Dance in the Dana Warp Mill for three years, and has studied tap, pointe, jazz, contemporary and modern. She also has experience in hip-hop.

This past season with Drouin, Herman and her duet partner received a special award in competition for their duet performance, and Herman plans to undertake her own tap solo during the upcoming season.

On top of her dancing, Herman also participates in Westbrook High School’s Chamber Singers, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band and Key Club. She also writes her own songs on the piano.

Following high school, Herman said she would like to major in music education with minors in business and dance.

Herman will be back in New York City in November, this time for a performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside eight of her Drouin dance mates.

Herman spoke with the American Journal recently about the program, the audition process and her excitement for what’s next.

Q: What is the Rockettes Summer Intensive (RSI)? What was your reaction to being chosen for the program?

A: The RSI is a unique opportunity to train in the legendary Rockettes dance techniques. This includes classes, an audition, and interview techniques, as well as many hours of dance. I was really excited.

Q: What was the audition process like? Was it competitive?

A: There were about 50 to 75 girls auditioning. We were split into two groups. We first learned a jazz routine, and auditioned in groups of three in front of a Rockette. Then we did a tap routine and went through with that process. It was slightly competitive because there were girls auditioning a third time to be invited to be a Rockette.

Q: The audition requires at least five years of dance experience. Do you feel that your training at Drouin Dance had prepared you for this?

A: I have been dancing since I was 3, just in creative classes, then ballet and tap to now pointe, jazz, contemporary, modern, some hip-hop, with my favorite being tap. So I felt that I was prepared.

Q: Why did you want to be a part of this program? Is there a particular type of dance you will concentrate on?

A: I wanted the challenge to prove to myself that I can do it. Tap is particularly my favorite.

Q: Are you nervous at all about going into the program? Have you done programs like this in the past?

A: When it comes to dance I am not usually nervous. I like to meet new people, and love learning new techniques. This is the first time I have been accepted into an intensive program like this.

Q: The Rockettes are an iconic group. What is the allure of being chosen as a Rockette? Is it something you could see yourself doing?

A: I feel like they are different from other dance groups. They have a sense of class to their style since it has carried through different time periods. I can see myself auditioning to be a Rockette and can see myself being more of a city girl.

Q: When do you leave for New York? Is there anything else you’d like to do while you’re in the big city?

A: I leave for New York July 27, with a final performance at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 1. While I am in the city I want to stop by the Capezio store to get a new pair of tap shoes.

Q: What drives you to keep learning and expanding your repertoire of dance? Do you have any long-term goals?

A: The plans I have for the future, with music and dance, drive me to become a better dancer.

Hannah Herman, 15, will travel to New York City later this month to study with the Rockettes dance organization.