PACIFIC BEACH — Dedicated dancers from across the nation, as well as Canada and Mexico, will head to Pacific Beach this summer for City Ballet of San Diego’s 15th annual Summer Intensive course, which kicks off July 26. About 50 dancers ages 11 to 22 will attend the rigorous three-week training program which is designed for intermediate to advanced students, many of whom aspire to become professional artists. Nationally-recognized performers David Howard, Gelsey Kirkland and Evelyn Cisneros will each spend a week leading students in technique, pointe, character development and other skill-building classes, said managing director Jo Anne Emery. “It’s a very unique situation for young dancers to be able to work with people of this caliber … so it is a popular program,” Emery said. The students were accepted to the course based on in-person and videotaped auditions, and each dancer was assigned to one of three skill levels based on their age and abilities. At the end of the session, students from the most advanced levels will perform two free shows for the public: one at Spreckels Organ Pavilion on Aug. 12 at 6:15 p.m., and a second at the City Heights Performing Annex on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. Emery said the program offers students not only a chance to hone their skills and work with renowned performance professionals, but also gives them an opportunity to advance their careers. Five to six of the dancers will be selected from the course to join the company as apprentices for the 2010-11 season.