Contemporary Dance Intensive

The Contemporary Summer Intensive is a four-week intensive from June 25–July 22, 2023 for the serious student interested in pursuing a career in the arts. Under the instruction of the renowned school of dance faculty and distinguished guest artists, this unique program offers a cutting-edge approach to contemporary technique, movement innovation and artistic self-discovery.

June 25–July 22, 2023

Curriculum and Classes

Daily classes will include Contemporary Technique, Classical Ballet, Composition, Improvisation, Phrase work, Repertory, Yoga, Pilates, and Conditioning. We will also offer Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip-Hop and Ballroom masterclasses throughout the intensive.

Other topics covered in our seminars and Q&A sessions may include:

Careers in the Arts
Dance History
Dancer Wellness
Injury Prevention
Mental Wellness

Dress Code

Ballet Technique Class

Dancers may choose the option that feels most comfortable for them.

Option A:

Black leotard
Pink or skin-toned footed/ transition tights
Presentable pink or skin-toned ballet slippers with elastics sewn properly on the shoe.

Option B:

Form fitting white or black t-shirt or leotard
Black footed/ transition tights supported by a belt at the waist and rolled over the belt at the waist
Black ballet shoes with elastics sewn properly on the shoe.

Pointe class will not be offered for Contemporary students.

Dancers will have the opportunity to wear colored leotards/ shirts on Saturdays and the 4th of July.

Contemporary Technique Class

Solid black unitards, black leotards, or form-fitting black t-shirt/tank top and black footless/ stirrup/ transition tights. Unitards and tights must continue below the calf muscle.

Dancers will have the opportunity to wear colored leotards/ shirts on Saturdays and the 4th of July.

Other Recommended Items to Bring

Here are some items students may want to have for master classes, rehearsals, the final performance, etc..

Jazz shoes
Sneakers/ dance sneakers
Character or ballroom dance shoes
Ballet skirt (solid color or patterned)
Warm ups (trash bag pants, leg warmers, long sleeved shirts, solid colored socks, etc.)
Kneepads
Yoga mat/ yoga blocks
Reusable water bottle
Basic first aid (Band-Aids, toe tape, etc.)
Theraband/ foam roller/ roller stick
Hair supplies (bobby pins, hair ties, etc.)
Sewing kit
Notebook and pen
Performance makeup
Face masks

Performance Opportunities

The program will conclude with a professionally produced dance concert. We invite family and friends to join us in supporting the students as they perform new works from their repertory classes.

During the first week of the intensive, students ages 15–18 will have the opportunity to audition and work with one of the five guest Choreographic Institute choreographers. These choreographers have been selected from a national and international search to work with our advanced high school summer students. They are some of the leading dance-makers in the contemporary dance world.

Students ages 12–14 will take repertory classes taught by School of Dance faculty and guest artists.

All summer dance students will perform in the final show.

Sample Schedule*

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness and Conditioning
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.	Ballet Technique
11:30 - 11:45 a.m.	Break
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Creative Practice (classes include improvisation, composition, and phrase work)
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.	Contemporary Technique
3:30 - 3:45 p.m.	Break
3:45 - 5:45 p.m. 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.	Repertory Rehearsal (ages 15 - 18) Repertory Rehearsal (ages 12 - 14)
6:15 - 7:15 p.m.	Dinner
7:15 - 8:15 p.m.	Optional evening masterclasses

*Schedule subject to change

Testimonials

I loved how kind and helpful the teachers were!! They made class fun but challenging and really helped me improve.

Summer Dance Student, 2022

My daughter had an excellent experience! We are grateful that she was able to have connections with others in the dance world and continue to gain skills during a time when in- person training wasn't available. The faculty was superb!

Summer Dance Parent, 2020

Audition Information

Auditions for 2023 Contemporary Summer Dance Intensive are now closed. Auditions for summer of 2024 will open in December 2023.