Interlochen's summer modern dance program is an opportunity for dancers to grow and develop their artistry and technique in an environment that is challenging, focused and supportive. With limited class sizes, the faculty of professional dance educators provide individual attention to help each student progress.
The program draws on the creative vitality that exists at Interlochen, with live musicians featured in each class. Each three-week session culminates with a fully-produced public showing of repertory pieces. Additional performance opportunities are available through an audition or selection process.
Dance majors train six hours a day and may choose to attend for three or six weeks. The modern dance program includes:
- Modern technique
- Ballet technique
- Improvisation/composition
- Jazz
- Body conditioning
- Repertory
The dance program is housed in the Hildegarde Lewis Dance Building, a beautiful and unique place to study dance, situated on the shore of lovely Green Lake. Performance venues include Corson Auditorium and Kresge Auditorium.
Due to the focused nature of this curriculum, students do not participate in any elective classes outside the dance curriculum, however they do have many opportunities to enjoy presentations in music, theatre, visual art, creative writing and film.
All students are expected to be well-groomed; long hair must be worn up and off the neck.
Prerequisites
Students should have had at least three years of previous training.
Because of the vigorous nature of the dance program, participants should be free of injury prior to arrival. Any health-related concern should be acknowledged on the medical form and reported to the dance department prior to arrival. Dancers are expected to maintain a body weight that is proportionate to their height and bone structure.
How to Apply
- Prepare the audition materials listed below.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your audition materials online.
Required Materials
Image file: A photograph taken in full body pose
PDF file: A list of training experiences. Please include subject (modern, ballet, jazz, composition, other), dates, names and locations of schools and names of teachers. A video audition, if not attending a live regional audition.
Center floor exercises (no barre):
Video file #1: A three-minute modern dance warm-up that includes basic vocabulary; the warm-up should give a sense of the applicant's placement, line, body awareness, flexibility and control.
Video file #2: Performance of one solo piece no longer than two minutes. The choreography for the solo may be the applicant's or another person's creative work and should include dynamic range, ability to move in space, change levels and use of the floor. Please identify the choreographer and piece.
Video file #3: Performance of one solo piece no longer than two minutes. The choreography for the solo may be the applicant's or another person's creative work and should include dynamic range, ability to move in space, change levels and use of the floor. Please identify the choreographer and piece.
Additional Opportunities
High school modern dancers are also invited to apply for the one-week modern dance intensive.
Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers a dance major for grades 9-12, as well as a post-graduate year.
Faculty
Hannah Baumgarten
Instructor of Dance, Interlochen Arts Camp
Artistic Director, Dance Now! Miami
Diego Salterini
Instructor of Dance, Interlochen Arts Camp
Founding Co-Director, Dance Now! Ensemble; Adjunct Faculty, Florida International University, Dillard Center for the Arts
Kim Neal Nofsinger
Instructor of Dance, Interlochen Arts Camp
Artistic Director and Founder, Shelter Repertory Dance Theatre
Matthew Lindstrom
Instructor of Dance, Interlochen Center for the Arts
Instructor of Theatre Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy
