The summer modern dance program for grades 6-9 offers an encompassing curriculum for the serious student who wishes to study dance in a focused and creative atmosphere. Classes are designed to improve the artistic and technical proficiency of each student while providing a positive environment for the exploration of movement and personal growth.
Classes are taught by an experienced and distinguished professional faculty. Additionally, instructors restage choreography and create original works in a variety of styles that showcase students. Each three-week session culminates with a public showing of the repertory pieces and may include a performance in a summer showcase.
Class size is held to approximately 18 students to ensure that students receive individual attention.
Placement in technique class is determined by skill level.
Dance majors train six hours a day and may choose to attend for three or six weeks. The modern dance emphasis includes:
- Ballet technique
- Modern 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. It is situated on the shore of lovely Green Lake, with a barre flanked by large picture windows. Performance venues include Corson Auditorium, Kresge Auditorium, the Interlochen Bowl, and the Upton-Morley Pavilion.
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.
All students are expected to be well-groomed; long hair must be worn up and off the neck. A complete listing of required dance attire and supplies will be posted on the website.
How to Apply
This program requires an application and an audition.
- Prepare the 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 résumé list of training experiences. Please include subject (modern, ballet, jazz, composition, other), dates, names and locations of schools and names of teachers.
Part I (video #1): Two-minute ballet barre including pliés, tendus, dégagers, ronde de jambes, adage and grand battement; show knowledge of ballet vocabulary and technique.
Part II (video #2): A three-minute modern dance warm-up including basic vocabulary to demonstrate placement, line, body awareness, flexibility and control.
Part III (video #3): One short solo piece showing dynamic range, ability to move in space, level changes and individuality. Please identify the choreographer of the piece. Students may use their own choreography.
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