The summer modern dance program is your opportunity study in a focused, creative atmosphere, with other serious dance students from around the world. Classes are taught by an experienced, professional faculty, dedicated to helping you achieve technical and artistic growth.
With limited class sizes, you will receive personalized instruction. There are three sections, divided by skill level. Dancers train for six hours a day, and experience a rigorous, thoughtful curriculum that includes:
- Modern technique
- Ballet technique
- Improvisation and composition
- Jazz
- Body conditioning
- Repertory
At the end of each three week session, you will participate in a public performance of repertory pieces. Instructors restage choreography or create original works in a variety of styles to showcase the students. Additional performance opportunities are available by audition or selection.
While modern dance students do not participate in elective classes outside the dance curriculum, you will have many opportunities to enjoy presentations in music, theatre, visual art, creative writing and film.
The dance program is housed in the Hildegarde Lewis Dance Building (virtual tour), a beautiful 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.
You may choose to attend one or two three-week sessions. A multiple session discount is available.
Prerequisites
Students should have had at least three years of dance training, and 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. Students are expected to be well-groomed. Long hair must be worn up and off the neck.
Audition Requirements
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, dégagés, 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.