Summer Intensives - Dance

<p>Hi, I'm new to this forum, but it looks as though there are a lot of knowledgable folks here. </p>

<p>One of my neighbor's sons is very interested in pursuing a BFA in dance. He's a great tap and jazz dancer with local performance experience. </p>

<p>My understanding is that the auditions for BFA dance programs typically require training in classical ballet. This boy has done some ballet but not a whole lot, so he'd like to find a summer program that can help him improve.</p>

<p>Does anyone know of any summer intensive programs that would:
a) give him some solid ballet experience
b) still be fun from a jazz and tap perspective, and
c) be impressive to schools that offer the BFA in dance? </p>

<p>Btw, he also enjoys Musical Theatre, if there are any programs that combine dance and MT.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>If he is already good at tap and jazz, then he should take the summer to concentrate on ballet. I would recommend that they look into CPYB in Carlisle, PA. It is very intensive and concentrates on improving and building strength. It will be impressive to schools because of the reputation of the intensity and the seriousness of the program. Also, there is no audition required and many of the auditions for summer programs have already taken place. Still, he should apply ASAP as they do fill the program fairly early.</p>

<p>Thanks, unsoccer-mom! I tell my neighbor about CPYB.</p>

<p>One more question - are there programs on the west coast that are well-regarded or is he going to have to travel east?</p>

<p>Well there are great programs on the West Coast; ABT (OC), San Francisco Ballet, Pacific-Northwest Ballet. But these are highly competitive and are currently in the audition process. I know of no programs like CPYB on the West Coast, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.</p>

<p>If he is still a high school student, or a senior grad next year, try Innerspark program at Cal Arts (CSSSA)( but only if you are in California)
They accept VERY few out of state students. The application process for this year might already be closed, but it is worth a look.</p>

<p>There have been posters who have highly recommended Westside Ballet in Santa Monica, CA, so you might want to look into their programs. <a href="http://www.westsideballet.com/school/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.westsideballet.com/school/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>