Dance the Summer Away Camps, Workshops, and more… by Racquel Foran & Dana Renaud
The Hollywood Su mmer Tour (The HS T) dancers having fun in the sun!
J
ust because the regular dance season is coming to an end in June, doesn’t mean you should put away your dancewear for the summer. The sunshine, blue skies and bright flowers of summer almost demand that our bodies sing and dance. What better season is there to try new things, celebrate what you have achieved, and challenge yourself to even greater heights? And lucky for our readers, there are plenty of opportunities and places to do all that and more over the summer months. just dance! did a little digging for our readers to help you understand the different summer programs available and assist you in choosing the best fit for you, your family and your budget.
what’s available There really is no shortage of things to do in the world of dance and performing . e id arts over the summer months. Most dance ts u o n ng a lesso ans enjoyi re studios and performing arts schools offer a e sp ng Shake Some You some kind of summer program, whether it is a daily drop-in, week long camp, or intensive workshop, there is something for everyone. No matter where you live, chances are at least one of the dance studios in your community is offering something – many offer a range of programs through July
Some dance studios, like Spiral Dance The HST Dancers tak e class from the best in Ho llywood. 20 just dance! | May 2013
Co. in White Rock even offer ½ and fullday programs for busy working parents.
What’s the Difference? Summer Dance Camps Summer camps are generally more relaxed programs, but they vary in look and feel. Some are day camps, others are sleepover camps. Some focus on only dance and/or one style of dance, where others offer other summer activities and provide variety in the dance training. Most programs accept beginners, but some prefer intermediate or higher level dancers. Check out the summer camp directory listing on page 30 for offerings in your community.
Summer Dance Workshops These are more compact programs that run for a few days and focus on broadening participants’ horizons. Skill levels can vary, and beginners are usually welcome at workshops. However, you often must apply to participate because group sizes are relatively small, but this also gives students more one-on-one feedback from instructors. Participants often leave workshops with new ideas and directions in dance to explore on their own time. Dance workshops are usually offered through dance studios or community sports or arts centres. Registration forms can be found online.
Summer Dance Intensives Summer dance intensives can vary in length from one to three weeks. A high level of skill is required for most programs. During the program, participants will spend each day in a variety of organized classes that focus on a specific style of dance to help quickly widen the students’ repertoires. Dance intensives often have the feeling of a summer school. At the end of the intensive, there will usually be a final performance to showcase the participants’ new skills. Many intensives require an audition with most auditions taking place in the winter months. However, there are some intensives, like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s summer intensive, that offer the same high calibre intense program with no audition requirement. In addition to the RWB School, other intensives include Canada’s National Ballet School; the Victoria Academy of Ballet; and the Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive. If you are willing to travel outside of the country to attend an intensive, a number of top dance companies offer summer intensives including the Boston Conservatory; The School of American Ballet; and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy to name just a few. Check out the just dance! website starting in Fall 2013 for regular audition updates.
Summer Dance Drop-In Drop-ins are flexible classes that participants can attend at their leisure. Classes are usually only offered a couple times per week over a period of a few months. The recommended skill level is beginner to intermediate since this kind of program is not very intense. Classes focus on one style of dance and often repeat lessons to help ensure that each participant’s needs have been met. Most drop-in programs are offered at community recreation centres, but local dance studios also sometimes offer them.