Summer Intensive

Ages 10–18

The Iowa Dance Collective Summer Intensive is a vibrant three-week program designed to inspire, challenge, and support young dancers at every stage of their journey. With daily technique classes, creative exploration, repertory rehearsals, and nationally recognized faculty, the program offers an immersive and unforgettable summer dance experience. Boarding is available for out of town students.

A CITY STYLE SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM, WITHOUT THE TRAVEL AND EXPENSE.

July 6th, 2026 - July 24th, 2026

3 Focuses

Week 1 - Ballet

Week 2 - Contemporary

Week 3 - Modern

2 Levels

Junior Division - 10-12 years old

Senior Division - 13 and up

3 Weeks

Week 1 - July 6th-10th, 2026 - Ballet Focus

Week 2 - July 13th-17th, 2026 - Contemporary Focus

Week 3 - July 20th-24th, 2026 - Modern Focus

Sample Schedule

Auditions

All Non-IDC students must attend an in-person audition, recruiting event, or submit a video submission for acceptance

In-Person Audition:

IDC will be recruiting at the following events

  • January 16th-18th

    • Regional Summer Intensive Audition, RSIA, in St Louis, hosted by COCA

  • April 16th-18th

    • RDA, Regional Dance America, Midstates Festival, in St Louis, hosted by COCA

  • Classwork -

    Barre (choose 2–3):

    • Pliés

    • Tendus

    • Dégagés or Frappés

    Center (as appropriate for level):

    • Adagio

    • Pirouettes

    • Petit or Grand Allegro

    We are looking for clarity of placement, coordination, musicality, and foundational technique.

    Gender-Specific Technique (if applicable) -

    Ladies – Pointe Work
    Please include a brief pointe section demonstrating:

    • Échappés

    • Piqués

    • Any additional basic pointework showing strength, control, and placement

    Center work preferred. We are looking for stability, alignment, articulation through the feet, and overall readiness.

    Gentlemen – Jumps & Turns
    Please include:

    • Tours en l’air on both sides

  • Please submit two clear, well-lit photos in proper dance attire:

    • First Arabesque

    • Tendu à la seconde

    Photo Guidelines:

    • Full body visible, standing leg and working leg clearly shown

    • Neutral background preferred

    • Proper alignment and classical placement

    • Hair secured; form-fitting dancewear

    • No filters or heavy editing

  • Please upload your files to this IDC Summer Intensive Form -

Pricing

Boarding offered in Partnership with Maharishi School

Located a 15 minute walk from our facility

Flyover tour from Hildenbrand Hall Dormitory to Iowa Dance Collective

INQUIRE FOR MORE INFO

FAQ

  • Yes! Each week of the Summer Intensive is offered à la carte, so students may attend one, two, or all three weeks depending on availability and interest.

  • Yes, all non-IDC students must attend a recruiting event or send a video submission in for acceptance

  • Our Summer Intensive is rooted in our Core Three techniques: Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary.

    • Each week highlights one primary focus

    • Ballet is taken daily throughout the program, serving as the technical through-line that supports all styles

    This structure allows dancers to build strength, versatility, and artistry in a balanced way.

  • Yes. We offer a boarding option and meal plan through our partnership with Maharishi School and Everybody’s Whole Foods.

    • Breakfast and lunch are provided each day

    • Dinner is the responsibility of the student/family

    • Dorms include access to a kitchen

    • Food delivery services are available for added convenience

    This setup allows students flexibility and independence in the evenings while still being supported during the training day.

  • Boarding students are supervised by trained, responsible adult staff, with clear routines, curfews, and expectations in place. Dancer safety, well-being, and structure are a top priority.

  • Students participate in a full day of training, including:

    • Daily ballet technique

    • Focused classes in Modern or Contemporary (depending on the week)

    • Repertory and choreography

    • Conditioning, artistry, and recovery time

    The schedule is full but thoughtfully paced to support both growth and well-being.

  • Yes. Each week concludes with an informal in-studio showcase, allowing dancers to share what they’ve learned in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

  • This program is ideal for dancers who:

    • Are serious about their training

    • Want strong technical foundations alongside artistic growth

    • Thrive in a focused, encouraging environment

    Students come from a variety of backgrounds, and levels are thoughtfully assigned.