Dance Summer Programs
Physically demanding and rewarding programs that embrace the strength of both traditional and 21st-Century concert dance.Summer Dance offers pre-professional training in classical ballet and modern/contemporary dance. Students can choose between a five-week Ballet Intensive, a two week exploration of dance for young dancers, and a new two-week Modern Intensive.
The Dance Department offers the following overnight summer programs:
- Dance Immersion Program for 6th - 8th Graders
- Summer Dance Ballet Intensive for 6th-11th Graders
- Summer Dance Modern Intensive for 6th-11th Graders
Dance Immersion Program for 6th - 8th Graders
Students explore the world of dance in a fun and supportive environment during an immersive two-week program, fueling artistic growth through:
- Ballet
- Modern/Contemporary
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Acting for Dancers
- African Dance
- Yoga and Pilates
Audition Video Guidelines
Applicants are required to record a 3-5 minute video audition. Applicants will submit their video through the application checklist.
Video Format
- Introduce yourself, “My name is (your preferred name and last name).”
- Perform your 1-2 minute dance solo
Video Dress Code
Leotards and tights are welcome but not required. Clothing should be one color and form fitting. Hair should be pulled away from the face.
Video Tip
Make sure the video quality is clear and the dancer is fully visible the entire time.
Dates: July 5 - 17
Eligibility: Any South Carolina student in 6th - 8th grade during the 2025-2026 school year can apply. Students must be 12-years-old by June 1 to attend.
Fees: $1,400, includes room, board, and materials
Learn about our Financial Assistance program.
Summer Dance Ballet Intensive for 6th-11th Graders
The ballet program, similar to the residential program’s ballet track, is based on long-established concepts and ideas taken from the Vaganova, Cecchetti and R.A.D. schools. Daily classes in classical ballet technique are complemented by a range of concert dance forms such as Variations, Men’s Technique, Partnering, Historical Dance, Modern Dance, and Pantomime/Acting for Dancers.
Audition Guidelines
Select applicants will be invited to participate in an audition where they will participate in classes and a group interview.
Audition Format
- Ballet Class
- Modern/Improv Class
- Group Interview
- Summer Dance interviews take place after all RHS solos are complete
- Summer Dance applicants do not perform a solo
- Summer candidates will be placed in groups of 4-5 students based on grade level
- Each group will be asked a few questions during the interview
- Interview groups are around 5-7 minutes in length
- After the interview, the Summer Dance audition is complete
Standard Dance Attire
Females: Black leotards, convertible skin-colored or pink tights, and ballet shoes. For the modern center practice, applicants must be barefoot (rolled up convertible tights).
Males: Black t-shirts, dance belts, black convertible tights with black shoes. For modern center practice, applicants must be barefoot (rolled up convertible tights).
Please note: Parents will not be permitted to observe any portion of the audition process.
Audition Video Guidelines
Dance applicants who are unable to attend an in-person audition may submit a brief video audition through the application checklist. Please follow this format when creating your video
Video Format
- Introduce yourself: “My name is (your preferred name and last name).”
- Tell us about your dance experience: How many years have you studied dance? What techniques do you take, and which ones do you enjoy the most?
- Three dance class exercises in a dance technique of your choice. One exercise
should be stationary, one should travel across the floor, and one should include jumping. - A 1-2 minute solo in a style of your choice that highlights your strengths as a
dancer.
Video Tip : Make sure your video quality is clear and that we can see you the
entire time.
Video Dress Code
Males: black t-shirts, dance belts, black convertible tights with black shoes (for ballet) and barefoot (for modern).
Female: black leotards, convertible skin colored tights and ballet shoes (for ballet) and barefoot (for modern).
Dates: June 14 - July 17, overnight program
Eligibility: Any student in 6th- 11th grade during the 2025-2026 school year can apply. Students must be 12-years-old by June 1 to attend. Out-of-state students can apply for this program.
Fees: $2,800, includes room, board, and materials. Learn about our Financial Assistance program.
Summer Dance Modern Intensive for 6th-11th Graders
The modern/contemporary dance program is designed for dancers who want to explore and pursue a more contemporary aesthetic. Similar to the residential modern track, the curriculum is rooted in principles of the Graham, Horton, Limon, and Cunningham techniques. Technique classes in ballet and modern dance are complemented by a variety of other forms such as Improvisation, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and African Dance to increase dancers’ versatility and prepare them for the twenty-first century dance world.
Audition Guidelines
Select applicants will be invited to participate in an audition where they will participate in classes and a group interview.
Audition Format
- Ballet Class
- Modern/Improv Class
- Group Interview
- Summer Dance interviews take place after all RHS solos are complete
- Summer Dance applicants do not perform a solo
- Summer candidates will be placed in groups of 4-5 students based on grade level
- Each group will be asked a few questions during the interview
- Interview groups are around 5-7 minutes in length
- After the interview, the Summer Dance audition is complete
Standard Dance Attire
Females: Black leotards, convertible skin-colored or pink tights, and ballet shoes. For the modern center practice, applicants must be barefoot (rolled up convertible tights).
Males: Black t-shirts, dance belts, black convertible tights with black shoes. For modern center practice, applicants must be barefoot (rolled up convertible tights).
Please note: Parents will not be permitted to observe any portion of the audition process.
Audition Video Guidelines
Dance applicants who are unable to attend an in-person audition may submit a brief video audition through the application checklist. Please follow this format when creating your video
Video Format
- Introduce yourself: “My name is (your preferred name and last name).”
- Tell us about your dance experience: How many years have you studied dance? What techniques do you take, and which ones do you enjoy the most?
- Three dance class exercises in a dance technique of your choice. One exercise
should be stationary, one should travel across the floor, and one should include jumping. - A 1-2 minute solo in a style of your choice that highlights your strengths as a
dancer.
Video Tip : Make sure your video quality is clear and that we can see you the
entire time.
Video Dress Code
Males: black t-shirts, dance belts, black convertible tights with black shoes (for ballet) and barefoot (for modern).
Female: black leotards, convertible skin colored tights and ballet shoes (for ballet) and barefoot (for modern).
Dates: June 14 - 26, overnight program
Eligibility: Any student in 6th - 11th grade during the 2025-2026 school year can apply. Students must be 12-years-old by June 1 to attend. Out-of-state students can apply for this program.
Fees: $1,400, includes room, board, and materials. Learn about our Financial Assistance program.
