Summer Dance Experiences!

Summer Dance Intensive 2027: Classical to Contemporary: July 4-17

The Mercyhurst University Department of Dance announces a new iteration of intensive summer study for students ages 15-22 who have a minimum of four years of consistent training in ballet and additional background in modern, contemporary dance forms and/or pointe. With options for both residential and commuter students, this program is designed to both deepen and broaden your work in classical and contemporary ballet for the concert stage through foundational technique classes, performance coaching, and contemporary dance practices. Additionally, we partner with professional faculty who teach strength and conditioning, nutrition for dancers, acting for dancers, and other courses, fostering a holistic approach to dance education.

Summer Dance Immersion 2027: July 18-31

The Mercyhurst University Department of Dance is delighted to reintroduce the Summer Dance Immersion! Residential and commuter options are available for dancers who have a minimum of four years of consistent dance training and who will be at least 13 years old and no older than 20 years old by July 17. This program offers classes in a wide range of dance styles and provides an overview of many facets of the dance field. Come dance in an environment designed to spark curiosity, grace, and confidence, creating healthy habits that translate to any other field!

Both Programs Offer

Quality educational experiences with a solid foundation in technique, kinesthetically sound practices, artistic exploration, and intellectual growth through both seminars and physical practice.
A safe environment where students can immerse themselves in a university setting while experimenting with new approaches, genres, and styles.
Personalized attention by keeping class sizes small, where the dancers receive individualized feedback and take ownership of their progress.
Experienced faculty whose education and wide range of perspectives in the field - as dancers, teachers, choreographers, administrators, and scholars - enrich their mentorship of the students.
A chance to grow in practical and thoughtful ways. We encourage dancers to explore and hone all aspects of their craft.

Sample Schedules

Summer Dance Intensive: Classical to Contemporary

9 to 10 a.m. — Dance prehab/strength and conditioning/pilates
10:15 a.m. to noon — Ballet technique
Noon to 1:15 p.m. — Lunch
1:15 to 2:30 p.m. — Pointe/men's technique/repertoire
2:45 to 4:15 p.m. — Contemporary/modern/composition
4:30 to 5 p.m. — Cool down
5 to 6 p.m. — Dinner
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Seminar: Artist talk, acting for dancers, college/company, nutrition for dancers, dance/film, repertoire analysis, etc.

Summer Dance Immersion

9 to 10:15 a.m. — World cultural dance forms
10:30 a.m. to noon — Ballet/contemporary/modern technique
Noon to 1:15 p.m. — Lunch
1:15 to 2:45 p.m. — Jazz/contemporary/hip hop
3 to 4:15 p.m. — Strength and conditioning
4:30 to 5 p.m. — Cool down
5 to 6 p.m. — Dinner
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Seminars: Artist talk, college/company, nutrition for dancers, dance on film, etc.

2027 Summer Dance Experience guest faculty will be announced soon!

Tuition

Two weeks of classes with an open showing at the end of the session: $1,000

Room and Board

Housing in Warde Hall

Double occupancy room: $250 (subject to change)

Warde Hall is one of the first-year student dorms on campus and is adjacent to the building that houses the dance studios. Each student will have their own bed, dresser, desk, and chair. There are two closets and a private bathroom that are shared by the occupants of the room. At approximately 300 square feet, rooms in Warde are among the largest of the residence halls. In addition, Warde Hall features:

• Full-size kitchen on the first floor
• Multi-purpose rooms on each floor
• Microwave on each floor
• Individually controlled air conditioning and heating
• Laundry facilities on each floor

All-Inclusive Meal Plan at Grotto Commons

Sunday supper upon arrival, three meals a day, breakfast and lunch before departure on Saturday: $250 (subject to change)

Grotto Commons, the university's main dining hall, is an all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining hall with various options, including an allergen-free station. Students can pay per meal on-site with a credit card if they prefer not to purchase a meal plan.

Individual meals are priced as follows (subject to change):

• Breakfast: $5.50
• Brunch/lunch: $6.75
• Dinner: $7.75

In addition, we will go grocery shopping on Monday nights, so students can stock up on snacks and small meals that can be made in the shared dormitory kitchen.

Additional Information

Weekend trips to Presque Isle State Park and Wintergreen Gorge; thrifting, coffee, and bookstores; and other fun trips in the Erie area.