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Dance Major at Arts Academy
One of the Nation's Best High Schools for Dance
Whether you're taking the stage as a classical ballet dancer or pushing stylistic boundaries with contemporary movements, dance is a demanding yet beautiful art form. At Interlochen’s dance boarding school, our goal is to develop and prepare you to become creative problem solvers, confident performers, and citizen artists who positively contribute to society.
What You'll Learn
Interlochen Arts Academy is rated as one of the best performing arts boarding schools in the world. As a dance major, you'll receive pre-professional training to strengthen technique, improve form, build confidence, and discover your own artistry. Your class work and rehearsals will prepare you to shine in several large-scale and intimate productions presented annually. Among the national high schools for dance, Interlochen offers the best opportunities to expand your repertoire and develop versatility.
Our experienced instructors offer you personalized guidance for your level of skills and the goals you have set. As fellow dancers, they can also help you navigate your future in dance, whether that means matriculating to a top college program or securing a spot in a professional company. Dance school at Interlochen develops your capabilities now and prepares you for the future.
Discover the Difference at Interlochen
As a student at Interlochen Arts Academy—known nationally as one of the best dance boarding schools, you will enjoy unique learning experiences.
- Develop technical and artistic skills in classical ballet, contemporary, and other dance genres
- Acquire tools and strategies to maintain physical and emotional resilience
- Prepare for auditions and competitions
- Gain performance experience in a robust array of repertoire within professional-caliber productions
- Participate in dance ensemble
- Participate in touring opportunities
- Enjoy cooperative opportunities with other arts areas including opera, theatre, and interdisciplinary arts
As a premier institution among high schools of dance, Interlochen Arts Academy’s Dance Division offers a pre-professional ballet-based program. Intensive daily class work and rehearsals lead to fully produced dance productions, “in studio” performances, and interdepartmental concerts. Each year, the Dance Division performs in two full-length ballets set to live orchestras. Interlochen’s dance school also offers opportunities to study and perform contemporary dance.
For information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.
Arts Academy Dance Schedule
Daily schedules may also include conditioning, Pilates, college auditions, master classes with guest artists, and sessions with our on-site physical therapist as recommended.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6 - 7 a.m. | Wake, dress, work out |
| 7 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. | Academic classes |
| 12:20 - 12:50 p.m. | Office hours |
| 1 - 1:25 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 - 2 p.m. | Warm up |
| 2 - 3:30 p.m.. | Classical Ballet Technique |
| 3:45 - 4:25 p.m. | Pointe, Contemporary, Dance Composition, or Character Dance |
| 4:35 - 6 p.m. | Rehearsals |
| 6 - 7 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7 - 8 p.m. | Social/campus time |
| 8 - 9 p.m. | Office hours or study hour |
| 9 - 9:30 p.m. | Sign in to dorms |
| 11 p.m. (Midnight Fri-Sat) | Lights out |
Professional Preparation
See what it's like to study dance at Interlochen, and hear about career paths from recent alumni.
The Dance Division at Interlochen has completely prepared me to show the world that this is who I am and this is what I'm here to do.
Austin Dabney '19, Arts Academy (Dance)
Program Highlights
Performance Opportunities
Throughout the year, you'll have the opportunity to perform in two fully-produced ballets set to live orchestras, plus "in studio" performances and other interdepartmental concerts. During the holiday season, the Dance Ensemble presents a full-length narrative ballet, featuring live accompaniment by the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. The winter and spring dance performances also feature original choreography and restaged works by faculty and guest artists.
Support Services
In addition to our dedicated instructors, we offer special support services for the unique demands the are placed on young dancers. You'll have access to specialists in nutritional counseling, dance medicine, and other related arts fields that will help you thrive in a way that best fits your needs.
The Dance Center
Our 26,000 square-foot dance facility provides our students and faculty with amazing studios, updated technology, fitness centers, and beautiful views of Green Lake. It's one of the most scenic places on campus. Learn more about the Dance Center.
Professional Companies
Many dance students have joined professional companies upon graduation, including:
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Ballet West
-
Boston Ballet
-
Ballet National de Marseille
-
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
-
Latvian National Opera and Ballet
-
Nashville Ballet
-
Nederlands Dans Theater
-
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Students speak: What it’s like to attend a dance boarding school
From improvising with percussion music to dancing in a studio with a lake view, a freshman and a junior share what they love about Interlochen Arts Academy.
College Matriculation
Dance students regularly enroll in top dance programs and conservatories, including:
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Alma College
-
Bennington College
-
Boston Conservatory at Berklee
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Butler University
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California Institute of the Arts
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Codarts Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
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Cornish College of Arts
-
Fordham University
-
George Mason University
-
Indiana University
-
Loyola University
-
Marymount Manhattan College
-
Mercyhurst University
-
New York University
-
Pace University
-
Purchase College State University of New York
-
Southern Methodist University
-
Trinity Laban Conservatoire
-
University of California
-
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
-
University of Houston
Get to know An
"The really special thing about boarding at Interlochen is that you're surrounded by other artists. The more I immerse myself in other arts, the better I'm able to dance on stage." — An, Dance
The Sleeping Beauty: A Dancer's Perspective
Dance majors give you a behind-the-scenes look into how they collaborated with other students to bring The Sleeping Beauty to life.
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Corson Auditorium Adult $34; Child-College $19
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Academy with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Renowned faculty
- College-preparatory academics
- Student resources
- How to apply and financial aid information
- And more