Contemporary Dance Summer Program for High School Students
Why Take High School Contemporary Dance
Expressive. Improvised. Unique. Contemporary dance is an eclectic method that allows you to physically express your art. At Interlochen, you will hone this expression and improve your technical and improvisational skills with other young dancers from around the world.
What You'll Learn
As a high school contemporary summer dance camp student, you will spend up to six hours a day training inside our beautiful new facility, the Dance Center—with gorgeous views of Green Lake. You'll study a variety of dance topics, including:
- Modern technique
- Improvisation and composition
- Jazz
- Body conditioning
- Repertory
High School Camp Schedule
In two to six week dance programs, ballet and contemporary students will take classes in both styles of dance. Intensive students will only take technique classes that correspond to their choice of intensive program.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 - 6:45 a.m. | First Call, Reveille, and Line-up |
| 6:50 a.m. | Cabin clean up, prep for day |
| 7 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9 - 10:15 a.m. | Ballet |
| 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. | Contemporary / Modern |
| 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1 - 1:50 p.m. | Lecture (rotating topics) |
| 2 - 2:50 p.m. | Dance Composition |
| 3 - 3:35 p.m. | Jazz or Pilates / Conditioning |
| 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. | Rehearsals |
| 4:45 - 6:45 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:45 - 9:30 p.m. | Performances or free time |
| 9:30 p.m. | Call to Quarters |
| 10:15 p.m. | Taps - final call of the day |
A parent’s perspective: A foundation for adulthood
For Nancy and Chris, sending their child to Interlochen Arts Camp was an opportunity to practice for adulthood—and strengthen their family’s bonds. Listen as Nancy and Chris discuss the personal and artistic growth that transpires at Interlochen and share why they would recommend Interlochen to any parent of a young artist.
Program Highlights
Performance Opportunities
At the end of the three-week session, you will participate in a fully produced performance. Our dance faculty will choreograph or create original works. We have additional performance opportunities available by faculty selection or audition where you can work with other young artists in different arts disciplines like music or theatre.
Distinguished Faculty
The Interlochen Arts Camp dance faculty is a group of high-caliber individuals who have dedicated their lives to dance. Our faculty either continue to dance or instruct at leading institutions around the world. They look forward to spending their summers at Interlochen, teaching the next generation of young artists.
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.
Live Accompaniment
Our classes and performance opportunities stand apart from other summer dance programs as we dance along to professional, live musicians instead of recordings. We take full advantage of the interdisciplinary aspect of Camp by leveraging other arts disciplines, including music.
Interlochen is a place where I feel everyone is equally kind and talented, a place where I can be myself. In my classes, I've been exposed to many amazing dancers and instructors. I've received both compliments and corrections that I hope will make me the best dancer I can be. As a dance major, you're selected to be in a piece. I've been able to challenge myself and learn new movements, as well as learn from some of the most well-known choreographers in the industry.
Lila, Contemporary Dance
What's it like?
At Interlochen Arts Camp, male-presenting dance students spend six hours per day immersed in a rigorous, well-rounded training program. Listen in as Arts Camp students and dance faculty explain what sets Interlochen’s program apart: from exceptional faculty and an unparalleled community to breathtaking lake views.
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Various programs
- Renowned faculty
- A day in the life of a student
- How to apply and financial aid information
- And more