Summer Dance Intensive

The Summer Dance Intensive (SDI) is Hartt Community Division’s premier summer training experience, designed for dedicated dancers ages 8–22 who are ready to challenge themselves, refine their technique, and grow as artists.

Each year, our outstanding HCD faculty are joined by acclaimed guest instructors to deliver a dynamic, well-rounded curriculum that pushes dancers to expand their abilities and deepen their craft.

Students train in a wide range of genres, including:

Ballet
Character
Conditioning
Contemporary
Jazz
Magna PT Workshops
Men’s Classes
Modern
Pointe
Repertoire
Variations

Dancers audition and may enroll in the full four-week program or select the weeks that best fit their schedules. Based at the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center and culminating in a final performance showcase, the Summer Dance Intensive offers serious students the time, space, and expert mentorship to elevate their artistry.

Don't miss out on savings!

Register for the Summer Dance Intensive by June 20 to take advantage of the 20% early bird discount.

Registration link coming soon

Program Dates

July 20—August 15, 2026

Morning Program:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Afternoon Program:
Monday-Friday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Students are encouraged to participate in all four weeks of the intensive, but can choose however many weeks work best for them.

In-Person Audition Dates

January 31, 2026 and February 21, 2026

Class 1 – Level 1 Red and Amber (8-10yo): 12:30–1:45 p.m.
Class 2 – Level 2–3 (11-13yo): 2–3 p.m. ballet, 3–3:30 p.m. pointe (optional)
Class 3 – Level 4–6 (14-21yo): 3:45–5:15 p.m. ballet, 5:15–5:45 p.m. pointe (optional)

Registration for each audition will begin 30 minutes before the beginning of each class. Non HCD Dance students, please be prepared with your head shot and a dance photo (i.e. first arabesque or tendu à la seconde) printed out. Current HCD Dance students will not have to bring any photos.

Register for an audition

No due date, please submit materials (videos, headshot, dance photo) to dancedesk@hartford.edu as early as possible. Film horizontally. Total length; no longer than 10 minutes.

Requirements: Afternoon Program

(Ages 12-21, with pointe experience)

Barre Work:

Tendu, fondu, développé, grands battements: each front, side, and back (both sides of each combination are not necessary, please alternate sides, all shot in ¾ profile)

Center Work:

Adagio with promenade (2x8). Pirrouettes en dedans and en dehors, petit allegro with batterie, grand allegro with saut de chat and tour jeté (filmed en avant both sides)

Pointe:

At the barre: échappés and plié relevés on one foot (facing barre). Passés and pique arabesque – right and left (shown in profile).

Center work en pointe for advanced students. Please consult your teacher for approval.

Students may include a classical and/or contemporary variation if available (NOT required).

Requirements: Morning Program

(Ages 8-13)

Barre Work:

Plie’ in first, second, and fifth positions. Battement Tendu, Fondu, Développé, Grand Battement

Center Work:

Demi Plie’ Same as at the barre, Battement Tendu Same as at the Barre, Demi port de bras.

Polka, Polonaise.

Allegro:

Temps leve’, in first, second, and fifth positions. Echappe’, Assemble, Jete.

Showcase

There will be a showcase following Week 4 of the intensive. Students must be registered for Week 4 in order to participate in the showcase, however are not guaranteed to participate if only registered for Week 4.