Summer Intensive
2023 Dates:
June 26th-July 1 | Sioux Falls, SD
(Generously hosted at Champion Legacy)
About
South Dakota Ballet is proud to present the third annual Summer Intensive led by instructors from some of the most acclaimed professional dance companies in the world. This program is made possible by Myles & Lisa Beacom, & Angela Nieman of Champion Legacy.
Participants in this pre-professional training program will receive the most high-level professional dance instruction available in the region as well as the opportunity to perform the opening piece of the 2023 September gala performances in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen & Rapid City alongside professional dancers from around the world.
Dancers ages 10-25 years old are encouraged to apply. Participants are invited to perform in all 3 locations in September 2023, but performing is not required.
The South Dakota Ballet Summer Intensive is limited to 45 dancers to ensure a quality experience.
Auditions:
Dancers interested in the 2023 Summer Intensive must audition to gain entry into the program. There is no fee to audition. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2023. Applicants can expect results within 72 hours of submitting their applications. We will be accepting applications until the deadline or until the program has reached capacity.
To audition please submit the following materials to info@southdakotaballet.org with the subject line “2023 SDB SI Audition_Dancer’s First & Last Name”:
-Photo in 1st arabesque (en pointe if experience allows)
-Photo in échappé à la seconde sur la demi-pointes or en pointe
-Headshot
-Audition form found here: https://forms.gle/wHyk43dT5JGb1eHH8
*Photos can be captured with a phone. No professional photos or backdrops necessary.
Traineeships & Apprenticeships:
Trainee Program: Dancers ages 12+ are invited to apply to be considered for our hybrid trainee program based on their technical levels in both classical ballet & contemporary dance, their maturity levels, their ability to focus in classes & rehearsals, as well as their level of dance experience overall. A trainee is considered the gateway into most professional dance companies. A trainee position allows serious dancers to have a more high-level experience by attending company rehearsals with the professional dancers as understudies for the September gala performances. Rehearsals will take place virtually starting in July 2023 until the professional dancers gather in-person in September. Trainees will be selected & announced at the Summer Intensive by June 30th.
Apprenticeships: Dancers ages 16+ will be invited to apply to be considered for an apprenticeship based on their technical abilities in both classical ballet & contemporary dance, as well as their level of dance experience overall. South Dakota Ballet is looking for apprentices with the following attributes:
-Dancers who are quick to apply technical corrections
-Dancers who quickly pick up choreography
-Dancers who retain choreography & technical notes from day-to-day -Dancers who are versatile in both classical ballet & contemporary dance -Dancers who exude excitement & willingness to take risk in the studio -Dancers who display mature & respectful behavior at all times
An apprentice is considered the entry-level position within most professional dance companies. This position allows experienced dancers to participate in all company classes & rehearsals with professional dancers in preparation for the September gala performances. Rehearsals will take place virtually starting in July until the professional dancers gather in-person in September.
Apprentices will be performing in the gala(s) location(s) of their choice as part of the company in addition to their performance in the Gala’s opening piece danced with their peers of the summer intensive. Apprentices will be invited to be a part of 1 or 2 professional company pieces that will premiere in the 2023 Gala performances.
This apprenticeship is an opportunity for pre-professional dancers to interact with artistic staff & choreographers looking to get to know dancers for future employment opportunities. Apprentices will be selected based on their performance in the 2023 summer intensive classes & announced by June 30th. Apprentices should be prepared to rehearse via zoom for 1-1.5 hours weekly starting July 10th. Dates & times TBD.
Apprentices will work together with artistic director, Madeleine Scott, to create a sustainable virtual rehearsal schedule.
2023 Gala Rehearsal & Performance Dates:
As the organization has grown significantly over the past 4 years, the demands of our programming has also found the need to undergo adaptations. At this time, South Dakota Ballet has decided to host the gala performances in the month of September, rather than at the conclusion of the summer intensive in July. We hope that this new format will encourage the following:
-For our students to immerse themselves in the technical aspect of our training program without the stress & demand of a performance
-For our professional dancers/instructors to be completely focused on the growth of our students without the distraction & pressure of a performance -To extend our mentorship capacity beyond the short time frame of the summer intensive
-To expand our audience-base by hosting the shows at a different time of year
Summer Intensive dancers who wish to perform in our September Gala performance(s) are required to attend the 2023 Summer Intensive in Sioux Falls June 26-July 1, at which the dancers will learn the choreography for the September performances & gain the technique necessary to perform the steps. Dancers are invited to perform in 1 gala or multiple gala locations. Performing in the gala(s) is HIGHLY encouraged, but not required.
Tentative In-Person Gala Rehearsal Times: *Exact times and locations for September rehearsals will be sent out at least 2 months prior to the performances. Attendance to all rehearsals is REQUIRED to perform. Dancers will be supplied with video records to review their choreography between the conclusion of the 2023 Summer Intensive & the start of in-person rehearsals in September.
Sioux Falls
Monday, September 18 6pm-9pm (4pm-9pm apprentices)
Tuesday, September 19 7pm-9pm (4pm-9pm apprentices)
Wednesday, September 20 6:00pm-8:00pm Lighting, Spacing & Dress Rehearsal at Washington Pavilion (4pm-9:30pm apprentices)
Thursday, September 21 rehearsal on stage at Washington Pavilion 5:15pm-6:15pm, Performance 7:00pm. (4pm call-time apprentices)
Aberdeen
Friday, September 22 4:30pm-9:30pm at the Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center (4:00pm-9:30pm apprentices)
Saturday, September 23 2:00pm-5:00pm, at the Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center, 7:00pm performance (10:00am-9:00pm Apprentices)
Sunday, September 24 Masterclasses (open to all dancers regardless of participation in the 2023 Summer Intensive or gala performances. Registration information coming soon.).
Rapid City
Monday, September 25 7-9pm (4pm-9pm apprentices)
Tuesday, September 26 6-9pm (4pm-9:30pm apprentices)
Wednesday September 27 6:00pm-8:00pm Dress Rehearsal at the Monument (4pm-9:30pm apprentices)
Thursday, September 28 Rehearsal on stage at the Monument 5:00pm-6:00pm, Performance 7:00pm (4pm call time apprentices)
Tuition & Fees:
Early Bird- Summer Intensive Tuition $670.95 ($630 tuition + $40.95 tax) DUE APRIL 30th
Summer Intensive Tuition: $883.95 ($830 + $53.95 tax) DUE MAY 31
Gala Performer Rehearsal Fee:
1 Location: Rehearsal tuition- $213 ($200 + $13 tax) total
2 Locations: Rehearsal tuition- $319.50 ($300 + $19.50) total 3 Locations: Rehearsal tuition- $426 ($400 + $26) total
Should your dancer wish to perform in the gala(s), they will be escorted to the balcony of the theater to enjoy the work of the professional dancers immediately after they perform– ticket included in rehearsal fee.
Deadlines:
Sunday, April 30- Early Bird Summer Intensive Tuition
Monday, May 15-Merchandise Order Forms & Fees
Wednesday, May 31- Summer Intensive Tuition, Gala Performance Rehearsal Fee & all registration forms due.
