What does a typical day look like?
Summer Intensive students dance Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with approximately an hour break for lunch. A typical day may include:

9:30 – 11:30 am: Ballet Technique
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Pointe or Men’s Class
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Lunch Break
1:30 – 2:45 pm: Partnering or Variations
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Modern, Contemporary or Character
4:00 – 5:00 pm: Conditioning, Repertoire or Guest Artist Workshop
All levels regularly take pointe and partnering classes

How big are classes?
We believe intimate class sizes are important for a student’s growth and personal development. Classes are typically limited to 20 – 30 dancers depending on level.

What’s the curriculum focus of Summer Intensive?
Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer Intensive is focused intently on building professional aptitude in dancers. The program is strongly ballet based and focused on developing the versatility and individual artistry required for success in today’s professional dance world. The Academy’s resident faculty teach in the aesthetic of Cincinnati Ballet’s professional company which is a fusion of Vaganova, Balanchine and American technical styles. With the added support of our world-class summer guest faculty, students are further exposed to a wide range of technical and artistic influences. Students also take classes in modern, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, choreography, and character, among others, to build a broad dance repertoire.

Are students permitted to attend for a duration other three or six weeks?
No. Cincinnati Ballet does not permit late arrivals or early departures.

Are Summer Intensive students considered for Cincinnati Ballet’s year-round programs?
Yes! During each three-week session, our resident faculty host an audition which is open to all Summer Intensive participants. Cincinnati Ballet actively recruits to its Main and Professional Training Division programs as well as to Cincinnati Ballet’s Second Company through our Summer Intensive.

Is there a benefit to the three-week or six-week program?
Summer training is essential for professionally-aspiring young dancers in maintaining strength and skill, as well as growing as an artist. With that in mind, we encourage students to dance as much as they can over the summer. Cincinnati Ballet offers three- and six-week sessions to allow for flexibility as families and dancers plan their summers.

Where do students stay?
Summer Intensive students are housed in a residence hall on Xavier University’s campus. The residence hall is staffed with a Dorm Supervisor and Resident Assistants who plan activities for students and are available to help in any way students may need. The hall is also located just half a block from Xavier University’s Police station for added peace of mind!

How far is housing from the Ballet Center?
Housing is five miles, or about a fifteen-minute drive, from the Cincinnati Ballet Center.

How are students transported?
Students are transported by bus each day between the dorms and the Cincinnati Ballet Center. Buses are also provided for all weekend activities.

What are student rooms like?
Student dorm rooms are suite-style, meaning students will have a roommate and share a bathroom and common area with other Summer Intensive students. The spaces are fully furnished with each student having a twin-size bed, a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe for their personal needs. The common area boasts a couch, armchairs, end tables, and a dining table and chairs. Internet and cable hookups are available in each suite.

Which meals are included in the Resident Program?
The Resident Program includes three meals each weekday (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two meals on Saturdays and Sundays (brunch and dinner). Breakfast, brunch and dinner feature cafeteria-style dining, giving students a lot of options! Each week, students pre-order packed lunches which they pick up each weekday morning to take with them to the Ballet Center. The dining hall is in the same building as the residence hall which makes meal time easy! Xavier’s dining staff is exceptional at supporting the specific needs of those students with allergies and dietary restrictions.

What do students do in the evenings and on weekends?
The Resident Leadership Team plans weekly group activities to foster community within the building. Each weekend day features a chaperoned, offsite activity which students are encouraged to sign up for! On days when students do not have an activity or decide not to participate, they can have downtime in the residence hall or enjoy on-campus amenities! There is also an optional Target trip halfway through each program session to allow students to stock up on essentials.

What amenities are available?
Students have access to the Sports Center at Xavier University for a discounted fee, which includes exercise equipment, a pool, and racquetball courts. Xavier’s campus also boasts basketball and volleyball courts, a student center, plentiful greenspace, a barbecue area, and has restaurants to which students may walk.

Are there any additional costs?
The only items not covered by tuition and housing costs are weekend activities, sports center memberships, apparel and merchandise, laundry and any additional food your student may desire to purchase. Students are encouraged to bring a limited amount of spending money to use for souvenirs or snacks during weekend activities.