several pairs of arms stretch upward against the background of a black backdrop

Summer Intensive

LACDC Summer Intensive

The LACDC Summer Intensive (age 15+) offers a space to freely express yourself, discover and explore in a non-judgmental, uplifting, and supportive environment where your uniqueness is celebrated. Join LACDC Co-Founder Kate Hutter Mason, Artistic Director Jamila Glass, and an array of L.A.'s top contemporary artists for advanced classes in ballet, contemporary, modern and jazz technique, improvisation, LACDC Repertory, and more. The curriculum of the intensive is focused on technical growth, expanding artistry, and creative exploration. If you want to develop your versatility in a wide range of movement vocabularies, then this is the place for you.

*Students ages 15-17 will be considered via an application process.

JULY 15-26, 2024

TIME

  • Monday - Friday
  • 10:00am - 4:30pm 

LOCATION          
Stomping Ground L.A.          
5453 Alhambra Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032

RATE

Register

One Week (Early Bird): $625        
Two Weeks (Early Bird): $975        
One Week (New Student): $675        
Two Weeks (New Student): $1000        
One Week (Returning Student): $575        
Two Weeks (Returning Student): $925  

  • Early Bird Rates & Returning Student Rates Available
  • Early Bird Rates end on March 31st at 5pm PST
  • **To be eligible for the "returning student" rate, a student must have attended any of our previous winter or summer intensives as a full-time student. Previous Drop-In Students are not eligible.

More Info

  • Daily Technique Classes
  • Daily Repertory Classes
  • Intimate Class Environment
  • FREE Public Showcase
  • One LACDC Logo Shirt

View our FAQs

For questions not answered on the above FAQ Sheet, email Community Relations Manager Jessie Lee Thorne - [email protected].

LACDC's Summer Intensive immerses you in the LACDC company experience where you will have the opportunity to train and explore with a diverse group of teachers in an open and supportive environment, where your uniqueness is celebrated. You will dive into daily classes in a variety of contemporary dance styles that will encourage your versatility as a dancer and awaken your experimental spirit as an artist.  While working alongside other advanced pre-professional and professional dancers, you will have the opportunity to expand upon your current training and try new techniques that challenge, strengthen and advance your abilities as a well-rounded contemporary performer.  The program also focuses on LACDC's value of community and the group dynamic in the creative process.  We encourage a collective experience and artistic achievement as a group throughout the two-week intensive.

Check the hashtag #LACDCsummer on Instagram for more information from a student perspective.

The LACDC Summer Intensive faculty will be announced as teachers are added to the roster.  

Past intensive teachers have included Jasmine Albuquerque, Benjamin Allen, Mecca Vazie Andrews, Doug Baum, Roya Carreras, Genevieve Carson, Christian Denice, Mike Esperanza, Roderick George, Jamila Glass, Maria Gillespie, Britney Hall, Chad Michael Hall, Ryan Heffington, Charlie Hodges, Antonio Hudnell, Dominique Kelley, Derion Loman and Madison Olandt, Rebecca Lemme, Nathan Makolandra, Jillian Meyers, Bradley Michaud, Genna Moroni, Kitty McNamee, Nina McNeely, Nadine Olmo, Micaela Taylor, Gerran Reese, Melissa Schade, Spenser Theberge, Jessie Lee Thorne, WHYTEBERG, Alyson Van, Kevin Williamson, Stephanie Zaletel and more!

In addition to our guest teachers, Co-Founder of LACDC Kate Hutter Mason & Artistic Director Jamila Glass will be teaching repertory, improvisation, and composition.  The faculty roster is subject to change.

There is no deadline to register. Registration is open until we are full. We will post on the website when we are sold out.

There is no audition requirement.  The intensive is taught at a pre-professional / professional level (Ages 18+) and is recommended for advanced dancers with a minimum of 3-5 years of training in Modern, Ballet, and/or Jazz.  It is not recommended for dancers who are new to contemporary dance or are looking for an introduction to modern or contemporary technique.  The classes are fast-paced and rigorous, with a focus on pushing advanced dancers to the next level in technical skill and performance abilities.

Students 15-17 years old will be considered via a video submission application. If you are 15-17 years old and you attended a previous LACDC intensive as a full-time student, you are free to register and do not have submit a video again for open registration.

The difference between each week is that there is a new set of teachers to work with.  Students have the option to sign up for either week or both weeks. Students taking only the second week have the option of performing select material at the showcase.

The main attraction of taking both weeks is that students get more time to work on pieces of choreography and hone their performance quality in the work. The overall comfortability of the students and relationships developed between them are also stronger moving into a second week of work together.  

Additionally, the level of improvement and development over two weeks is significant in comparison to the one-week participants as they have more time to work on their craft. Students taking the full intensive will also perform in a showcase at the end of the second week.  

  • Monday – Friday:
  • Technique /  10-11:45am
  • Lunch  / 12pm-12:30pm
  • Repertory / 12:45-2:45pm
  • Technique  / 3-4:30pm

*This is a sample schedule and subject to change.

Technique can include floorwork, release technique, contemporary jazz, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and improvisation.

Yes. LACDC provides need-based and talent-based scholarships to advanced level dancers ages 15-17 and 18+. Dancers will be selected for half or full-tuition scholarships.

Scholars are selected through an application process. If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship, please fill out the scholarship application first before filling out the official registration form.

The summer intensive typically attracts students from around the world, including pre-professionals (college & high school students) as well as professional movers.  Our age demographic ranges on average from 15-35.  Students are normally seeking advanced-level classes taught in a fast-paced environment.  They are hungry for information, and want to expand beyond the styles they are comfortable with.  We often find that they are searching for ways to feel more confident in who they are inside of dance and leave with a renewed sense of self.

Check out footage from previous Intensives on LACDC's YouTube Channel. Also, check out past Summer Intensive highlights on Instagram via our OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #LACDCsummer

Sign up for our newsletter or join us on Facebook & Instagram to get updates on our 2024 Summer Intensive.

Trailer | Summer Intensive 2022 | L.A. Contemporary Dance

The venue is Stomping Ground L.A. (SGLA), 5453 Alhambra Ave., Los Angeles, California 90032.

Parking Info: In consideration of our neighbors, please consider these parking options first:

  1. SGLA parking lot
  2. Parking on Alhambra Ave
  3. Parking on areas of side streets that are not in front of homes. Please note the street cleaning signs on Bullard Avenue on Thursdays and Fridays.  (You will get a ticket.)

*Also, if there are trash cans out on the curb, please do not move them from their spots.

These are the COVID Compliance Measures in association with the venue Stomping Ground L.A.

  • NO VAX CHECKS
  • MASKS OPTIONAL FOR ALL ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCES
  • BEVERAGES ALLOWED INSIDE THE SPACES - NO FOOD INSIDE THE VENUE

After submitting payment, be sure to complete your registration by filling out the online registration form.  Please note that we must receive payment first before filling out the form.  

Class schedule and further details will be sent in late June.  Please note that the faculty roster is subject to change. Notify us immediately if your contact information changes.

If a student must cancel their registration due to a conflict or not attend the program due to an unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury, LACDC must be given written notice by email to [email protected].

Cancellations or withdrawals from the program made by June 24, 2024 will receive a 50% refund.  After July 8, 2024, there will be NO refunds. There will be no exceptions made to this policy in the event of a cancellation or unforeseen circumstance.

We respect the privacy and sanctity of studying together in a class environment. Therefore, we will not be allowing anyone to observe class.

The chances of students getting off the waiting list depend on the number of registered students who cancel their participation in the program.  We take people from the waiting list up until the first few days of the Intensive.  We have also been able to pull students from the waiting list every year, so it is beneficial to sign up for the waiting list if you still have a strong interest in training with LACDC.

We have had students from around the world come and train with us.  Past countries include Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Canada, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, & Turkey.

Past colleges include:

Ailey/Fordham, AMDA, Arizona State University, Adelphi University, Bard College, Boston Conservatory, Brigham Young University, Cal Arts Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Carnegie Mellon University, Chapman University, Columbia College Chicago, Cornish College of the Arts, El Camino College, Elon University, George Mason University, Howard University, Indiana University, James Madison University, Johnson C. Smith University, London Contemporary Dance School, Long Beach State, Loyola Marymount University, Malone University, Marygrove College, New York University, New Zealand School of Dance, North Carolina School of the Arts, Northern Kentucky University, Oakland University, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Point Park University, San Diego State University, Santa Monica College, Sarah Lawrence College, Slippery Rock University, Southeast Missouri State University, Stephen F. Austin University, SUNY Purchase, Temple University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Women’s University, Towson University, Tulane University ,UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Akron, University of Arizona, University of Auckland, University of the Arts, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Idaho, University of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of the Philippines, University of Rochester, University of South Carolina, University of South Florida, University of Southern California, University of Tennessee, University of Utah, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wyoming, The Urdang Academy London, Virginia Commonwealth University, Wayne State University, West Texas A&M University, Wright State University, Yildiz Technical University.

Past high schools include:

Campbell Hall, Cortines School of Visual & Performing Arts, High School for the Performing & Visual Arts (HSPVA), L.A. County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) and Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

Thank you to LACDC for giving us such an open space these past few weeks.  It’s been so wonderful being able to explore and go deeper in my passion in such a safe space.  I’m just so grateful that dance gives us a community of people who just get it.  I literally can’t see my life any other way.  — Nicole Flores  

I’ve had such an amazing two weeks at LACDC’s intensive!!  I’ve learned so much about myself and what I need to work on all while meeting the sweetest humans.  We learned so many styles at this intensive, but of course hip hop was my favorite. :)  — Chelsea Raymond

I cannot put into words how thankful I am to have been a part of such a refreshing and fulfilling experience. I’ve met so many wonderful souls I hope to dance with again. — Ally Pawlowski

Absolutely loved this intensive last year! I was travelling from Australia and this experience was priceless! My movement vocabulary and skill evolved from start to finish and all the choreographers were incredibly inspiring. I still utilise the exercises and improv practices to this day ❤️ highly recommend xx

Contact Community Relations Manager Jessie Lee Thorne - [email protected]

Please note that following housing and transportation options are merely suggestions and are not affiliated with LACDC.  The housing options below provide a sampling of what the area has to offer.  All coordination and responsibility is in the hands of the Intensive participant.

Venue: Stomping Ground L.A. | 5453 Alhambra Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032

The venue is in close proximity to these neighborhoods:   
Alhambra, Baird Park, City Terrace, Downtown LA, Echo Park, El Sereno, Happy Valley, Montecito Heights, Monterey Park, Newton Park, Sierra Vista, Silver Lake, South Pasadena, and University Hills
 

LA Metro
You can map out your trip here: http://www.metro.net/riding/

The simplest way to pay your fare is with cash every time you board a bus or train.  You can also purchase a Metro day pass with the TAP card.  For more information, go to: http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/

Rideshare
Uber.com OR Lyft.com

  • LA Live: Sports and entertainment complex that features popular dining venues, Regal Cinemas movie theatre, Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes, the interactive Grammy Museum, ESPN Zone, the Conga Room and the Nokia Theater. Located next to Crypto.com Arena
  • Crypto.com Arena: Hosts LA sports teams, as well as concerts.
  • REDCAT, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Music Center: Encompasses the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. All present live music and theater performances, including nationally – touring theater productions and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
  • Fig at 7th: Shopping and Dining
  • Little Tokyo: Shopping and Dining
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Features one of the country’s most prolific permanent collections of art create after 1940, and presents ongoing exhibitions.

Contact Community Relations Manager Jessie Lee Thorne - [email protected]

There are 2 types of scholarships available for advanced level dancers to train at LACDC’s Summer Intensive with LACDC Co-Founder Kate Hutter Mason, Artistic Director Jamila Glass, and an array of L.A.'s top contemporary artists.

Summer Youth Scholars:
Half and Full-Tuition Scholarships for dancers, age 15-17.

Summer Scholars: 
Half and Full-Tuition Scholarships for dancers, age 18+.

Apply Today

Summer Scholars are chosen via an application process. The general application requirements include submitting a Letter of Interest (including a description of your financial need) & a Dance Video Submission. Dancers eligible for these scholarships are highly encouraged, but not required, to attend the full two-week summer intensive.  All materials will be submitted via the online application. 

Application Deadline: April 5, 2024 @ 5pm PST

We will respond to all applicants by April 9, 2024.   After you submit your application, all you have to do is wait for our response. 

All dancers 15-17 years old who are first-timers at the LACDC intensive must first submit materials for acceptance into the program and will be considered via a video submission application.

For scholarships: As it is a competitive application process, dancers are free to submit an additional dance video according to the listed scholarship guidelines to share more of their artistry, or we can use the same video they have already submitted.

If you are 15-17 years old and you attended a previous intensive as a full-time student, you are free to register and do not have submit a video again for open registration.  If you are 15-17 years old, attended a previous intensive as a full-time student, and you want to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete a scholarship application.

Yes, if you are a past Summer Scholar or Winter Scholar, you can apply for another scholarship for this intensive.

Any additional scholarship opportunities will be announced here.

The venue is Stomping Ground L.A. (SGLA), 5453 Alhambra Ave., Los Angeles, California 90032.

Parking Info: In consideration of our neighbors, please consider these parking options first:

  1. SGLA parking lot
  2. Parking on Alhambra Ave
  3. Parking on areas of side streets that are not in front of homes. Please note the street cleaning signs on Bullard Avenue on Thursdays and Fridays.  (You will get a ticket.)

*Also, if there are trash cans out on the curb, please do not move them from their spots.

Click on the Travel Guide for some recommendations of where to stay and how to get to the space by public transportation each day.  Unfortunately, LACDC is not able to offer housing or transportation for the Summer Intensive, and it is the responsibility of the student.  But, we have had students travel here from all over the world, and often find that students stay with other students, sublet apartments together, and figure out carpooling options for the duration of the intensive. We will try to facilitate making these connections with other students interested in housing and transportation options as best we can.

Contact Community Relations Manager Jessie Lee Thorne - [email protected]

Since this is an intensive for advanced dancers, we admit select students under 18 on a case-by-case basis based on the strength of a student's dance background.  The student should also be comfortable learning with a group of adult dancers who are over 20 years old and have the discipline to remain focused in class, keeping side conversations to a minimum. We will expect everyone to conduct themselves in a mature and professional manner.

All dancers 15-17 years old who are first-timers at the LACDC intensive must first submit materials for acceptance into the program and will be considered via a video submission application.

"Advanced" refers to the extent of a student's training in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary. The student should be able to learn advanced material in a fast paced environment and have a healthy training background in these styles.

15-17 year olds are considered via an application process. The general application requirements include submitting a Letter of Interest (including why you want to take this intensive with LACDC), Training Background & a Dance Video Submission. All materials will be submitted via the online application.

There is no deadline to apply. We will accept submissions until the program is full.

If you are 15-17 years old and you attended a previous LACDC intensive as a full-time student, you are free to register and do not have submit a video again for open registration.

Yes, we offer a handful of scholarships for the intensive.

Contact Community Relations Manager Jessie Lee Thorne - [email protected]