Central Wisconsin News

Young dancers in central Wisconsin are participating in the annual Summer Dance Intensive at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The program, organized by the Department of Theatre and Dance in partnership with Continuing Education, is designed for students ages 13-18 and has recently expanded from one week to two weeks.

The intensive offers both residential and commuter options, as well as scholarships for those who need financial assistance. During the sessions, participants work on choreography, develop their technique, and learn new dance styles. The sessions are scheduled for July 27-August 1 and August 3-8.

Michael Estanich, chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, explained that this expansion is a response to increased demand. “This year due to the high demand for the intensive, we are offering two one-week sessions for ages 13-15 and 16-18,” he said. “This is a critical time in a young dancer’s development as they practice more complex skills, explore musicality and are introduced to personal artistry. The summer intensive is a time for these dancers to move beyond the simple demonstration of movement and instead experiment with how to bring their personal expression into their dancing.”

Estanich described the program as an important recruitment tool that also provides affordable training opportunities. “It is a great way to enhance their training while also serving as a recruiting tool for us,” he said. “Being able to connect with dancers from the age of 13 provides ample time to introduce them to what dancing in college is like and specifically what dancing at UWSP would be like and how it can support their personal growth and career paths. We aim to serve the region with an affordable opportunity for dancers to train in new ways.”

Students enrolled in the College of Fine Arts and Communication act as counselors and mentors during the intensive. Participants take classes from instructors experienced in jazz, hip hop, and other creative dance practices.

Estanich noted his enthusiasm about teaching new movement vocabulary: “I’m really excited to introduce the dancers to a new movement vocabulary in technique class and then use that movement and their own creativity to create a new work for them to perform at the end of the week,” he said.

Faculty emphasize that connection is prioritized over competition during this experience. The program encourages building relationships among young dancers who share an interest in dance.

More information about this program can be found on its official page: UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education Camps.