The Dance Program in 2025 will offer core instruction from Marie-Soleil Pilette (Québécois step dancing) and Kevin Doyle (Irish step dancing), plus a wide variety of electives from Dance Director, Kieran Jordan, and other instructors on our music faculty. We will also offer a dedicated “From the Ground Up” track with Sophie Mae Wellington. Each day will begin with a dance-specific 30-minute warm-up class, followed by two 60-minute core classes. Afternoons will include optional enrichment workshops, sessions, ensembles, and social dances. Classes will incorporate a combination of recorded music and live music from our talented Artistic Work Study students.

This year we are offering FOUR group experiences — Moose (From the Ground Up), Seals (Skill Building), and Bears (Nuance and Detail) — plus the Eagles (Intensive Artistic Development), a multi-discipline cohort.

Class content from each teacher will include: technique, repertoire, musicality, improvisation, as well as social dance. The material will be progressive, so you are encouraged to select the group that allows you to have your best dance experience when you register, or at the beginning of the week. (If you are uncertain which group will be the best match for your goals and skill set, we are happy to help advise you — click here for more info.)

Read below for detailed descriptions of the morning dance groups.
You can also check out our YouTube playlist where there are videos explaining our programming and class groups, and more!

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Moose (From the Ground Up)
This track is for students who are new to dance, or those returning to dance after a hiatus. A gently-paced class, with clear break-down of footwork, plenty of repetition, slower tempos, as well as exploration of the musical structures, history, and cultural context for the dance traditions. Students will work with the same faculty member for a double morning period all week.

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Seals (Skill Building)
This track is for students who have some percussive dance experience in at least one style, who are comfortable dancing at moderate tempos, and ready to build clarity, musicality, and confidence in their dancing. Dancers can expect to move thoroughly through technical details while building a repertoire of steps. This group will rotate between two different dance teachers in the mornings.

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Bears (Nuance and Detail)
This track is for experienced dancers who are comfortable dancing solo, and creating and improvising, with a solid understanding of musical structures. This class is intended for dancers who are seeking new repertoire, improved stamina, fluency, and technique, as well as in developing a personal style. This group will rotate between two different dance teachers in the mornings.

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Plus! Eagles (Intensive Artistic Development)
This exciting multi-discipline program is focused on helping experienced players and dancers develop their artistry at the very highest level, and develop the skills they will need to become the next generation of “musical ambassadors” in traditional music and dance performance!

Click here for more info on the Eagle program.

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