Programs
Chautauqua School of Dance provides an unparalleled pre-professional training experience for talented dance students that includes small classes in a nurturing studio environment, extensive performance opportunities, individual coaching and career guidance in a safe and picturesque lakeside community.
Residential Programs
Workshop Division: June 22–28, 2025, 1 week (Ages 11–13)
Festival Division: June 29–August 10, 2025, 6 weeks (Ages 13–16)
Pre-Professional Division: June 20–August 10, 2025, 7 weeks (Ages 16–21)
Non-Residential Program
Workshop Division Mini Intensive: July 19–July 22, 2025, 4 days (Ages 10–14)
Residential Program
Workshop Division
Festival Division
Pre-Professional Division
Non-Residential Program
Workshop Division Mini Intensive
Contact Information
Sam Minardi-Lopez
Schools of Performing & Visual Arts (PAVA) and Arts Education Coordinator
716-357-6234
sminardi@chq.org
Sarah Malinoski
Director, Chautauqua Schools of Performing and Visual Arts
(716) 357-6233
fax: (716) 357-9014
smalinoski@chq.org
Chautauqua Schools of Performing and Visual Arts
P.O. Box 1098
1 Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, NY 14722
Residential Programs
Pre-Professional Division
June 20–August 10, 2025
Ages 16–21
This prestigious program is geared toward advanced dancers either preparing to enter, or having recently entered, the professional dance world. The program has a major focus on individual artistic growth, technical improvement and performance confidence. Some of the dancers training in this program will be asked to perform with visiting professional companies or ballet companies in residence. Dancers will also have the opportunity to choreograph work on their colleagues for an in-studio presentation in collaboration with the Chautauqua School of Music students. Along with the technique training, dancers will be offered individual coaching sessions with Principal Resident Coach Jean Pierre Bonnefoux, an extraordinarily rare opportunity provided at a summer dance program. Additionally, coaching in the George Balanchine style is expertly taught by Patricia McBride both in the form of performance opportunity and variations class. With three performances on the Chautauqua Amphitheater stage, one of which is accompanied by the Music School Festival Orchestra, it is unlike any other summer dance program in the country.
Festival Division
June 29–August 10, 2025
Ages 13–16
The Festival Division is designed for talented young dancers who are eager to embrace an intense and fulfilling 6-week comprehensive dance program. The program includes ballet, pointe, variations, character, contemporary, Pilates, musical theatre and guest lectures with resident faculty and visiting guest artists. The dancers in this division will perform twice in the world class facilities of the Chautauqua Amphitheater.
Workshop Division
June 22–28, 2025
Ages 11–13
This ballet division for talented young dancers enrolls 20 girls and up to 6 boys for a one-week intensive program designed to introduce the student to the rigors of a complete summer program without the anxiety and burden of being away from home for an extended period. The program includes classes in ballet, pointe, variations, character, contemporary, Pilates and musical theatre with resident faculty and visiting guest artists. This week of intense training will culminate in a studio presentation for family and friends.
“The Chautauqua Festival Program provides an extraordinary range of repertoire taught by outstanding teachers. The program has helped me to better understand what it takes to become a professional; and I saw improvement in my technique over the summer. The program also allows and encourages dancers to connect outside of classes to explore the beautiful grounds which helps to form strong bonds between peers.”
– Riley Smith :: Festival Division 2023
Non-Residential Program
Mini-Intensive Weekend
July 19–22, 2025 (non-residential)
Ages 10–14
In this four-day program, students will have three classes each day with Chautauqua Dance faculty, including ballet, pointe (and intro to,) variations, repertoire, and more. Students also have the opportunity to see the performance of our Pre-Professional Division with the Music School Festival Orchestra in the Amphitheater on Monday evening.
“Chautauqua is a beautiful place filled with kind, supportive dancers and legendary faculty all in a quaint community where everyone loves the arts. The teachers care so much about each dancer and will make sure you achieve your potential while having the best summer of your life!”
– Scarlett Starkey, Cincinnati Ballet Academy, Workshop I 2019