Dance Program

Chautauqua Schools of Performing and Visual Arts are monitoring the continually changing nature of the COVID-19 virus very closely and taking the appropriate precautions.

At this time we are hopeful for a four-week, on-grounds experience this summer. While we have created a plan that would allow us to host students, it contains a number of assumptions because we have not yet received clear guidance from New York State as to what restrictions will be placed on programs like ours. We expect that guidance to come sometime in April and if the state allows it, we hope to finalize and share safety plans for in-person sessions by early May.

In order to provide the safest environment in our facilities, we will be reducing our programs both in artistic and educational offerings. We will also be reducing our student body to accommodate single occupancy rooms in our residence halls.

July 25–August 21, 2021

Under the direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Chautauqua Dance is well known for the unique opportunity it affords talented students to study with master teachers within a small studio environment. The dance curriculum at Chautauqua is designed for students who wish to pursue careers as professional ballet dancers. Intensive training in classical ballet continues in rehearsals leading to performances. The faculty at Chautauqua will often help place students into major companies through their many contacts.

Classes and rehearsals take place in the Carnahan-Jackson Studios, which includes four large teaching and rehearsal studios, locker rooms, costume shop, administrative offices, and a beautiful lake view. Students are housed in a well-supervised dormitory adjacent to the studios, which also houses musicians, artists, and writers.

Dancers can take advantage of Chautauqua’s many recreational offerings during their free time at no extra cost. The Chautauqua community provides a nurturing and arts-centric environment for young artists to learn and grow.