Dance Major at Arts Academy


Why Study Dance

Whether you're taking the stage as a classical ballet dancer or pushing stylistic boundaries with contemporary movements, dance is a demanding yet beautiful art form. At Interlochen, our goal is to develop and prepare you to become creative problem solvers, confident performers, and citizen artists who positively contribute to society.

What You'll Learn

Interlochen Arts Academy is the top-rated boarding school for dance for classical and contemporary dancers. As a dance major, you'll receive pre-professional training to strengthen technique, improve form, build confidence, and discover your own artistry. Your class work and rehearsals will prepare you to shine in several large-scale and intimate productions presented annually. You'll expand your repertoire and develop versatility.

Our experienced instructors offer you personalized guidance for your level of skills and the goal you have set. As fellow dancers, they can also help you navigate your future in dance, whether matriculating to a top college program or securing a spot in a professional company. 

As an arts boarding school student of Interlochen's Dance program, you will:

  • Develop technical and artistic skills in classical ballet, contemporary, and other dance genres 
  • Acquire tools and strategies to maintain physical and emotional resilience 
  • Prepare for auditions and competitions
  • Gain performance experience in a robust array of repertoire within professional-caliber productions
  • Participate in dance ensemble
  • Participate in touring opportunities
  • Enjoy cooperative opportunities with other arts areas including opera, theatre, and interdisciplinary arts

Core Curriculum

Audition Requirements

Apply

For information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.

Meet the Faculty

Our faculty members have danced, directed, and choreographed throughout the globe. They remain engaged in the world of dance while training the next generation of passionate performers.

All Faculty

Joseph Morrissey

Joseph Morrissey

Director of Dance

Katherine Dorn

Katie Dorn

Instructor of Contemporary Dance

Rachel James

Rachel James

Instructor of Dance & Body Conditioning

Jurijs Safonvos

Jurijs Safonovs

Instructor of Ballet

Get to know An

"The really special thing about boarding at Interlochen is that you're surrounded by other artists. The more I immerse myself in other arts, the better I'm able to dance on stage." - An, Dance

Program Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Throughout the year, you'll have the opportunity to perform in fully-produced dance productions, "in studio" performances, and other interdepartmental concerts. During the holiday season, the Dance Ensemble presents a full-length narrative ballet, featuring live accompaniment by the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. The winter and spring dance performances also feature original choreography and restaged works by faculty and guest artists. 

Support Services

In addition to our dedicated instructors, we offer special support services for the unique demands the are placed on young dancers. You'll have access to specialists in nutritional counseling, dance medicine, and other related arts fields that will help you thrive in a way that best fits your needs.

The Dance Center

Our 26,000 square-foot dance facility provides our students and faculty with amazing studios, updated technology, fitness centers, and beautiful views of Green Lake. It's one of the most scenic places on campus. Learn more about The Dance Center. 

The Dance Division at Interlochen has completely prepared me to show the world that this is who I am and this is what I'm here to do.

Austin Dabney '19, Arts Academy (Dance)

interlochen arts academy sleeping beauty

The Sleeping Beauty: A Dancer's Perspective

Dance majors give you a behind-the-scenes look into how they collaborated with other students to bring The Sleeping Beauty to life. 

  Watch Now

Professional Preparation

See what it's like to study dance at Interlochen, and hear about career paths from recent alumni.

aaron copland at interlochen arts academy

What Was It Like to Dance for Aaron Copland?

Martha Graham Artistic Director and Interlochen alumna Janet Eilber shares her memories of a revolutionary artist in the May 2020 issue of Crescendo.

Read Article

College Matriculation

Dance students regularly enroll in top dance programs and conservatories including: 

  • Alma College
  • Bennington College
  • Boston Conservatory at Berklee
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • University of California
  • Codarts Hogeschool voor de Kunsten
  • Cornish College of Arts
  • Fordham University
  • George Mason University
  • University of Houston
  • Indiana University
  • Loyola University
  • Marymount Manhattan College
  • Mercyhurst University
  • Pace University
  • Purchase College State University of New York
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Trinity Laban Conservatoire
  • Wayne State University
  • Western Kentucky University

Professional Companies

Many dance students have also joined the following professional companies after graduation including:

  • Boston Ballet
  • The Ballet West Academy Professional Training Division
  • Hubbard Street Professional Program
  • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Upcoming Dance Events
Sep
29

Dance, Academy Student, Academy Student

Dance: Fall Showcase

Friday, September 29, 2023 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Corson Auditorium Adult: $17; Child through College: $14

Sep
30

Dance, Academy Student, Academy Student

Dance: Fall Showcase

Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 2 p.m. ET

Corson Auditorium Adult: $17; Child through College: $14

Dec
7

Dance, Academy Student, Academy Student

"The Nutcracker"

Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Corson Auditorium Adult: $42; Child through College: $19