MPulse Ann Arbor

Summer Dance Institute

July 13 - July 26, 2008

Session Fee: $1,600

Number of Participants: Typically 25-30

Application Deadlines:

March 1 for the Ann Arbor audition on March 15

March 15 for the Ann Arbor audition on March 29

March 30 for recorded auditions

 

Jessica Fogel, Director

Melissa Beck Matjias

Robin Marie Wilson

Rodney Brown

Corinne Imberski

The University of Michigan Summer Dance Institute, now in its tenth year, was established to assist young dancers in their pursuit of a comprehensive dance education. Dancers will be introduced to the University of Michigan Department of Dance, one of the top pre-professional training programs in the country. The program is set on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus where dancers gain an excellent pre-college dance experience in a lively university setting. The two-week intensive dance training program provides an immersion in a diverse range of dance styles with dynamic dance professionals. Daily classes are offered in a variety of dance techniques that emphasize both performance and the creative aspects of dance. Students will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with young composers in attendance at the MPulse Ann Arbor Performing Arts Technology Camp. The Institute culminates in an informal dance performance featuring student composition studies and faculty works set on institute participants.

VARIETY OF CLASS OFFERINGS

• Modern Dance
• Ballet
• Jazz/Hip Hop
• African/Afro-Caribbean
• Repertory
• Improvisation
• Composition

SPECIAL WORKSHOPS

• Dance in College
• Origins of Jazz Dance
• Injury Prevention
• Dance History
• Pilates
• Yoga

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Please review all of these requirements carefully. Your application will not be considered if it is incomplete at the time of the deadline.

NEW FOR 2008

The audition will be WAIVED for 2007 Summer Dance institute students who wish to return in 2008.  The application, application fee, resume, and photograph are still required and should be submitted by March 1.  The recommendation is optional.

 

Application Deadline

  

For the Summer Dance Institute, you may choose to audition in person at the University of Michigan Dance Building OR you may submit a DVD (preferred) or VHS tape or audition. NOTE: If you wish to audition live, all application materials must be received by March 1 for the March 15 audition date or by March 15 for the March 29 audition date. For those sending recorded auditions, application materials should be received by March 30.  However, applications may be accepted after the deadline if there are openings. Click here for current information regarding openings.

Resume & Photograph

  

Include a resume with your application, giving details of your training and/or experience in music and dance. Include a photograph with your resume.

Recommendation

  

Please have one of your current dance teachers assess your work in a letter of recommendation. In addition to your dance abilities, the letter should discuss your personal characteristics such as your initiative, dependability, and commitment to dance.

In Person Audition

  

Dancers may audition on site on Saturday, March 15 or Saturday, March 29.  On-site auditions are held in Studio A of the Dance Building located at 1310 N. University Court on the Ann Arbor UM Central Campus. The audition will consist of a ninety-minute modern dance class. Dancers should wear footless tights and leotards for the audition.

DVD/Video Instructions

  

Dancers who audition via recording must submit a DVD (preferred) or 1/2-inch VHS video with the following: announce your name, age, town, name of your dance studio, and names of your teachers. Talk briefly about your training and background in dance (current teachers, genres of dance you are currently studying or have studied, years of dance training in each genre). Have someone record you in a dance class of your choosing. Please include 5 minutes of warm-up exercise that displays your technical level in any technique – ballet, modern, jazz, or other. Then record approximately 5 minutes of your center work and phrases traveling across the floor. You can also include performance footage from a recital from the past year. If you are a member of an ensemble, please clearly indicate who you are in the performance (e.g. second from left in purple dress). The total recorded audition should be approximately 15-20 minutes in length.

Live Audition Dates

  

Saturday, March 15, 2008 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:30 - 3:00 PM

University of Michigan Dance Building (Central Campus)

Studio A
1310 N. University Court, Ann Arbor

If you request a live audition, you will be contacted by email with your audition date and logistics.

    

Acceptance Notification

  

Decision letters will be mailed after the Ann Arbor audition dates and also periodically as recorded auditions are reviewed.  Sorry, no decisions will be given by phone or email.

The General Information link includes many important items.  Please click here if you have not yet read this information.

   

Cick here to go to the Application webpage.

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"During my experience at MPulse, I felt as though I not only grew as a dancer, but as a performer as well. I learned what it feels like to dance from your heart and enjoy every moment of what you are doing. I have been able to take so much out of my experiences at MPulse, and could not have asked for a better two weeks. I have made lots of new friends that will last a long time."  Mara (Michigan, 2007)

"MPulse SDI was a great opportunity to work with great teachers and choreographers. However, I learned a lot by working with my fellow dancers. It was an opportunity to work with dancers who are better then me and learn from watching them."  Allie (2007)

"The MPulse Summer Dance Institute was a wonderful way to explore what a dance major would be like. After this experience, I feel confident about continuing my passion for dance in college."  Christina (California, 2006)

"Where else would I get the chance to perform, dripping wet, in a modern piece by Jessica Fogel? The opportunities at MPulse are really exciting."  Rachel (Michigan, 2006)

"I've never had so much fun dancing or learned so much valuable information in such a sort time. MPulse Ann Arbor was the highlite of my summer."

Claire (Illinois, 2006)

"The MPulse Ann Arbor Summer Dance Institute was everything I had hoped for and more. It broadened my repertoire and gave me more courage to try new things, as well as get a taste of the college experience for a dancer while in an awesome environment."  Chelsea (Minnesota, 2005)

"I loved it! Great friends and wonderful instruction in an encouraging environment."  Melissa (Illinois, 2005)