Young Dancers Workshop

General Information

Clyde Evans Jr.

The Young Dancers Workshop is a rigorous, highly structured and carefully supervised three-week program of study designed for serious dance students, ages 14 to 18. To qualify students must have a minimum of three years of current and continuous dance training in modern technique and at least one year in ballet. The workshop enrolls 100 dancers and offers a unique opportunity to experience the supportive, non-competitive learning environment that has brought the Bates Dance Festival such high regard. The Young Dancers Workshop is an alternative educational experience designed to train dancers for long, injury-free and versatile careers in the changing world of dance.

The workshop offers four class periods a day. Classes are 90 minutes in the morning and 75 minutes in the afternoon with two class levels offered in most disciplines. Morning classes in modern and ballet are required. Students have the opportunity to select two elective classes for the afternoon session. In addition, students will develop material in their classes for a final showing. Mandatory placement classes are held to determine the appropriate level for each student. The program is designed to ensure reasonably sized classes and a high degree of individual attention. Qualified applicants are enrolled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are strongly advised to apply early as enrollment is limited and the program fills quickly.

Students are carefully supervised by a dedicated and trained staff of counselors who live in the dormitory with the students and accompany them to classes, meals and all evening and weekend activities.

The Location

The Festival is held on the beautifully landscaped campus of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, a 45-minute drive from Portland and west of the extraordinary Maine coast. Students are invited to enjoy the College's Museum of Art, Ladd Library, Margaret Hopkins Memorial Gymnasium (featuring Tarbell Pool and the Walter Slovenski Track, tennis, racquetball and squash courts), and the Davis Fitness Center in Underhill Arena. Lewiston-Auburn is a community of 65,000 people. The cities share the ethnic and cultural heritage of the many industrial areas — including a strong French-Canadian influence — that grew up along New England's rivers during the 19th century.

Arrival and Orientation

Students attending the Young Dancers Workshop should plan to arrive Friday, June 25, between 2 and 6 p.m. All students are required to attend the orientation meeting Friday evening at 7 p.m. and the placement classes on Monday, June 28. Students will have an opportunity to sample different classes on Saturday and Sunday , June 26 & 27. The final informal showing will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 15. All students must depart on Friday, July 16 by 11 a.m.

Transportation

The Portland International Jetport, serviced by Airtran, Continental, Delta, Jetblue, United and US Airways, is a 45-minute drive from the Bates campus. Shuttle service from the airport is available directly to the College and may be booked through Mermaid Transportation (800) 696-2463 or www.gomermaid.com. Greyhound Bus Lines (Vermont Transit) also serves Lewiston.

Room & Meals

Students are housed in College dormitories with others of similar age. Single and double rooms are available. Students living on campus must adopt the meal plan. Delicious meals are served in the College's Memorial Dining Commons, with several choices of entrees, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Evenings And Weekends

Evenings are filled with dance-related workshops and a variety of enjoyable, informal activities. While students cannot study with each faculty member on a daily basis, special workshops provide an opportunity to experience the work of most faculty members and accompanists. A structured weekend schedule includes performances, films and other campus-based recreation, plus an off-campus excursion. Highlighting the workshop are performances by Monica Bill Barnes & company on Saturday, July 10 and Doug Varone and Dancers on Thursday, July 15. Students have an opportunity to perform in an informal showing for parents and guests on the final Thursday afternoon of the workshop.

Course Selection And Registration

The Young Dancers Workshop offers a program of four classes a day. The morning session consists of required classes in modern and ballet of which two levels are offered. For the afternoon session students may register for two of the following elective classes: Jazz, Hip Hop, Afro-Fusion, Repertory or Improvisation.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of merit and Maine scholarships are available to students with demonstrated financial need. See the Scholarship section for details.