JUL 14 TO AUG 1 / 2025
DANCERS 15 to 18 | 19 to 24
'One of the hottest companies in America" — WE Vancouver
It doesn't get better than this! Aspiring professional dancers will have the thrilling experience of working closely with NW Dance Project’s extraordinary company members and special guest artists as they are mentored to push and develop their creativity, ideas, and versatility.
Spend three enriching weeks with NW Dance Project in an open and safe studio, connect with other dancers and artists, be inspired, and activate your artistic and physical practices in a spacious and stimulating environment.
Participating dancers will be split into groups by age, merit, and experience to facilitate increased individual attention and direction.
Class sessions and workshops consist of ballet, contemporary, improvisation, floor work, partnering, stretch and core, conditioning, and move into sessions to develop original choreography, learn our world-renowned repertoire, site specific creation, injury prevention, professional development, networking, and conclude with final performances.
ABOUT
"This intensive has fully turned my world upside down, there aren’t words to describe how special this experience was for me." - SDP Participant
Today’s dancers are asked to improvise, reinvent steps, switch up phrases, change musicality, and make impulsive, artistic choices. Technique alone is not enough — dancers must also now be creators. Dancers will train while being immersed in professional technique classes and experience the creative process, repertoire, improvisation, and movement styles that are necessary tools for every dancer. This intense, hands-on month of training will provide dancers with the insights, improvisational skills, and creative tools that are needed by the most sought-after companies and choreographers of today.
Each day will start with a ballet class followed by a contemporary technique class. Dancers will be mentored and participate in repertoire, improvisation, composition, and choreographic development sessions Monday to Saturday. Informative discussions with our artists on career planning and life as a professional dancer will be offered as well as a wellness and injury prevention clinic.
We’re looking for dancers who are curious, open, and desiring opportunities to push beyond their current capabilities. Dancers need to be physically fit for the rigor and intensity required in our SUMMER DANCE PLATFORM. This includes having the stamina to be fully active for up to 8 hours per day for our program.
NW Dance Project is committed to offering a supportive and encouraging environment so that each dancer can develop and discover their unique creative voice.
Schedule Overview
"SDP has changed my perspective on dance, re-inspired me, and made me stronger as a dancer and artist." - 2024 SDP Participant
Summer Dance Platform Schedule (Mon to Sat)
MON-FRI
9:00AM to 5:00PM
SAT (only)
12:30PM to 4:30PM
Summer Dance Platform Showing
Summer Dance Platform culminates in two public showings featuring NW Dance Project repertoire and original creation. This is a public ticketed event held at NW Dance Project's Creative Center.
Friday, AUG 1 / 2025
FACULTY
Spend you summer with "some of the best dancers you will ever see" — Calgary Herald
Participants will have the unique opportunity to work and train with NW Dance Project’s founding artistic director, our award-winning company artists and special guests as they are mentored to push and develop their creativity, ideas, and versatility.
2025 COMPANY FACULTY
SARAH SLIPPER - Artistic Director
ALEJANDRA PRECIADO
INGRID FERDINAND
ANTHONY MILIAN
ANDREA PARSON
JAMES CANFIELD
2025 Special Guests TBA!
AUDITIONS
Dancers are accepted into Summer Dance Platform by audition only. There are two ways to apply / audition for Summer Dance Platform:
– Attend a LIVE audition
– Submit a VIDEO Application
TUITION
2025 Tuition: $2375 USD
Limited Scholarships available. Awards are based on financial need and artistic potential.
ACCOMMODATIONS
NW Dance Project in partnership with Portland State University (PSU) offers students attending our Summer Dance Platform housing at the centrally located Ondine Hall in downtown Portland. Students attending are not required to live in the dormitories – students may choose to commute from home or other accommodations in Portland.
Amenities include complete kitchen with built-in appliances, bathroom, internet access, towel and linen service, and laundry facilities, secure entry passes and campus security as well as an experienced resident assistant on full time duty for dancer's stay.
There are many restaurants, delis, coffee shops, food stores and even a farmer’s market located in the area to accommodate students’ budgets, and the center of the city’s award-winning public transportation system is just blocks away and recommended for travel to and from NW Dance Project's Creative Center and studios.
Due to limited availability, we highly suggest dancers submit their payment as soon as possible. Apartments will be allocated on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Dancers will receive comprehensive housing information before their arrival.
Arrival - SUN JUL 13 / 2025
Depart - SAT AUG 2 / 2025
2025 Housing + Meal Plan*: $2675 USD (Double Occupancy)
2025 Housing Only: $1950 USD (Double Occupancy)
*Meal plans are required for all dancers under the age of 18. Students 18+ can opt out of meal plan. Meal plan includes daily breakfast + dinner.
