SUMMER INTENSIVE
Experience the highest quality dance training in the heart of St. Louis
Students will receive full-day focused training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary techniques, as well as new choreography and company repertoire taught by artists from The Big Muddy and renowned guest faculty. Each session culminates in a showcase for friends and family.
SESSION 1: Ages 10-13
June 17-28, 2024
Tuition: $775
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SESSION 2: Ages 14-17
June 17-28, 2024
Tuition: $775
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SESSION 3: Ages 18+
July 8-19, 2024
Tuition: $775
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Dancers ages 18+ will be considered for The Big Muddy’s 2024-2025 Trainee Program, which provides aspiring young adult dancers affordable, high-quality training and performance opportunities in order to facilitate a smooth transition between dance education and a professional career in dance.
REGISTRATION:
Space is limited! Registration will remain open until full, at which time a waiting list will be established. Payments can be made via credit card online or mailed cash or check to The Big Muddy Dance Company, 3305 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO 63103.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
A limited number of scholarships will be made available based on merit and financial need. To be considered, please submit a letter indicating circumstances as well as evidence of financial constraint. Students or parents/guardians should send all materials and questions to Erin Prange at ewarner@thebigmuddydanceco.org.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
If you are not from St. Louis and in need of accommodations, please contact mryan@thebigmuddydanceco.org to learn more about hotel and AirBnB options near our studios in the Grand Center Arts District.
SESSION 4: An intensive for our adult community dancers
July 15-19, 2024
Tuition: $200
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Whether you’re a professional looking to supplement your training, a pre-professional student home for the summer, or a frequent drop-in student, The Big Muddy Dance Company has created this one week adult intensive for you. Dancers will receive the highest quality dance training in the heart of St. Louis from our own in-house teaching artists. In addition to the full schedule of The Big Muddy’s diverse array of open classes, Session 4 dancers will participate in exclusive programming, including:
a specialized ballet track to refine technique, instructed by Director of Education and longtime Company Dancer, Brandon Fink
participation in choreography to promote artistry and performance
optional performance opportunity at an end-of-week black box showcase, in combination with Session 3 pre-professional intensive dancers
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
BALLET: Ballet serves as a foundational technique for many styles and dance vocabularies. Dancers will focus on ballet technique as a tool for developing proprioception, coordination, strength, efficiency of movement, and artistry.
CHOREOGRAPHY: Dancers will have an original work created on them by artists of The Big Muddy Dance Company (Sessions 1&2) or guest artists (Session 3). The work will premiere during each session’s respective showcase.
JAZZ: An upbeat class for dancers to focus on skills in technique and performance through jazz center exercises and phrases, followed by across the floor combinations.
COMPANY REPERTOIRE: (Session 3) Dancers will learn repertoire from artists of The Big Muddy Dance Company. Excerpts will be performed during the showcase at the end of each session.
YOGA: (Session 3) Dancers will build a balance of strength and flexibility, while emphasizing the importance of breath in movement and increased body awareness.
MAT PILATES: (Session 3) This class will be taught in the STOTT PILATES method. Dancers will focus on using their own body mechanics against gravity while challenging strength, balance, and flexibility to achieve a full body workout! Modifications will be given to either add more support for those just getting started or to add more challenge for intermediate/advanced students.
CONTEMPORARY: A class designed to expand awareness of the body in relation to itself and the space it inhabits through guided exploration. Dancers will focus on tools for improvisation, manipulating weight, and floor work.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS: (Session 3) Dancers will learn the mental tools to increase focus, confidence, and consistency, propelling performance to significantly higher levels. These tools have been adopted by some of the most elite athletes, artists, and business professionals.