International Summer Dance

For serious aspiring dancers across Pennsylvania and beyond, Point Park University’s International Summer Dance program in Pittsburgh stands as a truly exceptional opportunity. For over three decades, this renowned intensive has drawn talented dancers, teachers, and musicians from across the country and around the globe to the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. It's more than just a summer camp; it’s a rigorous, immersive experience designed to push boundaries, refine technique, and ignite artistic passion in a professional environment. If you or your child are dedicated to dance and seeking a comprehensive training program that can truly shape a future in the performing arts, International Summer Dance offers an unparalleled pathway right here in our vibrant state.

International Summer Dance (ISD) offers comprehensive dance instruction specializing in three core styles: ballet, jazz, and modern. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide a deep dive into these forms, supplemented by a variety of essential classes. Students engage in daily technique classes that build strength, flexibility, and precision. Beyond the technical rigor, ISD fosters a unique cultural exchange, filling the university's studios and halls with "joyful celebrations of myriad cultures united by the love of dance." This inclusive and diverse environment not only enriches the artistic experience but also broadens students' perspectives, forging "discoveries and bonds... that last lifetimes." Point Park University is committed to welcoming all students with "open arms and open hearts," reinforcing its reputation as a supportive and inclusive community for the arts.

International Summer Dance is hosted at the prestigious Point Park University, centrally located at 201 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA. This prime downtown Pittsburgh address places participants in the midst of a vibrant urban environment, offering access to the university's state-of-the-art dance facilities within the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA). The specific dance studios are found across various floors of the George Rowland White Performance Center, including expansive spaces averaging 60' x 60' with high ceilings, ideal for grand allegro and intricate formations, and a dedicated Hilda Willis Tap Dance Studio. The Pittsburgh Playhouse, also part of Point Park University, adds to the incredible performance infrastructure available.

The accessibility of this downtown location is a significant benefit for both local Pennsylvania commuters and out-of-state residential students. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a major hub, and Point Park University offers airport shuttle service for arriving students. For those opting for alternative transport, Uber, Lyft, and Super Shuttle are readily available. The university's campus is also conveniently located within walking distance (about 0.6 miles) from the Greyhound Bus terminal. For local commuters or visitors, numerous parking lots and garages are directly across from the university, including the Boulevard of the Allies Lot and Third Avenue Garage, making daily drop-offs and pickups manageable. The convenient access to public transportation, including the free "T-Service" from the North Shore to Downtown, further enhances the program's accessibility, connecting participants to the wider city.

• Comprehensive Dance Instruction: Specialization in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance.
• Daily Technique Classes: Rigorous daily training in ballet, jazz, and modern.
• Supplemental Classes: Curriculum often includes Pointe and variations, male technique, pas de deux, tap, music for dancers, Pilates, yoga, and potentially acting and ballroom.
• Pre-Professional Training: Designed for serious, pre-professional dancers aged 10-30 who are currently training for a minimum of 6+ hours per week.
• Audition-Based Acceptance: Admission to the International Summer Dance program is by audition only, often through video submission, ensuring a high caliber of participants. Returning students from previous years typically do not need to re-audition unless seeking an artistic scholarship.
• Flexible Session Lengths: Typically offers 3-week and 6-week in-person session options.
• Performance Opportunities: Students enrolled in the 6-week session are eligible to participate in a Showcase performance at the end of the program, providing invaluable stage experience.
• On-Campus Housing: Residential options are available for students at least 14 years old, with secure residence halls (single, double, triple rooms, suites, and apartments), adult Resident Assistants (RAs) supervising minors (8-10 minors per RA), and planned evening and weekend activities.
• College Scholarship Opportunity: Rising juniors and seniors in high school who attend the program may have the option to audition for artistic acceptance into Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts, potentially qualifying for a scholarship.
• Expert Faculty and Guest Artists: Classes are taught by Point Park's exceptional Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) faculty, often supplemented by guest artists and renowned choreographers.

• Internationally Recognized Program: For over 30 years, ISD has attracted talented dancers, teachers, and musicians from across the globe, creating a diverse and culturally rich learning environment.
• Rigorous Pre-Professional Training: The program is designed for serious, conditioned dancers, emphasizing high-level technique and preparing students for professional dance careers or advanced collegiate studies.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students train in Point Park University's exceptional dance studios within the George Rowland White Performance Center, known for their expansive size and high ceilings, ideal for extensive movement.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Beyond core styles, the inclusion of pointe, pas de deux, conditioning (Pilates, yoga), and music for dancers provides a well-rounded and holistic dance education.
• Performance Showcase: The opportunity for 6-week students to perform in a professionally produced showcase allows them to apply their training and gain invaluable stage experience.
• Pathway to Collegiate Dance: The program can serve as a bridge to Point Park University's competitive Conservatory of Performing Arts dance program, with potential scholarship opportunities for eligible high school students.
• Supportive & Inclusive Environment: Despite the rigor, the university emphasizes its welcoming and inclusive community, fostering bonds and cultural exchange among students from diverse backgrounds.
• Experienced Faculty: Instruction by Point Park's Conservatory faculty ensures a high standard of teaching, drawing from professional experience and academic expertise.
• Downtown Pittsburgh Setting: Training in the heart of a major city provides unique cultural exposure, access to amenities, and a dynamic backdrop for artistic development.

For those in Pennsylvania and beyond interested in the International Summer Dance program at Point Park University, please use the following contact details:

Address: Point Park University, 201 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Phone: (412) 392-3456

Mobile Phone: +1 412-392-3456

For specific inquiries related to placements or artistic questions, it is recommended to contact the Artistic Director, Susan Stowe, via email at sstowe@pointpark.edu. For general summer camp inquiries, you may also reach out to summercamps@pointpark.edu or call the Community and Summer Education office at 412-392-3457. Always check the official Point Park University website for the most up-to-date information on application deadlines, audition requirements, and program details.

For dedicated young dancers and their families across Pennsylvania, International Summer Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh represents an unparalleled local opportunity. Its central location in downtown Pittsburgh offers convenient access, whether commuting daily or utilizing the university's residential options. This means that aspiring dancers in our state can access world-class training without the extensive travel often associated with such high-caliber intensives.

What makes this program particularly suitable for locals is its rigorous yet nurturing environment, right here in our own backyard. Students benefit from the "precision of instruction" and diverse curriculum taught by Point Park's esteemed Conservatory faculty, all within state-of-the-art facilities. For those with serious aspirations, the program serves as an excellent bridge to collegiate dance, offering pre-professional training and even potential scholarship opportunities to Point Park University's highly competitive dance program.

Beyond the technical training, the international aspect of the camp, while global in scope, deeply enriches the experience for local Pennsylvanians. It offers a unique chance to train alongside talented peers from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and a broader understanding of the global dance community without leaving the state. The chance to perform in a professional showcase, coupled with the comprehensive curriculum, ensures that local students gain invaluable experience that can shape their artistic futures. International Summer Dance at Point Park University is truly a jewel for Pennsylvania's performing arts community, offering a world-class dance experience that is both accessible and transformative for our local talent.

International Summer Dance

Point Park University, 201 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA