Summer School

STUDENT International Summer School

The Cecchetti Summer Intensive program for students is designed to strengthen the technique, broaden the perspective, and develop artistry of students ages 11 – 21. The program offers many different dance genres with exceptional guest artists and teachers.  The schedule includes ballet technique, men’s class, and variations. The two-week intensive may include, depending upon the level, additional classes in pointe, pas de deux, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, character,  Pilates mat, yoga, and lecture topics including: Dance History, Nutrition, and Injury Prevention and Care.

Dancers in all levels will participate daily in two ballet technique classes, one dance related class, and one performance rehearsal. The program is open to students of all methods; classical ballet classes taught by the Guest Faculty are free-style and do not include the “set” Cecchetti Syllabus for students. All Classical Ballet Classes will be accompanied by accomplished pianists.

Registration will open January 15, 2026.

A non-refundable $200 deposit is due by April 1, 2026.

Final payment is due by June 1, 2026.

Guest Faculty Bio Information for 2026

• Cori Callahan
• Fiona Cameron-Martin
• Matthew Farmer
• Catherine Fothergill
• Michael Fothergill
• Kimmary Williams

Highlights of CCA Summer School

Requirements

Participants are expected to be outstanding students of dance. By signing the application, the sponsoring teacher recommends the applicant for our program. Students must maintain the highest standard of conduct at all times. Refunds are not available to students who leave the program due to misconduct.

• Application must be completed indicating years of serious training; number of ballet classes currently taking per week; and, if applicable, the last CCA exam passed.
• Two 4×6 photographs in solid colored leotard and pink tights must accompany application.
• Photographs must show two poses: tendu a terre to the second position (arms in second) and first arabesque.
• Photographs will be used to assess applicant for acceptance and level placement.
• Final class placement will be determined by the adjudication staff that assesses the dancer’s demonstrated ability within the first two days.
• Students are placed in levels based on age, technique, physique, personal strength and intangibles such as talent, grace and maturity.

Housing

Students requesting on campus housing must be 11 years old by December 31 of the current year. Adult supervised housing will be provided for dancers in an air-conditioned residence hall on the campus of Hope College. A full nutritional meal plan with three meals per day is provided. Cook Hall is within walking distance of all classes, and provides double suite rooms with a shared bathroom. Laundry facilities are available within the residence hall. Students under 18 will be chaperoned by adult counselors throughout the two-week program

CCA Summer School will be held July 6-18, 2026. Hope College has discontinued it’s linen program.  It is advised that student attendees bring their own linen. 

Scholarships

All students registered for CCA Summer School are eligible to audition.

Seven scholarships will be awarded for the following year’s summer course to dancers in all levels. An audition fee is payable the day of registration. Scholarships are awarded at the Awards Banquet held on the Friday evening of the second week.

Scholarships for male dancers are available. Contact Stephanie Plansker at [email protected]

Performance Opportunity

The Summer School culminates with a public performance at the Knickerbocker Theatre, Holland, Michigan. There is no cost to attend the performance.

Hope College

Hope College is recognized as one of the outstanding liberal arts colleges in the nation with a thriving and expanding dance department. The attractive, first-rate campus is located two blocks from picturesque downtown Holland (view map.)

Forms and Downloads