About 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.

CCA Summer School Brochure PDF

Daily Classes and Rehearsals

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.

CCA Summer School will be held July 6-18, 2026
Registration will open January 15, 2026
A non-refundable $200 deposit is due upon registration
Final payment is due by June 1, 2026

Guest Faculty Bio Information for 2026

We are excited to announce the guest faculty for 2026 including Cori Callahan, Fiona Cameron-Martin, Mathew Farmer, Catherine Fothergill, Michael Fothergill, and Kimmary Williams.

Read Guest Faculty Bios

summer school performance stage with dancers in pose

Performance Opportunities

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

Knickerbocker Theatre was acquired by Hope College in 1988. The 536-seat theater is currently being used by the College as an added dimension to classes, and offers a wide range of cultural offerings like lectures, art films, concerts, musical and stage performances for the college body and Holland community alike.

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.

Final class placement will be determined by the adjudication staff, who assess 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.

Application Requirements

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 must accompany applications.
- Female attire is a solid color leotard and pink or flesh colored tights (no skirts).
- Male attire is a solid white T-shirt or leotard and black tights
Photographs must show two poses: tendu a terre to the second position (arms in second) and first arabesque.
Photographs will be used to assess applicants or acceptance and level placement.

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

Hope College has discontinued its linen program. Student attendees must bring their own linen.

Scholarships

For Scholarship opportunities to attend the 2026 Summer School please visit the Student Scholarship page.

All students registered for CCA Summer School are eligible to audition for a scholarship for the following year’s summer intensive. An audition fee is payable the first week of the intensive. Scholarships are available to dancers in all levels and will be awarded at the Awards Ceremony held on the final Friday.

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 the virtual tour map.