CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

The NCDP Intensive is designed for preprofessional dancers ages 16-22 who have been selected as members of the Festival Ensemble. The Ensemble is a selective group of advanced dancers who are interested in pursuing careers in dance performance and to dive into exploring the craft of choreography. Dancers wanting to participate in the Intensive must audition to become a member of the Ensemble. Learn how to audition here.

Up to thirty-six dancers from across North America will work with one of three Choreographer Fellows. Fellows will create an 8-12 minute work over the course of one week. At the end of the week, all three works will premiere on the stage for New Mexico audiences.

In addition, all Ensemble dancers will take daily company technique classes, and jump into choreography and performance workshops before their rehearsals begin each afternoon. Zeitgeist Dance Theatre Trainees, in Santa Fe during the same period of time for their three-week residency and Company Experience, will join the Ensemble each day for Intensive classes and workshops.

Listed below are the key learning components of the NCDP Intensive.

COMPANY TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Each morning, dancers will spend time honing their technique in company-style classes designed to warm up for the day of workshops and rehearsals ahead, expand their knowledge of how to apply technique within performance, and strengthen their capabilities on stage. Our faculty will focus primarily on classical ballet and a range of modern dance techniques.

CHOREOGRAPHY & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS

NCDP choreography and performance workshops go to the heart of the festival’s mission; to cultivate innovative choreographers and bold performing artists. They provide a safe and challenging environment for individual and collective exploration and risk-taking. These workshops are for all intensive participants - aspiring professional choreographers and performing artists. Our labs will help you to become a stronger, more intentional dancer. If you are on track for a career as a performance artist or choreographer, you’ll take a huge leap forward in developing the skills and knowledge to get there.

PANELS & MENTORING OPPORTUNITIES

Our diverse, experienced teaching artists and choreographers are committed to your personal and professional development. You’ll experience large and small group sessions that cover topics to prepare you for a successful future in the performing arts. And the relationships you form with these professionals will not end at NCDP. They will be there to guide you along your journey long after the festival ends. And many of the other dancers you will meet will be your colleagues and friends in the decades ahead.

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

Every ensemble dancer participates in the festival intensive and will get the 360 experience of taking an original work created on them by one of our Choreographic Fellows to a professional performance in front of Santa Fe audiences, experiencing every aspect of the creation and production process from beginning to end. Dancers will premiere their own solo show at the end of the NCDP Festival pairing their performance with an added concert presented by the Zeitgeist Dance Theatre Trainees.

SCHEDULE

This includes all rehearsals, classes, and other activities for the selected Ensemble Dancers who will be attending the intensive. Click on a day of the week below for the detailed sample schedule for that day. The official 2025 schedule will be posted by May 31.

Please note that all schedules are subject to change.

GALLERY OF PAST CLASSES & WORKSHOPS