CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

The NCDP Intensive is designed for preprofessional dancers ages 17-22 who have been selected as members of the Festival Ensemble.  

To learn more about the NCDP Ensemble go here.

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

COMPANY TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Each morning, NCDP Ensemble 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, advancing 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 show at the end of the NCDP Festival pairing their performance with the Zeitgeist Dance Theatre.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

The schedule below includes a sample of potential 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 2026 schedule will be sent to you once you have completed your registration.

Please note that all schedules are subject to change.

GALLERY OF PAST CLASSES & WORKSHOPS