BACKHAUSDANCE SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
Where community, creativity, and personal growth take center stage.
July 7 - 25, 2026
Chapman University
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
PERSONAL FEEDBACK + MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CREATIVE PROCESS + PERFORMANCE
PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR:
TEENS (AGES 12-15)
ADVANCED (AGES 16-18)
COLLEGIATE / PROFESSIONAL (AGES 19+)
Please Note: Week 1 runs Tues - Sat (July 7-11) but Weeks 2 and 3 run Mon - Fri. (July 13-17 and July 20-24)
Learn more about the program as a whole by attending our BDSI Info Session and Q&A on Zoom on January 4!
Our 22nd annual Backhausdance Summer Intensive provides professional training programs for aspiring and experienced artists ages 12 to professional. Held in the state-of-the-art dance facilities on the campus of Chapman University, the intensive supports the technical growth and artistic development of the contemporary dancer.
With flexible 1-, 2-, or 3-week options, dancers ages 12–15, 16–18, and 19+ will find a contemporary approach to technique classes specifically tailored to their age group and creative experiences designed to challenge and inspire growth at every level. Enjoy individual attention from renowned company members and choreographers, real-world performance opportunities, and mentorship in a supportive environment. Build your own experience as you dive into creative process, composition, and personal artistry—gaining the tools and confidence to prepare for collegiate, professional dance, and beyond.
“I learned how to have a more creative mindset when choreographing and dancing which pushed my boundaries and development. Thank you for this gift!”
“My favorite part was meeting new people and getting to build and explore outside my dance background.”
HIGH-CALIBER TRAINING
Train with Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus, company members, and esteemed educators and choreographers from around the world. Curriculum will emphasize technical growth, artistic development, and creative exploration.
DAILY TECHNIQUE CLASSES
Backhausdance Technique & Repertory, Composition, Contemporary Ballet, Contemporary Jazz, Improvisation, Pilates, Yoga and more.
PERSONAL ATTENTION & GROWTH
Class sizes will be limited, enabling instructors to provide personal attention and feedback. Curriculum is focused on helping participants develop their unique artistic voice as they collaborate with others.
DIALOGUE & CONNECTION
Connect with instructors, company members and other dancers via one-on-one and small group mentorship and discussions. Each week features an extracurricular evening event to encourage fun and new friendships.
Classes will be thoughtfully crafted to ensure curriculum is strategically designed with the dancers’ safety as a number one priority, and that students have the information they need to sustain their health and wellness while training in the studio.
PRIORITIZING SAFE PRACTICES & DANCER WELLBEING
PERFORMANCE
The program will culminate in the creation of an evening-length performance which will be premiered on July 24, 2026. Friends and family are invited to attend and witness our creation as we celebrate growth and collaboration together.
HOUSING OPTIONS
Backhausdance offers chaperoned housing options for participants of all ages at the Ayres Hotel Orange. Housing registration is not yet open, but will open soon. For more information, click here.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Through Backhausdance’s B. Mor Summer Dance Intensive Scholarship Fund, the company grants scholarships to its summer intensive based on talent. To be considered, you must attend a Scholarship Audition or submit a Video Audition.
BDSI 2026 TUITION FEES
Enrollment is limited
EARLYBIRD PRICING
Three Weeks: $2,275
Two Weeks: $1,550
Single Week: $825
REGULAR PRICING
Three Weeks: $2,425
Two Weeks: $1,650
Single Week: $875
Please Note: Week 1 runs Tues - Sat (July 7-11) but Weeks 2 and 3 run Mon - Fri. (July 13-17 and July 20-24)