BDSI 2025
WELCOME FROM BD DIRECTOR JENNIFER BACKHAUS
We cannot wait to dance with you at our 21st Annual Backhausdance Summer Intensive! As you scroll down, you will find detailed information regarding our class schedule, suggested attire, evening activities, and helpful tips to ensure the best summer yet!
Since its inception in 2003, Backhausdance has been recognized as one of Southern California’s premier contemporary modern dance companies. Currently wrapping up its 22nd season, the company continually strives to educate the community about the relevance and vitality of concert dance. We are excited to spend one (or more!) weeks with you as we continue to push our boundaries on technical growth and artistic development!
We are thrilled to share that all dancers participating in Week 3 (July 21 - 25) will have the opportunity to share the stage with the professional company in a fully produced performance at the beautiful Waltmar Theatre on the campus of Chapman University. Save the date for Friday, July 25th, it will be an extraordinary event and culmination of our time together.
While we wait for the intensive to get here, make sure you are signed up for our mailing list. Check out and register online for some fun evening activities, check out our merchandise and purchase tickets for the July 25th performance. We can’t wait to dance with you!
Jennifer Backhaus
Artistic Director
2023 Participants explore improvisation Photo ©Adrien Padilla
THIS YEAR’S PHOTOS & VIDEO
Throughout our 3 weeks together, we will take photo and video during our classes and creation processes. Check back here to see those photos and videos as the weeks go on!
CULMINATION PERFORMANCE
2023 Participants perform in the Culmination Performance. Photo ©Adrien Padilla
All dancers participating in Week 3 (July 21 - 25) will have the opportunity to share the stage with Backhausdance in a fully produced performance of BD Education Presents - Vivaldi at Chapman University’s Waltmar Theatre. Save the date for Friday, July 25 (6pm)
BD Education Presents - Vivaldi will feature professional dancers of Backhausdance and participants of the 2025 Backhausdance Summer Intensive. Together, the cast of more than 75 dancers will explore, deconstruct and bring to life this classic and dynamic work from Backhausdance.
In daily rehearsals, the intensive participants will work directly with company dancers and Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus to learn, rehearse, and ultimately, perform live on stage for an audience.
BD Education Presents: Vivaldi
Friday, July. 25 6:00pm
Chapman University
Waltmar Theater
Tickets Available Soon!
MANDATORY REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES
Dancers participating in BD Education Presents - Deconstructed must attend ALL rehearsals for the weeks in which they are enrolled. Mandatory rehearsals are held daily from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.
Friday’s performance begins at 6:00pm (dancer call time: 3:00pm).
COSTUMES
Performers will provide their own costume pieces. More information about costume specifics will be sent shortly.
NON-PERFORMING PARTICIPANTS
Dancers who are unable to perform in BD Education Presents - Deconstructed on August 2 will learn BD repertory alongside performing dancers during the daily BD Repertory class. An informal showing will take place on Friday of week 1 and 2 for those that are not participating in week 3.
TICKET SALES
Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for your friends and family. Buy tickets below!*
*(Deconstructed tickets are listed under “BD Summer Activities”)
WRAP PARTY
Join us after the show for a celebration of our accomplishments and performance! Enjoy food, dancing, and raffle prizes!
Please note, dancers who are performing in Deconstructed have discounted admission to our wrap party, purchase the “BDSI Performer Ticket” for the wrap party. Any extra guests to the wrap party need to buy a wrap party ticket or a VIP ticket which includes beer and wine.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Classes will run daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please arrive early so you are ready to begin class at 9:30. Sample schedule below, full schedule coming soon!
LOCATION
All intensive classes are held at:
Chapman University
Sandi Simon Center for Dance
350 N Cypress St.
Orange, CA 92866
DAY ONE
PARKING
To access the building most easily, you can park in free street parking (read your street signs to avoid street sweeping days), or in the nearby parking structure on the corner of Maple and Cypress.
Old Towne West Parking Structure
130 N Lemon St,
Orange, CA 92866
Free to park
Be sure to avoid parking in the Chapman University permit - only Parking spaces right in front of the Sandi Simon Center.
ARRIVAL & CHECK IN
On your first day, arrive 30-45 minutes before classes begin.This will provide you ample time to find parking, check in at our registration table, tour the facilities and get ready for the first class of the day. Follow the signs for check-in. Registration for newly arriving students begins at 8:45am every Monday.
2024 Summer Intensive Class Photo © Adrien Padilla
BDSI 2024 Class. Photo ©Adrien Padilla
WHAT TO BRING
Each day of the intensive includes an average of 6.5 hours of technique or creative class. To ensure a healthy and productive experience, come prepared with the following items:
a pair of socks for each day
kneepads (optional for modern floorwork)
ballet shoes
leotard for ballet classes
a yoga mat (for Pilates and Yoga classes)
plenty of water and healthy snacks to keep you energized and strong during class
a sack lunch or money to purchase lunch at a local eatery
LUNCH BREAK
Participants are given a 60-75 min lunch break daily from 12:00-1:15pm. (12:30-1:30 or 1:45 on Mon and Fri) Dancers may bring a sack lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave in the lounge. A map of local eateries will be provided for those wishing to purchase lunch off campus*. Dancers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to leave campus. There are plenty of options in the local University Center located in walking distance.
*Minor Participants (under 18yrs) will only be allowed off campus with chaperone if they have a signed Off Campus Waiver. Download by clicking below, and return to Kim Olmos (kim@backhausdance.org)
BDSI 2025 SCHEDULE
Week 1: July 7-11 | Week 2: July 14-18
Week 3: 21-25
We suggest you bookmark the schedule links for the weeks of your program, or print them for easy access. Schedules will be posted in the building weekly and downloadable files updated here on the site.
Take a look at our FACULTY PAGE to learn more about the instructors and assistants on the schedule!
EVENING ACTIVITIES
We are excited to host 3 evening activities for our participants this year. These events provide a great opportunity to have fun and build lasting friendships that extend beyond the studio. All evening activities must be registered and paid for online. Event space is limited.
2025 EVENING ACTIVITIES
MINI GOLF
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025
6:30-9:00PM
Camelot Golfland
3200 E Carpenter Ave
Anaheim, CA 92806
No group transportation provided for non-housing students. Come mini golf with us and try to get a hole-in-one! Backhausdance invites you to test your athletic abilities outside of the dance studio at Camelot Golfland!
Admission Includes: One round of mini golf with BD Participants and Chaperones!
SOULLAND LAB
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
6PM - 8PM
SOULLAND LAB
162 N. Glassell St, Orange, CA
Walking distance from the Sandi Simon Center for Dance.
Let’s do some arts and crafts together at SoulLand Lab in Old Town Orange! Learn more about SoulLand at their website.
DINNER AT AVILA’S EL RANCHITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
6PM - 8PM
Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
182 S Orange St, Orange, CA 92866
Walking distance from the Sandi Simon Center for Dance.
Join us at Avila’s for dinner with Backhausdance Artistic Director, Jennifer Backhaus, along with BD company members and other intensive students. Enjoy great food and exceptional conversation as you build lasting friendships with fellow dancers.
Admission includes: Fajitas, Enchiladas, salad, rice and beans, unlimited fountain drinks, tax and gratuity.