Can participants live off-campus?
Participants may choose to live off-campus and commute each day.
Summer Dance Institute
The Summer Dance Institute (SDI) at Ohio University is a one-week rigorous yet non-competitive program designed for students ages 16 and up. The intensive will also serve as an audition opportunity for students interested in majoring in dance at Ohio University, where they can be considered for the Fine Arts Talent Awards.
As a program that values the creative process through the study of choreography, Dance Composition is a key feature of the intensive. Students will develop their capacity for collaborative and creative problem-solving, learn how to generate new movement vocabulary and develop their individual and unique choreographic voice.
Students' creative and performance skills will be further enhanced through daily technique classes and dance repertory, which will allow them to learn existing and new choreography from faculty members and guest instructors.
In the summer of 2025, Brother(hood) Dance! will work directly with students in the areas of dance and intersectional environmentalism while in residence at the Summer Dance Institute. This work together will culminate in a community performance for a final showing on Saturday.
More about Brother(hood) Dance!
Brother(hood) Dance! is a 2020 Bessies Honoree of the NY Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies for Afro/Solo/Man and MFA in Dance graduates from The Ohio State University. As an interdisciplinary company, they seek to inform its audiences on the socio-political and environmental injustices from a global perspective, bringing clarity to the same-gender-loving African Caribbean American experience in the 21st century. Brother(hood) Dance! was formed in April 2014 as a duo that researches, creates, and performs dances of freedom by Orlando & Ricarrdo Hunter-Valentine. The company has performed our works at Wexner Center for the Arts, The Black Farmers Conference, University of Texas at El Paso, Lincoln Center-Summer Stage, Five Myles, Universidad de las Américas Puebla/Performàtica (MX), Escuela Profesional de Danza de Mazatlán/Viso Festival(MX), Jene-Rene Delsolins Institute (HT), and other venues.
Sample Daily Schedule
| 9:30–10:45 a.m. | Contemporary Technique |
| 10:45–11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Professional Development seminars |
| 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Lunch at university dining hall |
| 1:30–3:00 p.m. | Repertory with Dance Faculty |
| 3:00–3:15 p.m. | Break |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | Composition and Rehearsal of New Student Work |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Dinner at university dining hall |
| 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Optional Student activity |
Commuter students are welcome to enjoy meals with residential students at local restaurants and at the dining hall on a pay-as-you-go basis, and are invited to stay each evening for optional activities and company rehearsals..
Program Fees subject to change
Program Fee Summer Dance Institute – June 23-28, 2025 | $385 |
Housing and Meal Plan Fee June 22-28, 2025 Sunday–Saturday, 6 nights accommodation in university residence halls including all meals | $405 |
| Total Cost, Commuting Participant: | $385 |
| Total Cost, Residential Participant: | $790 |
Optional Additional Fees
| Daily commuter parking pass – one week | $15 |
| Overnight parking pass – one week | $35 |
| Recommended cash for student incidental purchases | $25-50 |
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Some financial aid and scholarships are available to assist with the Program Fee (does not apply to Housing and Meal Plan Fee). To apply, upload your financial aid along with your registration. All students are welcome to submit a video or project representing their work to be considered for a merit scholarship. Only one discount or award will apply.
Staff, Faculty, and Alumni Discount
Children and dependents of Ohio University staff, faculty, and alumni receive a 10% discount on program fees. Enter employee name and department or enter your degree program completed and year of graduation at registration to receive your discount. Only one discount or award will apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car necessary?
It is not necessary to have a car while staying on campus. Participants can walk to all areas of the campus easily and use Athens Public Transit to access local amenities. If parking on campus, participants must purchase either a commuter or overnight parking pass. View campus map as a guide.
Will I have a roommate?
Students aged 18 and younger will be housed in double occupancy rooms in university residence halls and may request a roommate in advance if desired.
Students 19 and older will be housed singly in a separate residence hall.
What is included in the meal plan?
All students staying in residence on campus are automatically enrolled in our meal plan for the duration of the session, which provides for all meals at our campus dining. Meals include healthy, fresh options for all dietary needs. Sample menus can be viewed online.
Students with particular dietary restrictions or concerns may reach out to our campus dietitian Angie Bohyer at bohyer@ohio.edu.
May I register to take the workshop part-time?
With our one-week intensive schedule, we are unable to offer part-time registration for the Summer Dance Institute, however we encourage those who are interested but unable to attend fully to join us on Saturday, June 22 for the final performance in the Shirley Wimmer Dance Theater.
Is there a placement audition at the start of the program?
Students may be divided according to age range and technical ability. If any adjustments are necessary, the workshop faculty or staff will speak to the dancers individually.
What does a daily schedule look like?
Each day begins with a morning technique class led by Full Circle Dance Company, followed by professional development seminars taught by company members. The afternoon session includes repertory and composition courses with the company. Each day ends with nightly activities including Full Circle rehearsals to observe, improv jams, and wellness workshops.
What can I do during the evening?
The program will host optional nightly events that may include open company rehearsals, a lecture or demonstration from the company, films, wellness and nutrition seminars, improv jams, etc. Students may also choose to relax with friends and spend time on campus and in Uptown Athens.
What should I bring/pack?
Regarding clothes: enough dancewear to get through one week (laundry facilities are available in residence halls), umbrella, a light jacket/sweatshirt, and clothes to wear to performance (can be informal). Campus recreation facilities are available to participants so you may choose to bring additional athletic clothing including a swimsuit and towel.
Health and wellness: prescription, over the counter medicine, or any necessary toiletries (there is a CVS within walking distance).
Miscellaneous items: personal electronics and chargers, alarm clock, journal, yoga mat or large towel, knee pads, and water bottle.
You may choose to bring your own linens (extra-long twin sheets, blanket, pillow, towels) or select the add-on linen package with the housing and meal plan. (If you do not have an extra-long twin sheet set, two flat sheets of another size will fit the mattresses).
Other important items: health insurance information, bankcard or cash for one week (several ATM machines within walking distance).
Is there internet access?
There is free guest wifi access across campus.
What else can I do in Athens?
There are plenty of things to do and see on the Ohio University campus and in the surrounding Athens area. Take a walk to Court Street to visit local restaurants, bakeries, shops, and cafés as well as see open mic nights, spoken word, and local musicians. Spend time on the College Green enjoying a picnic with friends. Take a hike on one of the many trails Athens has to offer.
Visit Athens County website for more ideas and information!
Questions?
Email: summerarts@ohio.edu