We certainly hope that the following information gives you a good idea about the way we’ve designed our workshop. However, please feel free to contact us for additional details.

Question: I can’t find the price of the workshop any where.  Where is it located?

Answer: Click on the Classes tab.

Question: How do I pay for the workshop?

Answer: Go to the Registration tab and click, scroll down to the section that says Payment Options.
Just follow the easy directions.   Checks are made payable to Northwest Dance Intensive.

Question: I don’t have a Pay Pal account what do I do?

Answer: No problem, you do not need a Pay Pal account to pay through their web site.  Go to the Registration tab and click, scroll down to the section that says Payment Options, simply read the directions.  If you still experience a problem, call our office 1-877-222-4609.

Question: I see you have some amazing teachers. But if I’m not in the top level will I still get to work with them?

Answer: Absolutely!  We want you to have the best experience possible this summer, and that includes working with every teacher listed on our faculty page.

Question: The workshop advertises a performance, but also states that there will be a casting. What if I don’t get a part or only get one very small part in the back?

Answer: Every student in our workshop is guaranteed a part in the end of workshop performance. We can’t promise you’ll be given a solo, but every student will be clearly visible. In fact, it’s quite likely you’ll be in several pieces.

Question: I am confused it says the workshop is at Evergreen State College but the housing and meals are at St. Martin’s University and then it says Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma.  How will I get back and forth from housing to classes?

Answer: Students housing at St. Martin’s University will be bused daily to and from classes.  We will leave at 8:30am and return at 4:30pm to St. Martin’s campus for dinner.  Lunch will be sack lunches provided by St. Martin’s University and taken by staff for students to be eaten at The Evergreen State College.  During Session III for the last 5 days, we will be busing you up to Metropolitan Ballet of Tacoma.

Question: Can I get corrections if I want them?  Or will there be too many dancers at your workshop for me to get individual attention?

Answer: We’ve designed our intensive so that every dancer who attends will receive personal attention from our experienced instructors.  We’ll be there to clarify corrections, answer questions, and help you develop a plan of action to help your realize your full potential.

Question: What if I just don’t understand what the teacher wants from me?  It can be so frustrating!

Answer: We’ve chosen our instructors because they love to teach.  They’ve all had the experience of “not getting it”, and have committed themselves to finding new and better ways to teach dance.  That way,  learning dance can be fun, and you can make the fastest possible progress.

Question: What if I want to improve as much as I can this summer?  Wouldn’t it be better to go to an intensive that lasts more than 3 weeks?

Answer: You’ve probably heard the expression “practice makes perfect”.  But guess what – it’s not always true.  It’s much more accurate to say that “perfect practice makes perfect”.   So if you really want to get better parts, long hours of practice won’t make it happen – unless you’re practicing correctly.

And our instructors will make sure that you are doing just that.

You can get 3 weeks of exceptional dance training right before you may decide to do another summer program, you’ll have time after ours finishes.  Most dance schools offer their own programs later in the summer and this will give you a big head start for fall.

Question: If I’m not as good as some of the other dancers, will I be stuck in the back of the class?

Answer: Of course not!  Our teachers will ask their students to change places from time to time, so no one is left in the shadows.

Question: I looked at your schedule and the days look longer than I am used to dancing.  What if I can’t keep up?

Answer: While we recommend dancing as much as possible prior to attending our intensive to help build your endurance, your days are carefully scheduled to include plenty of rest breaks.  And some of your lessons will be less physically demanding than others, since you’ll also be spending time learning self-care for dancers, as well as alternative flexibility and conditioning techniques such as gyrotonics and pilates.

Question: Can I come with a friend?  Will I see her if we are in different levels?

Answer: Sure!  All levels will have the same breaks and eating schedule. You can also request to room together.

Question: I’ve been to summer intensives at college campuses before and the food available just makes you fat – pizza, ice-cream, nothing healthy.  What kind of food will you have?

Answer: We have worked together with the dining services at St Martins University to make sure that you’ll be getting food that’s right for dancers. Plenty of vegetables and fruit, lean proteins and whole grains will be available.   Much of their food is organic and locally grown.  Of course, if you’re not so concerned about diet, there will be plenty of treats available.

Question: My parents are concerned about me going away.  How safe is it for me to come to your intensive?

Answer: The Northwest Dance Intensive is held on the campus of The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.  You can read about the campus here.  Housing is at St. Martin’s University.

There are police officers on campus 24/7  on BOTH campuses (but they are such quiet campus’ they must get pretty bored). Our House Moms are carefully selected, over 21, and many are former or current dancers themselves. Olympia/Lacey is a very quiet and secure location with very little crime.

Question: How do I get to the workshop from the airport?

Answer: Seats on the Capitol Airporter Shuttle should be reserved at the same time that you buy your flight.
You will want to allow yourself one hour and fifteen minutes to arrive at the college.

Question: What if my plane arrives after the workshop starts?

Answer: This is not a problem, notify us of your plane schedule and we will be sure to have someone ready to register you and help you get settled before attending classes.

Question: What if I get injured?

Answer: First of all, many injuries can be prevented by training correctly.  But if you do have a problem, you’ll be in great hands – our on-site nurse and physical therapist will help you get back dancing, healthy and strong, as soon as possible.

Question: My friend went to camp and came back really improved. I went there the next summer and didn’t improve nearly as much. How do I know that I’ll be the one improving this summer?

Answer: The faculty at Northwest Dance Intensive will give you all the tools you need to rapidly gain strength, flexibility, and artistry.  In addition to training in classical ballet, they’ve also studied from the most innovative movement teachers on the planet (please read our faculty page for more info).  If you apply what you learn, we’re sure you’ll be very happy with your progress.