International Summer Dance

International Summer Dance is a selective, pre-professional intensive run by Point Park University in downtown Pittsburgh. For more than 40 years, the program has welcomed talented dancers, teachers and musicians from across the US and around the world—past participants have come from Argentina, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Sweden, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The program specializes in three core styles: Ballet, Jazz and Modern. Daily technique classes form the backbone of the curriculum, supplemented by Pointe, male technique, pas de deux, tap, music for dancers, Pilates and yoga. The program is designed for intermediate to advanced students only and is geared towards young dancers currently training for a minimum of 6+ hours per week. This is a highly intensive experience, not a drop-in workshop.

Three session lengths are offered: six weeks (Sunday, June 14 – Saturday, July 25, 2026), three weeks (Sunday, June 14 – Friday, July 3, 2026) and two weeks (Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 17, 2026). Each program has a capacity of 75 dancers. Students applying for the six-week session are eligible to participate in a fully-produced performance; no performance opportunity exists for three- and two-week attendees.

Classes run Monday through Friday, starting with ballet from 9:00–10:45am, followed by Pointe or alternative options at 11:00am–12:00pm, lunch, then a choice of Modern, Jazz/Hip-Hop, or Tap/Pilates/Yoga across three afternoon slots (1:00–2:20pm, 2:30–3:50pm, 4:00–5:20pm). Six-week students also participate in performance rehearsals from 6:30–9:00pm. Specialist classes include Ballroom (taught by former National and International Latin and Ballroom Champion Rozana Sweeney, covering Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Salsa, Mambo and Rumba) and Music for Dancers (taught by Point Park's percussionists in small groups, introducing drumming techniques and musical concepts).

Students must be accepted into the program by audition before registering. On-campus auditions are held on selected Sundays (2–4 hour format testing ballet barre, ballet center, and jazz or modern); virtual auditions are also available. Both formats are evaluated for artistic scholarship consideration. All auditions carry a $40.00 fee, though fee waivers are available based on financial circumstances. Returning students and those previously accepted into Point Park's Conservatory do not need to audition again. Current Point Park Conservatory students receive 50% off tuition.

Scholarship awards range from low to full tuition coverage and are valid for one year from the award date. Scholarships apply to tuition only, not deposit, room and board or extras. A non-refundable registration fee of $300.00 is required to reserve a space. Residential students (ages 14+) receive accommodation and three meals daily; local commuters are also welcome. On-campus housing reached capacity as of May 20, 2026. The program is open to students aged 10–30.

You'll arrive on your program start date for check-in and orientation, then begin daily morning ballet classes followed by technique choices in Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Pointe and other styles, with lunch and specialist afternoon sessions. If you're on the six-week track, you'll rehearse for a fully-produced performance on campus.

Ballroom is taught by Rozana Sweeney, Art and Style Director and former National and International Latin and Ballroom Champion. Music for Dancers is taught by Point Park University's talented percussionists in small group settings.

This is an intermediate to advanced program only, geared towards pre-professional dancers currently training at least 6+ hours per week; beginners should consider the Summer Dance Workshop instead.