Bates Dance Festival Professional Training Program
July 13-August 2 2025
Students can attend for one, two, or all three weeks
The Basics
The Professional Training Program enrolls intermediate and advanced dancers, ages 18 and older, who have previous experience and curiosity in the field of dance. Dancers develop technique and strengthen their knowledge-base. Dance-makers have the opportunity to create and dig into composition and process. Teachers refresh and refine skills for the classroom and the studio.
Dancers take three courses each day including two "technique" classes and afternoon tracks including Composition, Repertory, and Historical Canon. Students attending for multiple weeks get to deep dive into their morning classes as they will work with the same instructors every week and cycle through multiple perspectives in the afternoon sessions.
The list of faculty will be announced at the end of October- it will be shared on our social media and on our website. In the meantime, last year's faculty are found here! https://www.batesdancefestival.org/education/professional-training-program/ptp-courses/
Location
The Festival is held on the beautifully landscaped campus of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, a 45-minute drive from Portland and west of the extraordinary Maine coast. While most festival events occur on campus, there is time to explore the surrounding community of Lewiston-Auburn, two vibrant sister cities that straddle The Androscoggin River.
Students are housed in College dormitories with others of similar age. Single and double rooms are available. Dorms and studios are not air-conditioned. Students living on campus must adopt the meal plan. Delicious meals are served in the College’s Memorial Dining Common, with several choices of entrees, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Cost (Note, these are 2024 numbers)
Single room $2800
Double room $2650
$85 nonrefundable fee is paid with the application and is not applied to the total balance due.
Fee waivers are available for applicants in need.
Scholarships
The Festival awards a limited number of full and partial-tuition scholarships to dancers with financial need who demonstrate a high level of commitment, creativity and technical/performance ability. Room and board costs are the responsibility of the student in most cases.
BDF will award five full scholarships to BIPOC applicants. BIPOC applicants may still be awarded a partial award if not chosen for a full scholarship.
Internships
The BDF internship program offers an opportunity to work with professional artists, receive mentorship from staff, participate in classes, performances, and other events, and create lasting relationships with your peer group.
Single-room dormitory housing and meals are provided for the duration of the internship, along with participation in one dance class each day. Interns receive an honorarium equivalent to $100 per week on campus, which varies for each position. Interns are responsible for planning their own travel to and from campus. There are no out of pocket expenses related to their engagement otherwise.
Specific internship descriptions are found here: https://www.batesdancefestival.org/education/internship/