Carmel Dance Festival 3rd Annual Summer Program
Carmel Dance Festival is delighted to announce our 3rd Annual Summer Program, June 15–25, 2025, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Carmel, CA. This unique 10-day intensive offers dancers the opportunity to refine their artistry while engaging with themes of social and environmental justice.
This year’s program integrates:
Daily Technique, Repertory, & Creation: Work with world-class faculty, including Guggenheim Fellow and Stanford Professor Alex Ketley, BODYTRAFFIC Co-Founder Lillian Barbeito, and Ballare Carmel Resident Choreographer Javon Ja’Moon Jones.
Sustainable Farming & Foraging: Connect movement with land stewardship through botanical exploration and regenerative agriculture.
Transformative Storytelling: Engage with An Approximation of Resilience, a powerful work by The Foundry exploring incarceration and the resilience of the human spirit.
Nature-Inspired Exploration: Draw inspiration from the dramatic landscapes of Big Sur and Carmel in guided outdoor experiences.
Culminating Performances:
June 20 & 21: Witness a performance of An Approximation of Resilience by The Foundry.
June 25: Participant showcase at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, sharing the artistic discoveries of the program.
We seek dancers who view movement as a catalyst for transformation—artists eager to explore urgent narratives and expand the possibilities of dance. Up to 20 dancers will be selected for this immersive, mentorship-driven experience. Carmel Dance Festival welcomes intergenerational participation and encourages applications from dancers ages 16+, from emerging artists to seasoned professionals.
More Information & Application
2025 Summer Program – Carmel Dance Festival
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. Priority deadline: Sunday, April 20, 2025, 5:00 PM PT.
FINANCIAL AID
Partial scholarships are available for tuition. Once accepted, applicants may submit the following materials to Lillian@carmeldancefestival.org by May 4, 2025, 5:00 PM PT:
Personal statement (written or video) outlining financial need, qualifications, and program impact.
Two letters of recommendation.
Three additional references (name, relationship, email, and phone number).
INTERNSHIPS
Take your artistry beyond the stage with our behind-the-scenes internships! Work alongside producers, gain insider access to choreographers and artistic directors, and forge invaluable industry connections. These hands-on roles provide real-world experience to elevate your resume and portfolio. While the internships are unpaid and do not include transportation, meals, or housing, the professional growth and networking opportunities are unparalleled. Plus, selected interns receive tuition-free participation in the program—a $1,000 value. Explore our available internships at the bottom of our Summer Program webpage, and reach out with any questions or to express interest in a specific role!