2026 Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive

June 2 - August 15, 2026 | 10 AM - 4 PM

Dress Code:

• Monday-Thursday: Black leotard

• Friday: Dancer's choice

Sample Vaganova Intensive Schedule:

• 10:00 am - 12:00 pm ~ Classical Ballet technique and pointe

• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ~ Variations

• 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ~ Lunch

• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ~ Contemporary or Partnering

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm ~ Conditioning and Flexibility

Dancers will train Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with a rotating roster of legendary guest artists and resident faculty:

• June 1–5: Nadia Pavlenko – Graduate of the Vaganova Academy and former Soloist at Moscow Music Theatre.

• June 8–12: Vanessa Bessler – DCSA Founder and former Principal with the National Ballet of Panama and 11-time outstanding teacher/coach award by YAGP and UBC.

• June 15–19: Rolando Sarabia – International superstar known as the "Cuban Nijinsky" and Artistic Director of Roanoke Ballet Theatre.

• June 22–26: Peter Merz – Director of Regional Tours for ADC IBC and acclaimed YAGP Outstanding Choreographer.

• June 29–July 3: Erica Fischbach – Academy Director of Colorado Ballet and former dancer with ABT and PNB.

• July 6–17: Vanessa Bessler – A two-week deep dive into Vaganova mechanics and precision coaching.

• July 20–August 7: Luciano Perotto – YAGP Grand Prix winner and former principal dancer at Ballet de Monterrey.

• August 10–14:"Back to School Ready" with Vanessa Bessler – A final week of refinement to launch the upcoming academic year.

June 9 – August 1: $4,000
June 1 – June 26: $2,000
June 29 – July 31: $2,500
August 3 – August 14

Individual weeks are available at $550 per week, unless otherwise noted.

Non-refundable, full payment due upon registration. Tuition will not be prorated. No make-up days.

Results are emailed within 2 weeks from the audition submission and sent to the email entered at registration.

Video auditions are accepted at any time before March 1 for Spring and May 1 for Summer. Video auditions should be emailed to information@dancecenterofsanantonio.org.

• Video auditions must include:

  • Students must include one recent photo with their audition registration: 1st arabesque.

  • A LINK to the audition video which has: 

  • At the beginning of the video, you should introduce yourself and state your age, the number of year(s) of ballet/dance study, the number of years of pointe work (if applicable), the name(s) of your current school and teacher(s), and any previous summer intensive programs, festivals and/or international ballet competitions in which you have participated.

  • Video should be a variation or solo.

  • OR Classwork is sufficient also if you do not have a solo or variation.

    • Exercises at the barre

    • Center work (including adagio, pirouettes)

    • Allegro (jumps)

    • Pointe work for dancers 12 y.o. and older (11 y.o. pointe at the barre if on pointe)

    • Younger dancers should also show flexibility

TownPlace Suites by Marriott by the Airport is partnering with DCSA to provide housing options at a discounted rate. TownPlace Suites is conveniently located near the San Antonio International Airport (7 minute drive) and is only a 4 minute Drive from the Dance Center of San Antonio. Continental breakfasts are also included. Contact information@dancecenterofsanantonio.org for details on reserving this hotel at this specialty rate.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Airport:

214 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78216

Rates include: Spacious King Suites. Fully Equipped Kitchens. Free Buffet Breakfast Daily. A Fitness center. Laundry. On site swimming pool, patio and bbq grill.

History and excitement abound in the heart of Texas! Visit San Antonio is a great place to start to explore all our city has to offer! https://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors-guide/