2025 Summer Intensive Top Picks: A Guide to Finding the Perfect Program for Your Ballet Journey

Summer intensives are a vital part of any dancer’s growth, offering opportunities to refine technique, explore new styles, and connect with peers and professionals. Whether you're aiming for a prestigious school, looking for your first summer away, or exploring programs tailored to your unique goals, there’s something out there for everyone. Here are BalletScout’s top picks across a range of categories, plus tips on how to use filters on our site to find the right fit for you.

Hardest Intensives to Get Into

SAB, PNB, Canada’s National Ballet School, Chautauqua, SFB, Houston, Miami, Harid, Royal Ballet

These are the gold standard in summer intensives—highly competitive and immensely rewarding. Add them to your list, but don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work out. There are countless incredible programs that offer excellent training and opportunities.

Pro Tip: Use the “National” filter on BalletScout to find more competitive programs.

Good First Intensives (With Housing)

Next Generation, Burklyn, Nutmeg, Rock, Interlochen, A&A, John Cranko CT, American Academy of Ballet

Starting with the right summer intensive can make or break a young dancer’s first experience away from home. These programs offer a safe, fun environment with supportive faculty and housing options to ease the transition.

Pro Tip: Use the “Offers Housing” filter to find more programs with housing options, indicated by a green house icon.

Partnering Training

Tampa Bay Ballet Partnering Workshop, Boys Ballet Summer Intensive, PNB

Partnering skills are critical for any professional dancer. While we don’t yet have a specific “partnering” filter, selecting “Men’s Program” under “Must Haves” can help identify programs likely to offer strong partnering training.

Performance Opportunities

American Academy of Ballet, Jacob’s Pillow, Interlochen, Ballet West/ArtEmotion

If you’re looking for a program that feels like a mini company experience, performance-focused intensives are the way to go. Programs like Ballet West offer repertoire and rehearsals, while others like CPYB prioritize technical training.

Pro Tip: Use the “Offers Performances” filter to find programs designed with a performance focus.

Intensives with Company/Post-Grad Consideration

Carolina Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Nevada Ballet, Ballet West, PNB, Houston Ballet

These programs are great for dancers aiming to transition into a company or post-grad program. Remember, it’s wise to have backup options, but these schools often scout for year-round placements during the summer.

Pro Tip: Use the “Company Affiliated” filter to narrow down your search.

Year-Round Program Consideration

SAB, Nashville, A&A Ballet, Ballet West, Carolina Ballet, Ellison, Harid

Looking to transition to a year-round program? These schools are a stepping stone, often requiring summer participation to secure a year-round spot.

Pro Tip: Filter for programs affiliated with year-round schools for more targeted options.

Great Intensives for Boys

Boys Ballet Summer Intensive, Male Dance Connection, Rock, Ballet West, Houston Ballet, PNB, Metropolitan Ballet (Jenkintown, PA), Pittsburgh Ballet, Ballet Austin

Specialized training for male dancers is invaluable, and these programs provide focused attention on the unique needs of boys in ballet.

Pro Tip: Use the “Offers Men’s Program” filter to find tailored options.

Regional Gems

Neglia Ballet, Developpe Evolving Dance, Arrais Ballet, Colorado Conservatory, Art of Classical Ballet, Paris Ballet, DeCruz Ballet, Turning Pointe Cape Cod, Metropolitan Ballet (Jenkintown, PA)

These smaller, lesser-known programs offer exceptional training and often feature more one-on-one instruction.

Small Company Gems

Avant Chamber Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Ft. Wayne Ballet, Ballet Melange, Alchemy Ballet

For dancers interested in bridging into professional company life, small companies often provide intimate settings and personalized coaching.

Affordable Options

CPYB, Berks Ballet, A&A Ballet

Cost doesn’t always equal quality. These programs provide excellent training at more accessible price points.

Pro Tip: Use the tuition range filters to find programs that fit your budget.

Top Picks in Europe

Royal Ballet (UK), Masterclasses in Prague (Czech Republic), Bobbio Ballet (Italy), Annarella Conservatory (Portugal)

Expand your horizons with these internationally renowned programs.

Pro Tip: Use the “International” location filter to explore global opportunities.

Top Contemporary Picks

Ballet X, Complexions, Alonzo King LINES, Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street

With contemporary work becoming a staple in most companies, training in this style is essential for versatility and employability.

Pro Tip: Use the “Styles” filter to explore more contemporary-focused programs.

Flexible Week Options

American Repertory Ballet, Joffrey Ballet New York, Philadelphia Ballet

For dancers needing a more adaptable schedule, these programs allow you to select single-week options.

Pro Tip: Use the “Weeks” and “Dates” filters to find programs that fit your summer plans.

Have a Summer Program Recommendation?

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out and let us know why your favorite summer intensive deserves a spot on the list. Keep exploring, and may your summer be filled with growth, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.

About

Resources

Follow Us

Sign up for BalletScout