Boston Conservatory Announces New Commercial Dance Intensive Summer Program
Program runs June 22 to July 10 for beginner to advanced-level dancers
Boston Conservatory at Berklee announced a new, cutting-edge summer program in commercial dance for dancers between the ages of 15 and 22 interested in learning about the world of commercial dance. The intensive is the school’s third summer program offering in dance, alongside their nationally renowned Summer Dance Intensive for concert dance training and Musical Theater Dance Intensive for musical theater dance training.
Encompassing a wide range of styles, commercial dance is typically defined as choreography created for entertainment purposes, and is most often seen in film, television, live concert performances, and in the entertainment and service industries for cruise ships, theme parks, circus arts, industrials, and more. Since joining Berklee in 2016, Boston Conservatory has steadily expanded its dance expertise into the area of commercial dance, most notably featuring a commercial dance project in its 2019 spring dance concert, Limitless. The performance featured Metallica songs reimagined by various Berklee music ensembles and set to original stage choreography by the acclaimed director/choreographer Otis Sallid.
Boston Conservatory’s three-week intensive in commercial dance offers beginner through advanced-level dancers the opportunity to train with world-class faculty and leading guest artists in the commercial industry. With intensive studies in hip-hop, urban dance styles, jazz, heels, tap, and acting for the camera, students gain critical skills needed to navigate the entertainment industry and launch a successful career.
“I am thrilled to offer Boston Conservatory's new intensive in commercial dance, where you will learn the in’s and out’s of being a dancer in the entertainment industry, learning the skills needed to succeed as a performer in music videos, concerts and film,” said Boston Conservatory at Berklee Dean of Dance Tommy Neblett.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Commercial Dance Intensive is an excellent way for students to experience trademark elements of the Conservatory’s top-ranking dance B.F.A. program: rigorous training, versatile skill-building, and focused studies that pave a path to a dance career in the entertainment industry. The program is directed by Boston Conservatory faculty member Ruka Hatua-Saar White, who has performed with several well-known artists, including Missy Eliott, Celia Cruz, and Shirley Murdock, in addition to commercials and industrials. White brings a wide range of expertise to his students, with a career that spans both commercial work and concert dance, having also performed with acclaimed companies including Limón Dance Company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco, Armitage GONE!, and Ballethnic Contemporary Ballet.
Speaking to the program’s kickoff, White said: “The Boston Conservatory at Berklee Commercial Dance Intensive is a rigorous, exciting experience that allows students to discover their own unique brand, and gives them the tools to present their creativity and talent to the world.”
Applications for Boston Conservatory at Berklee Commercial Dance Intensive are open now.