Boston Conservatory at Berklee Commercial Dance Intensive
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Commercial Dance Intensive is a cutting-edge, three-week summer program for dancers interested in exploring the world of commercial dance. Focused on dance for video, film, and live music concerts, students will explore various dance forms necessary to succeed in the industry, including jazz-funk, hip-hop, breaking/popping, urban dance styles, and lyrical-jazz. Participants will also develop important portfolio-building skills, such as résumé creation.
Taught by Boston Conservatory’s renowned faculty and acclaimed guest artists who have performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, Commercial Dance Intensive gives students who are considering a career in dance the opportunity to sample trademark elements of Boston Conservatory’s top-ranking dance B.F.A. program: versatile skill building and focused studies that pave a path for successful careers.
Each week, students will have the opportunity to interact personally with guest artists and receive valuable guidance from these industry leaders on audition techniques, networking, and dos and don'ts.
2021 guest instructors included Chloe O. Davis (debut author who has performed at the Apollo Theater, the Kennedy Center, and Metropolitan Opera), Jessica Franco (assistant choreographer for Ariana Grande), and Justin Prescott (Broadway performer and choreographer at the Ailey School Professional Program and American Musical and Dramatic Academy). 2022 guest artists will be announced shortly.
This program is designed for beginner to advanced-level dancers between the ages of 15 and 22 who are interested in commercial dance. Participants should have a strong interest in expanding their knowledge of dance in the entertainment industry, enthusiastic to explore hip-hop, urban dance styles, jazzdance, tap, and more.
Sample Schedule
Monday
Activities
8:30 a.m.
Welcome meeting
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Ballet placement class
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Master class
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Repertory
Voguing
Jazz
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Masterclass
Freestyle
Repertory
Tuesday
Activities
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Ballet class
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Upside-Down class
Floor Barre
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Master class
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Repertory
Jazz
Voguing
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Masterclass
Freestyle
Repertory
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Social Media Branding Seminar
Audition Techniques Seminar
Wednesday
Activities
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Ballet class
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Upside-Down class
Floor Barre
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Master class
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Repertory
Jazz
Voguing
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Masterclass
Freestyle
Repertory
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Artist Talkback
Thursday
Activities
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Ballet class
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Upside-Down class
Floor Barre
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Master class
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Repertory
Jazz
Voguing
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Masterclass
Freestyle
Repertory
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Social Media Branding Seminar
Audition Techniques Seminar
Friday
Activities
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Ballet class
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Upside-Down class
Floor Barre
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Mock Audition
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:15 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Repertory
Jazz
Voguing
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Masterclass
Freestyle
Repertory
Faculty and Guest Instructors
Commercial Dance Intensive is led by Boston Conservatory faculty member Ruka Hatua-Saar White.
About The Dragon Sisters The Dragon Sisters (Issa & Odessa) are a multidisciplinary nightlife duo based in Brooklyn. They are equal parts hip hop, pop, and classical. Conceived in the dance theater world, the sisters have stormed stages across the country and internationally. Their work has been featured in publications including Elle Magazine, Vanity Fair, Billboard, and Vogue. Learn more about The Dragon Sisters.
Guest Instructor: Sarah Grooms
With thirteen seasons as a Radio City Rockette under her belt, Sarah Grooms understands the importance of a healthy lifestyle to maintain longevity not only in the professional dance industry but everyday life. Some professional credits include performing on Saturday Night Live, America’s Got Talent, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Michael Buble’s Christmas Special, Oprah’s 10th Anniversary of “O” Magazine Special, Project Runway, and more. Sarah has taught numerous Rockette Summer Intensives and Rockette Experiences with a focus in precision in jazz, tap, and ballet.
Guest Instructor: Sarah Grooms
Jessica Franco received her training in New York City while earning her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College. She has traveled around the world performing and choreographing World Tours for Ariana Grande. She has performed and assisted with choreography for awards shows, music videos, television, and live stages around the world. She loves dance, connection, and storytelling, and she is so excited to continue working, creating, and performing all over the world.