Our annual Summer and Winter Intensive workshops began in 2000 as a way to share our own particular way of moving and creating. We run our programs with the same philosophy that we have in rehearsals: to build a safe environment for everyone to do their best work and discover new aspects of themselves as dancers, artists and humans – with care, respect and commitment for everyone.
Our annual Winter Intensive brings together the essentials that shape the world we’ve built at DOVA. Each year, we reimagine how to share what we value most in our work and creative process, and this year we’re streamlining the program into five dynamic days at the beautiful studios of The Juilliard School. Alongside daily technique and repertory classes, I’ll be leading a collaborative event with the entire workshop—blending new material with pieces from the DOVA repertory. Together, we’ll create something unique that reflects the community we build over the week. We’re excited to learn, create, and celebrate with you. I hope you’ll join us in New York City this January!
Honestly the best week of my life! I feel so inspired and motivated to continue dancing which to me lately has been a very barren feeling. I felt privileged to be there and to see the company dance at the end of each day gave me an overwhelming sense of joy. I hope to continue to explore dance the way you all do at DOVA.
– Jaeda Barrett, 2025 Participant
DOVA opened up a path for me through the dance industry that moves away from rigidity and judgment and towards freedom and authenticity. I have come out of this experience with a sense of hope that there are dancers and dance spaces in which I can be accepted for who I am as a human and as a dancer.
– Ailey MacDavid, 2025 Participant
Early Bird Registration Extended Until December 2,2025
Winter Intensive Registration Closes December 12, 2025
This summer we’re offering two distinct workshops to choose from, each designed to support your growth as a dancer and artist. Whether you join us for technique and repertory or focus on choreographic development, you’ll be invited into a process that values rigor, curiosity, and exploration.
At the heart of every DOVA workshop is a commitment to creating an environment where you can do your best work and feel supported in taking creative risks. This summer will be no exception, as we dive deeply into the many facets of our practice and offer you the opportunity to select the experience that best meets your artistic goals.
This workshop offers six full-days of dance at The Juilliard School. For pre-professional and professional dancers the Summer Workshop provides immersive technical training, expansion of partnering skills, and exposure to the company’s style.
For pre-professional and professional dancers interested in choreography the DEVICES Workshop provides opportunity to explore Doug’s creative process. Doug will share ideas about craft, design and composition. Utilizing Doug’s finely honed creative games and devices, an abundance of material is built daily.. Each day will begin with a warm-up class to prepare for the day’s activities. Various devices will be explored daily, allowing participating artists ample time to create small studies that embrace each new idea. This workshop is very limited in size and requires a short application process. This workshop is intended for those who have an interest in choreography.
For both the Summer Workshop and the DEVICES Workshop, because of limited capacity in each, acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Your place in the Summer Workshop will be confirmed once your registration and tuition payment are complete. For DEVICES, your place will be confirmed upon review and acceptance of your application.
We recommend not purchasing travel to New York City until your registration and payment have been finalized.
June 8-13, 2026 | Monday-Saturday | 10:00-5:30
Early Bird Tuition (for payments made by April 13)| $575
Full Tuition | $625
June 15-19, 2026 | Monday-Friday | 10:00-5:30
Early Bird Tuition (for payments made by April 13) | $550
Full Tuition | $600
June 8-13 & June 15-19 | 10:00-5:30
Early Bird Tuition (for payments made by April 13) | $1,025
Full Tuition | $1,125
All payments include a $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Please email [email protected] with any questions regarding the registration process.
March 20: Registration Opens
April 13: Early Bird Tuition Ends
May 22: Last day to Register and Final Payment Due
June 8-13: Summer Workshop
June 15-19: DEVICES Workshop
JUNE 8-13, 2026
10:00-11:45 Morning Technique with live music
12:00-1:30 Repertory | Partnering
1:30-2:30 Lunch / Open Rehearsals
2:30-4:00 Repertory | Partnering
4:15-5:30 Evening Activity
Morning Technique
This highly technical, movement-based class explores the line of human movement and its impact on the broader dynamics of dance. Focusing on the expansive use of the back and limbs, students will dive into DOVA’s style with an emphasis on breath, strength, dynamic lyricism, and musicality. Each day, a different company member will offer their unique approach to the work, sharing personal insights and techniques that help them successfully embody the movement.
Repertory
This class will spend short intense spans of time exploring excerpts (i.e. duets, trios, etc.) from a variety of pieces, offering an overview of Varone’s work. Through this investigation, the class will experience the wide range of movement dynamics, emotional nuance and spatial architecture inherent in Varone’s choreography. Week two will focus on larger dances in the repertory, challenging spatial and musical awareness.
Partnering
This class will play with a range of partnering skills. Through engaging in daily activities, we will practice ways to move weight through space with other bodies that emphasize coordination and awareness.
Lunch / Company Showings and Lecture Demonstrations
Throughout the week, the Company will host a series of showings and lecture demonstrations, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with DOVA Repertory and gain insight into the life of the Company. These sessions will feature showings of work from the repertory, followed by discussions where students can ask questions and learn about the creative process, rehearsal techniques, and the daily workings of a professional dance company. This experience is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the company’s artistic vision while offering practical knowledge about the demands and rewards of a professional dance career.
JUNE 15-19, 2026
9:30- 10:30 Warm up led by DOVA Company Members
10:30-1:00 Morning Session
1:00-2:00 Lunch
2:00-4:30 Afternoon Session
4:30-5:30 Discussions and ShowingsDEVICES WORKSHOP COURSE OFFERINGS
Warm up
This time will help prepare the body for a full day of dancing. Participants will be guided through exercises that awaken the body, build strength, and connect breath to movement. Each day, a different company member will lead the warm-up, sharing their approach to preparing the body for movement.
Morning and Afternoon Sessions
During these sessions Doug will share ideas about craft, design and composition. Participants will engage with creative games and devices, in which an abundance of material is built quickly then shaped and molded carefully to the specific needs of each dance. Various devices will be explored daily, allowing participating artists ample time to create small studies that embrace each new idea.
Discussions and Showings
Throughout the week, participants will take part in a series of informal showings and discussions centered on compositions they have been developing throughout the day. These sessions create space for participants to share their work with one another, reflect on their creative process, and engage in open dialogue about choreographic ideas, structure, and intention. Doug will help guide conversations, offering feedback and information.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR THIS PROGRAM?
You can pay via Zelle or check.
There’s no need to reach out—after completing the registration process, you’ll receive an email with payment instructions.
IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
We do not offer payment plans for our workshops. If you are unable to pay the full tuition upfront, you may submit a $50 non-refundable registration fee to reserve your spot until Friday, May 15, 2026. After this date, we will no longer be able to hold your spot until your tuition is paid in full.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
The refund policy is outlined below. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected].
Cancellation before April 14th:
If you drop out of the workshop before April 14th, you will be refunded the tuition fee minus the $50 non-refundable registration fee.
Cancellation between April 14th and May 2nd:If you drop out of the workshop between April 14 and May 2nd, you will be refunded half of tuition minus the non-refundable $50 registration fee
Cancellation on or after May 3rd:
We cannot offer any refund.
If you need to drop out of the workshop because of a documented medical situation, an exception to this policy will be considered.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE FOR THE WORKSHOPS?
There is no dress code for our workshop, however we ask that you wear clothes and/or dancewear that don’t obstruct your dancing and that you’re comfortable wearing to take class. Good options are sweatpants, tank tops, or long sleeves. We strongly recommend that you bring knee pads as well.
HOW LARGE ARE THE CLASSES?
Class sizes depend on the total enrollment. In past years, technique classes generally range from 20-30 people per class.
CAN I GET COLLEGE CREDIT FOR TAKING THE WORKSHOP?
We do not offer college credit, however we have been able to work one-on-one with students who have coordinated with their individual universities. We will gladly provide documentation detailing your involvement in the workshop, so that you can negotiate with your college to get credit.
I’M COMING FROM OUT-OF-TOWN. WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO ARRIVE SO THAT I DON’T MISS ANYTHING? DO YOU PROVIDE HOUSING?
Please plan to arrive at The Juilliard School between 9:15 – 9:45am on the first day. Our welcome/orientation activities begin at 9:45. We do not provide housing for the Summer or DEVICES Workshop.
HOW DO I GET TO THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL?
Closest subway stops include:
1 Train – 66th St- Lincoln Center (about a 2 min walk from the building)
A, B, C, D, 1 Trains – 59th st Columbus Circle (about a 8 min walk from the studios)
Have another question that isn’t answered here? Send us an email: summerworkshop@dovadance.org.
Maddy Elliott
DOVA Technique Classes
Place: Taylor Dance West in studio 1
Wednesdays March 11-April 13th, 2026
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Amount: $45 for 3 classes ($15 per class) or
$22 for a single class
Instagram @maddy_elliott
