Paul Taylor Dance Company

1) How is the day structured?
The day begins with an hour-long somatic class, such as yoga, Pilates, or body conditioning, or a ballet technique class. This class is followed by a modern technique class in the Taylor style. After the students have lunch, they spend the afternoon learning Taylor repertory from current Paul Taylor Dance Company members, Taylor 2 members or distinguished alumni.

2) What are the hours of the Intensive?
The Intensive runs from 9 am to about 3 pm each day. There are optional activities that follow, which last until about 5 pm.

3) What kinds of optional activities are there?
We will screen videos of Taylor repertory and relevant documentaries and have discussions about a variety of topics ranging from injury prevention to how to audition.

4) Are there classes every day, or will we have days off?
Classes take place every day Monday-Friday in New York and Monday-Saturday in Ann Arbor. The first week of the New York intensive will take place Tuesday-Saturday.

5) What should I bring?
Please come prepared to dance with plenty of clothes (La Guardia High School is not air-conditioned, and you may want to change your clothes throughout the day); ballet slippers; a yoga/Pilates mat; a water-bottle; good walking shoes for exploring New York City; an open mind and a positive attitude.

6) Is room and board provided or do I have to find my own housing?
Room and board are not provided, but we can offer suggestions for hotels or hostels. Craigslist can also be a good resource for short-term apartment sublets, but please use caution when connecting with strangers over the internet.

7) Should I bring a lunch every day, or will I be able to leave and buy food nearby?
You may leave the premises to purchase food; there are a few options for lunch in the vicinity. If you bring your lunch, there are no refrigerators available, so pack accordingly.

8) How old do you have to be, and how old is too old?
Dancers from age 16 through professional may attend the New York Intensive.

9) I’m not in school. Who can write my evaluation?
Please have a mentor or a teacher with whom you take class often complete the Teacher Evaluation Form.

10) For making travel arrangements, what time does the New York Intensive begin on the first day, and what time does it end on the last?
Please plan to arrive on July 5th, as we will begin early with placement auditions on the 6th. The Intensive will end around 6:00pm on July 30th.

11) Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. Please wear clothes you will feel comfortable moving in that are appropriate for class (i.e., clothes that are not too baggy, so that teachers can see your body’s alignment).

12) Are there showings? How many? When are they? Can I invite my friends?
There is one showing at the end of each week on Friday afternoons (Saturdays in Ann Arbor). Definitely invite friends and family!

13) What kinds of clothes should I bring for the showings?
Please bring a variety of colored and black leotards and tights or unitards.

14) How many different works will we learn?
You will learn a different selection of repertory each week.

15) How many students are in each class?
Depending on enrollment, class size may range from about 20 dancers to 30.

16) Are there different levels? How are levels determined?
There will be a placement class on the first day to determine levels, which are based on age, technical ability, and experience in the Taylor style.

17) Can I request to be in the same level as my friend?
No.

18) Are there any breaks in the day? If so, how long will they be?
There is an hour-long break for lunch, in addition to a 15-minute break between morning classes.

19) What happens if I get sick?
Please notify a staff member if you cannot make it to class. Remember, this is a commitment and the rehearsal process runs most smoothly when everyone is present. If you get really sick during the day and need to go to the hospital, we will make sure you get the help you need.

20) If I will not be able to attend the full intensive, may I still apply?
At this time, we are only accepting full-time applications.

21) Do I need to audition to attend the intensive?
No, all you need to do is send in an application and have your teacher submit a Teacher Evaluation form online. Both the application and Teacher Evaluation are located on our website at www.ptdc.org/intensive.

22) When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
Notifications to applicants of their acceptance are e-mailed the week of March 15th.