Students must submit a video audition for acceptance.

Please submit a 1-2 minute video showing you dancing in contemporary, jazz, or hip hop.  This can be a performance video or something made in a dance studio. If it is a video of a group dance, please make sure you are visible for us to see and be clear as to which dancer you are.

Once you have submitted the Camper Application, we will send you information on how to submit your dance video.

Dance Experience:
It is suggested that applicants have at least 2 years of dance training in contemporary or jazz dance technique.  The training is rigorous—dancers will be in class and rehearsals for up to 6 hours per day.

Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full.

All Students:

• Water bottle, Thera-band, yoga mat

All Dancers: 

• Short or open-toe tights, preferably black
• T-shirts or leotards (no writing/graphics)
• Black Dance shorts or pants
• Jazz Shoes
• Colorful street clothes
• Sneakers that can be worn in the dance studio
• Ballet shoes

A typical day will follow this guideline:

• 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Conditioning for dance
• 10:15 am – 11:45 am: Contemporary Dance Technique
• 11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Musical Theater Dance
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
• 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Jazz or Ballet technique
• 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm: Hip Hop
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Rehearsal

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą, as well as the Director of the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MFA in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship and a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, and San Diego Opera; she has performed as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet (now Pacific Ballet Theater), La Danserie, and Chattanooga Ballet. She has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware, and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer, Ellen has had her works presented across the U.S. The LA Times has referred to her as having “a unique jazz ballet style.” As a dance educator, Ellen is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary – 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT Certified teachers worldwide.

Born and raised in Orange County, Alexandra Yonkovich trained in all styles while competing on Rosary High School’s nationally ranked Varsity dance team. She earned her BFA from the University of Arizona and shortly after performed as a full-time ensemble and soloist with The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil from 2015 – 2020. While with Cirque, Alexandra led as dance captain and Artist Coach, additionally performing principal roles with artists such as Hans Zimmer, Jewel, and Walk The Moon in several events presented by Cirque Du Soleil.

Now based in Los Angeles, Alexandra most recently performed as a principal in Russall S. Beattie’s “Batette Follies of 1939“ at Hollywood’s Ricardo Montalban Theatre where she assumed Dance Captain and eventually Associate Director.  She has performed with artists Paris Jackson, Jordin Sparks and Lainey Wilson, Francesca Zambello’s Aida with LA Opera, and national commercials for Burger King and Target. Alexandra continues to work in TV/Film appearing as a performer in Freeform’s Good Trouble, LIVE! with Kelly & Ryan, and Dancing With The Stars: Showstoppers while assisting choreographers Galen Hooks, Tommy Tonge, and Marguerite Derricks.

Serving in all aspects of the dance industry, Alexandra is focused on connecting with the younger generation of dancers where she can focus heavily on teaching both technique and performance quality in tandem. She continues to set choreography both in the professional industry and academies across the country.  She is currently on faculty for Celebrity Dance Conventions while being on faculty at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą while based in Los Angeles.

Justin Epstein is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Los Angeles, CA with over 17 years of experience in hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, and partnering. Justin has performed live for the Los Angeles Avengers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Pac-12 Championship Halftime Shows and can be seen dancing in music videos with Brooklyn Jai, MNEK, Matoma, and Kiana Lede. Justin graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance as a member of the inaugural class at the brand new USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance where he had the opportunity to perform the work of Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Jiri Kylian, and Dwight Rhoden, including original works by William Forsythe, d. Sabela Grimes, and Jodie Gates. Since graduating Justin has co-founded RYBG, a multidisciplinary creative production studio rooted in choreography.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

All Students:
-Water bottle, Thera-band, yoga mat

Female:
-Pink or flesh tone tights
-Black dance shorts, leggings or tights
-Leotard (any color, but please bring a black one for your performance)
-Clean ballet shoes
-Jazz Shoes
-Sneakers for Hip Hop
-A pair of black socks you can dance in

Male:
-Black tights
-Black dance shorts or pants
-Plain black or white T-shirt (no writing/graphics)
-Dance belt
-Ballet shoes
-Jazz shoes
-A Pair of black socks you can dance in

Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during class time in Children’s Center. Day students should not bring a personal device. Residential students should leave devices in their dorm room, or will turn in their device to the teacher during instructional time.

Your student will be following this basic schedule each weekday:

Day students should be dropped off at Children’s Center between 8:15 – 8:25 am
(breakfast is not included for day students)

Residential Students will be walked to breakfast as a group and then to Children’s Center

8:30 am: Morning Sing/Greeting
9:00 – 10:00 am: Ballet
10:00 – 10:15 am: Snack (provided)
10:15 – 11:15 am: Jazz/Modern
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Lunch in the Dining Hall (provided for residential and day students)
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Hip Hop
1:30 – 1:45 pm: Snack (provided)
1:45 – 2:45 pm: Choreography
2:45 – 3:45 pm: Rehearsal

Day students should be picked up from Children’s Center at 4:00 pm.

Residential students will be walked as a group to afternoon activities with the RA’s.

Day students will be allowed to use the pool on Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 – 5:45 pm with the supervision of a parent or guardian. (Enrolled children only, please. No siblings or friends.) Lifeguards will be present.

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą as well as the Director of the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, her MFA. in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Deans Teaching Fellowship as well as a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City and San Diego Opera and as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet, La Danserie and Chattanooga Ballet. Ms. Rosa has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer Mrs. Rosa-Taylor has had her works presented across the USA. LA Times has called her style… “a unique jazz ballet style.”. As a dance educator, Ms. Rosa-Taylor is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary- 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT certified teachers worldwide.

Jonathan Sharp was trained at National Academy of the Arts and the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. While on full scholarship at SAB, he was trained by master teachers Stanley Williams, Peter Martins, Andrea Kramarevsky, Suzanne Farrell, Alexandra Danilova, Suki Schorer, and Sean Lavery. He danced professionally with the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the touring Stars of American Ballet, headlined by Robert LaFosse and Darci Kistler. He has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of The Red Shoes, Carousel (1994 Tony winner for Best Revival), The Rocky Horror Show Live, The Dance of the Vampires, and Fiddler on the Roof. He has also appeared on television as a contract player on Another World, and he has guest-starred on Law and Order and Gilmore Girls. He has taught at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą for thirteen years, and he also teaches and directs internationally. He is currently Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and a principal guest teacher with Pacific Festival Ballet.

Justin Epstein is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Los Angeles, CA with over 17 years of experience in hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, musical theatre, contemporary, and partnering. Justin has performed live for the Los Angeles Avengers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Pac-12 Championship Halftime Shows and can be seen dancing in music videos with Brooklyn Jai, MNEK, Matoma, and Kiana Lede. Justin graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance as a member of the inaugural class at the brand new USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance where he had the opportunity to perform the work of Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Jiri Kylian, and Dwight Rhoden, including original works by William Forsythe, d. Sabela Grimes, and Jodie Gates. Since graduating Justin has co-founded RYBG, a multidisciplinary creative production studio rooted in choreography.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Students returning from 2024 and 2025 will be accepted without an audition, but are still asked to submit a video to assist with planning purposes. Students who are new to Dance Intensive must submit a video audition for acceptance.

The Dance Intensive requires a video audition for acceptance. Please submit a one minute video showing you dancing in your favorite style of either ballet, modern or jazz. This can be a performance video or made in a dance studio. If it is a video of a group dance, please make sure you are visible for us to see and be clear as to which dancer you are.

Once you have submitted the Camper Application, we will send you information on how to submit your dance video.

Dance Experience:
It is suggested that applicants have at least three years of dance training in ballet, modern or jazz for this art of movement intensive. The training is rigorous- dancers will be in class and rehearsals for about 6-8 hours per day. On the first day, after an audition placement, dancers will be split into training levels based on experience (not based on age). Careful consideration will be given to place students into a group that will be most advantageous to each participant.

Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full.

All Students:

• Water bottle, Thera-band, yoga mat

Female Ballet:

• Pink or flesh tone tights
• Leotard (any color, but please bring a black one for your performance)
• Clean ballet shoes
• Pointe shoes (if applicable)

Male Ballet:

• Black tights
• Plain black or white T-shirt (no writing/graphics)
• Dance belt
• Ballet shoes

Modern (All):

• Dance shorts or open-toe tights, preferably black
• Knee pads, preferably black
• T-shirts or leotards (no writing/graphics)

Jazz (All):

• Jazz Shoes

Hip Hop (All) :

• Colorful street clothes
• Sneakers

A typical day will follow this guideline:

• 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Conditioning for dance
• 10:15 am – 11:45 am: Ballet with pointe or pre-pointe
• 11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Musical Theater Dance
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
• 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Modern or Choreography
• 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm: Jazz or Hip Hop
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Rehearsal

• Ellen Rosa-Taylor
• Jonathan Sharp
• Hai Cohen
• Justin Epstein
• Yuka Fukuda
• Chad Michael Hall
• Alexandra Yonkovich

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą, as well as the Director of the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MFA in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship and a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, and San Diego Opera; she has performed as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet (now Pacific Ballet Theater), La Danserie, and Chattanooga Ballet. She has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware, and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer, Ellen has had her works presented across the U.S. The LA Times has referred to her as having “a unique jazz ballet style.” As a dance educator, Ellen is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary – 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT Certified teachers worldwide.

Jonathan Sharp was trained at the National Academy of the Arts and the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. While on full scholarship at SAB, he was trained by master teachers Stanley Williams, Peter Martins, Andrea Kramarevsky, Suzanne Farrell, Alexandra Danilova, Suki Schorer, and Sean Lavery. He danced professionally with the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the touring Stars of American Ballet, headlined by Robert LaFosse and Darci Kistler. He has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of The Red Shoes, Carousel (1994 Tony winner for Best Revival), The Rocky Horror Show Live, The Dance of the Vampires, and Fiddler on the Roof. He has also appeared on television as a contract player on Another World, and he has guest-starred on Law and Order and Gilmore Girls. He has taught at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą for thirteen years, and he also teaches and directs internationally. He is currently Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and a principal guest teacher with Pacific Festival Ballet.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Students who are interested in the Ballet Intensive must submit a video audition for acceptance.

Please submit a 1-2 minute video showing you dancing a classical ballet solo or ballet classwork. This can be a ballet performance video or something made in a ballet studio. If it is a video of a group ballet dance, please make sure you are visible for us to see and be clear as to which dancer you are.

Once you have submitted the Camper Application, we will send you information on how to submit your dance video.

Dance Experience:
It is suggested that applicants have at least three years of dance training in ballet. The training is rigorous—dancers will be in class and rehearsals for up to 6 hours per day.

Complete an online Camper application through CampInTouch.

Once you have completed the Camper Application, your application will be reviewed within 5 days by a member of the Enrollment team. At this time, you will be charged the $50 application fee and receive an email with a link to the Submittable audition application for you to submit your audition. Complete the Submittable audition application and provide an email address for your teacher recommendation form within Submittable.

We use the platform Submittable to receive all auditions for the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Program (a universal platform utilized for exhibitions, contests and even university and job applications). It is very easy to use. You will be prompted to set up a free Submittable account with your email. This account can be used for any future open calls you apply to at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2026
First round evaluation will take place shortly after this date. You will be notified of acceptance as soon as evaluations are complete. Auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis after February 15. Please allow up to two weeks for a response to allow time for faculty evaluation. Auditions will be accepted until the program is full.

All Students:

• Water bottle, Thera-band, yoga mat

Female:

• Pink or flesh tone tights
• Leotard (any color, but please bring a black one for your performance)
• Clean ballet shoes
• Pointe shoes (if applicable)

Male:

• Ballet shoes
• Black tights
• Plain black or white T-shirt (no writing/graphics)
• Dance belt

A typical day will follow this guideline:

• 8:30 am – 9:30 am: Conditioning
• 9:45 am – 11:30 am: Ballet technique
• 11:45 am – 12:30 pm: pre pointe, Pointe or men’s class
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch
• 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Ballet technique with emphasis on certain things such as adagio, turns, jumps
• 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm: Variations or private coaching sessions 
• 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Rehearsal

Ellen Rosa-Taylor is currently the Chair of the Dance Department at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą, as well as the Director of the ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Children’s Dance Program. She received her BS in Ballet from Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MFA in Dance from Florida State University where she was the recipient of a Dean’s Teaching Fellowship and a University Fellowship. Ellen has performed as a ballerina with the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, and San Diego Opera; she has performed as principal dancer with City Ballet of Los Angeles, Media City Ballet (now Pacific Ballet Theater), La Danserie, and Chattanooga Ballet. She has also performed with Louise Reichlin and Dancers, Charleston Ballet Theater, Russian Ballet Theater of Delaware, and was featured as the Bluebird in Disney’s Snow White at Disneyland. As a choreographer, Ellen has had her works presented across the U.S. The LA Times has referred to her as having “a unique jazz ballet style.” As a dance educator, Ellen is an ABT Affiliate Teacher for levels Primary – 7 and has received the distinction of ABT NTC Fellow, which has been awarded to only 50 ABT Certified teachers worldwide.

Jonathan Sharp was trained at National Academy of the Arts and the School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. While on full scholarship at SAB, he was trained by master teachers Stanley Williams, Peter Martins, Andrea Kramarevsky, Suzanne Farrell, Alexandra Danilova, Suki Schorer, and Sean Lavery. He danced professionally with the Boston Ballet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the touring Stars of American Ballet, headlined by Robert LaFosse and Darci Kistler. He has appeared on Broadway in the original casts of The Red Shoes, Carousel (1994 Tony winner for Best Revival), The Rocky Horror Show Live, The Dance of the Vampires, and Fiddler on the Roof. He has also appeared on television as a contract player on Another World, and he has guest-starred on Law and Order and Gilmore Girls. He has taught at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą for thirteen years, and he also teaches and directs internationally. He is currently Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and a principal guest teacher with Pacific Festival Ballet.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

Amber Kertson is 17 years old and a junior in the Dance Department at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą. This is her third year at IAA, following her attendance at the 2022 ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą Intensive. She has been dancing since the age of three, with a primary focus in ballet, and has expanded her training into additional styles in recent years. Amber serves as Director of the Children’s Dance Auxiliary Program and is trained in the ABT National Training Curriculum.

Bella D’Aprile is 17 years old and a first-year Dance major at ĂŰĚŇÖ±˛Ą. She serves as Co-Director of the Children’s Dance Auxiliary Program and is currently training in the ABT National Training Curriculum. Bella has been dancing for 15 years and has three years of experience as an assistant teacher.

GIRLS:

BOYS:

• w/ white socks

HAIR:

• Girls: If hair length allows, please wear hair in a neat bun. If hair is short, it should be styled neatly and secured away from the face with barrettes or bobby pins.
• Boys: Hair should be neatly groomed and kept off the face.

Dance is a formal art form, and following studio etiquette helps each child get the most out of their experience.

• Arrive on time. Late arrivals disrupt both your child and the class. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late may be asked to observe rather than participate.
• Report absences. Please call the office or email the Director prior to class so the teacher can be notified.
• Dress appropriately. Students must wear the required dance uniform and follow hair guidelines for every class.
• Protect our studio floors. Dance shoes should not be worn outside, and street shoes are not permitted in the studio.
• Studio safety. No running or hanging on the ballet barres.
• Respect for others. Dancers keep hands to themselves, wait patiently for their turn, enter quietly if late (after the music ends), and speak only when appropriate.
• Respect for teachers and the art form. Students listen attentively, come prepared for their turn, ask permission before leaving the room, and thank or applaud the instructor at the end of class.
• No food, gum, or talking during class. Water bottles are permitted.
• No cell phones in the studio.

Parent Communication
Parents wishing to discuss their child’s progress should contact the Director by phone or email to schedule a conversation. While teachers may answer brief questions between classes, our schedule is often tight. Thank you for your understanding.

Director: Reina Meek
E: rmeek@idyllwildarts.org

• Wifi: The password for the IAGuest wifi is: Gehirn70*
• Parking: We ask that you please do not drive your car up the path into the Children’s into the Children’s Center. There is parking at the base of the Children’s Center and a path to walk your child to class. 

• Tuition is non-refundable once a student is registered for the session.
• Students and families should remain in the Children’s Center during class and depart campus promptly after lessons. Please do not roam the campus.
• If a child is unable to consistently follow studio guidelines, they may be asked to pause participation and rejoin at a later time when ready.
  
  
  

There are no scholarship opportunities for this program.