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Students returning from 2026 will be accepted without an audition, but are still asked to submit a video to assist with planning purposes. Students who are new to the Commercial Dance program 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 ����ֱ�� 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 ����ֱ�� and beyond!

Priority Audition Deadline: February 15, 2027
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
• 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 ����ֱ��, as well as the Director of the ����ֱ�� 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.

Marlon Pelayo is a Los Angeles-based dancer and choreographer who teaches from a simple philosophy: Technique in service of curiosity, musicality, and individual voice. In class, dancers build strength and clarity while exploring texture, groove, and grounded floor work, finding artistry through disciplined practice. Trained across ballet, jazz, hip hop, Gaga, and traditional Greek forms, he’s a scholarship alum of EDGE Performing Arts Center and a longtime member of Hysterica Dance, with performance and credits spanning stage, film, and TV, including collaborations with artists from Cher to Nine Inch Nails. His room is high expectation, high support, structured, sweaty, and deeply encouraging.

Chadwick Gaspard
Born and raised in Miami Florida Chadwick began his training in the underground hip hop/breaking scene. He earned his BFA from the University of Florida where he was able to train in various styles such as Ballet, modern, and contemporary. After graduation Chadwick has relocated to Los Angeles where he has the opportunity to work for dance companies such as JacobJonas the company and Diavolo Architecture in Motion performing both locally and internationally. Chad has also been able to work commercially for artists/brands like Sia, Elton John, Mastercard, adidas, etc. Currently Chadwick’s main focus is on community engagement through hosting dance sessions as well as imparting knowledge through teaching. He is always looking for ways to foster inclusivity and growth wherever he sets foot.

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