International Summer Dance Intensive (ISDI)

The International Summer Dance Intensive (ISDI) is an internationally recognized intensive program for the next generation of dance artists. Featuring three weeks of full-day workshops from industry leading educators, instructors and choreographers, dancers will experience the world of professional dance at our studios in the heart of Vancouver.

About the Program

Academic Grade 11, 12 and Post-Secondary

The International Summer Dance Intensive (ISDI) is a three-week, full-day program that helps dancers reach their performance potential and prepares them for the profession.

World-renowned teachers, choreographers and repetiteurs offer classes in ballet, repertoire, pointe, pas de deux for advanced students, Gaga, modern, Forsythe Improvisation Technologies, contemporary, movement exploration, and coaching and conditioning.

Admission to this program is by audition only.

Program Dates

August 3-21, 2026

Build community with over 100 students from across the globe.

Learn from internationally renowned teachers, choreographers, and repetiteurs.

Full-day training featuring multiple technique and repertoire classes.

Enrich your year-long training through exploration of new dance methodologies.

Past repertoire includes:

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Sharon Eyal, Marco Goecke, Johan Inger, Jiří Kylián, Marina Mascarell, Marcos Morau, Crystal Pite, Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber, and Lukáš Timulak

Gain insight from industry leaders about developing a professional career in dance through weekly discussions.

Perform repertoire and class material in a culminating showing at our in-house theatre.

More Information

Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Domestic Student Tuition: $2,245 CAD

International Student Tuition: $2,830 CAD

Once accepted, participants can apply for financial assistance through the Arts Umbrella Bursary Fund, based on eligibility. Due to limited availability of Arts Umbrella scholarships, we highly recommend that students who rely on funding also apply for scholarships elsewhere.

Location

Classes are held in our new facility in the bustling arts and culture district on Granville Island. The building is home to six large dance studios and a 132-seat theatre.

Schedule

Daily classes, including up to five technique and repertoire classes, take place Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00PM. Some lunch breaks feature lectures with guest faculty on various topics about dance training and the professional world.

Accommodation

Arts Umbrella does not provide student housing; securing accommodation is the responsibility of the student. Some neighbourhoods to consider due to proximity to Granville Island and/or access to public transit are: Kitsilano, South Granville, Fairview, Arbutus Ridge, Mount Pleasant, Yaletown, Olympic Village, South Main, and Kerrisdale.

Arts Umbrella is proud to have Sandman Hotel Group as our exclusive ISDI accommodation partner. For more information about preferred rates and how to book please contact [email protected]

Final Showing

On the final day of classes, participants present what they have been working on during the intensive.

The International Summer Dance Intensive (ISDI) is generously supported in honour of Trudy Pekarsky, by her loving family, for her many years of outstanding service to Arts Umbrella.

ISDI is also generously supported by:

Contact

For more information about ISDI, please contact [email protected].