CREATE is a four-week immersive intensive for pre-professional and early-career dancers ages 18–30 who are ready to move beyond training and into professional artistic practice.
During CREATE, dancers work in cohorts to create new works with nationally recognized Guest Choreographers. Participants also take Improvisation, Composition, Body Research, and other classes designed to provide tools for developing their own creative practices, alongside open studio time (increased from previous years). Each day begins with advanced training in our core curriculum. Together, these experiences develop the creative stamina, technical versatility, and collaborative practices expected of today’s professional dancers.
NEW THIS YEAR: Choreographic Fellowship Opportunity
As part of CREATE 2027, registered participants will be invited to apply for the opportunity to lead a choreographic process during the intensive. In addition to working with nationally renowned choreographers, selected Choreographic Fellows from among the enrolled participants of the CREATE program will work alongside a mentor from the Hubbard Street company and a small cast of CREATE dancers to develop new work.
This pilot opportunity is designed to support creative research, experimentation, and the development of choreographic practice. To be eligible to apply, you must be a registered CREATE 2027 participant. More information on how to apply will be sent to all registered CREATE participants in Spring 2027.
Program Dates & Schedule
June 7 – July 2, 2027
(no program June 18)
Classes are held approximately 9:00 AM–5:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Optional activities are also offered on select Saturdays at no additional cost. Dancers must be able to attend all four weeks of the program.
| 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM | Morning Technique Classes followed by Rehearsals |
| 1:30 - 2:45 PM | Lunch and Physical Therapy (by sign up) |
| 2:10 - 5:45 PM | Afternoon Classes and/or Rehearsals |
| 10:00 PM | Recommended curfew for those staying in dorms |
Note: Dancer Wellness and Injury Prevention Seminar, group mentoring sessions, and educational discussions are embedded within the schedule.
- Approx. 30 hours of classes: Core Curriculum plus additional practices such as Body Research, Composition, Ballroom, House, Phrasework, and more.
- Approx. 80 hours of creation process. Each dancer will engage with two nationally-recognized Guest Choreographers as well as fellow participants.
- Special day of programming in honor of Fosse’s 100th birthday (exclusive to our June programs)
- Sharing event onstage at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, with video documentation of the new works
- Choreographer and Artistic Leadership panel discussions
- Optional Small Group Mentorship session
- Optional Open Studio times
- Ticket to the invitation-only final dress rehearsal for Hubbard Street’s Inside/Out Performance
- Access to complimentary Physical Therapy
- Dancer Wellness Seminar including injury prevention, recovery, and nutrition
- Dancer Portal with access to resources
- Optional dorm housing and meals (additional costs)
- Optional add-ons including the Birthday Bundle and black car service to/from the airport (additional costs)
Extra Programming
Professional development extends well beyond the studio. Throughout CREATE, dancers participate in career mentorship sessions, wellness seminar, artist panel, and conversations with Hubbard Street Company Artists and Leadership. These experiences provide valuable insight into navigating today’s dance industry while creating opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships.
Special this Year: Celebrate Bob Fosse’s 100th birthday with a special day of Fosse-inspired programming at Hubbard Street—offered only during CREATE and TEEN CREATE!
Program Costs
Tuition: $2,945
Housing: $1,990
Meal Plan: Flexible options $240 - $825
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to secure enrollment. The deposit is calculated based on the total cost of tuition plus any selected optional amenities. Note that housing and meal plans are optional add-ons.
Financial Assistance
Dancers accepted into Hubbard Street’s Summer Intensives through the audition process are given the opportunity to apply for financial assistance. A limited number of need-based awards are distributed, based primarily on household income in relation to Area Median Income (AMI). Financial Assistance applies toward tuition only; housing and meal costs remain the responsibility of the dancer. Award offers are sent prior to intensive registration.
In addition, merit-based partial and full scholarships to Hubbard Street’s Summer Intensives are awarded by our partner organizations including The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, NYCDA, Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase, and the National High School Dance Festival.
Housing
Hubbard Street provides housing for students, just a short walk from the studios. Suites are air-conditioned, apartment-style housing with a 24-hour security guard. Each suite contains a common living space, kitchen, and shared bathroom. Apartments come with basic dorm-style furnishings. Kitchens are equipped with refrigerators, stove-top oven, and microwave. The cost of housing includes wireless internet, utilities, and free laundry facilities.
Housing is an optional amenity not included in the cost of program tuition. Please note that housing is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All housing fees are non-refundable.
PRE-REGISTER TO AUDITION NOW
Ready to take the first step toward joining us this summer at Hubbard Street? Learn more about the audition process and pre-register today!
