Our EXPLORE Intensive is a four-week program for pre-professional and early-career dancers, ages 18-30. Dancers step into the world of Hubbard Street by learning repertory from the company’s current season and training in diverse genres of dance.
Dancers embrace the concert dance world in hand with Chicago’s premier contemporary dance company and guest faculty. Dancers get exclusive access to new material that will push them outside of their artistic bounds, making space for progression and advancement in their training.
Unique to our EXPLORE program, we offer dancers the opportunity to select a technique track, allowing them to mold their Summer Intensive experience. Participants will be able to select their preference between the Classic, Contemporary, and Rhythm Tracks.
Program Dates & Schedule
July 6 – 30, 2027
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 - 1:00 PM | Morning Classes followed by Learning & Rehearsing Rep |
| 1:30 - 2:45 PM | Lunch and Physical Therapy (by sign up) |
| 2:45 - 5:45 PM | Afternoon Classes or Warm-up followed by Learning & Rehearsing Rep |
| 10:00 PM | Recommended curfew for those staying in dorms |
- Approx. 70 hours of classes in a wide-ranging curriculum: Core Curriculum plus additional practices such as Tap, Graham, Limón, Vogue, House, Ballroom, Countertechnique, West African Dance, Spanish Dances, and more.
- Approx. 40 hours learning excerpts from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s licensed choreography, repertory from the company’s current season
- Panel discussion and classes with local Chicago artists and companies
- Optional Small Group Mentorship session
- Sharing Event onstage at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
- Dancer Wellness Seminar including injury prevention, recovery, and nutrition
- Access to complimentary Physical Therapy
- 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 EXPLORE, 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.
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!