Directed by renowned educators and artistic leaders Lissette and David Lucas, the program welcomes dancers from around the world to Miami for an immersive experience focused on technical excellence, artistic growth, versatility, and performance achievement. Designed for serious young artists eager to challenge themselves and elevate their craft, the intensive encourages dancers to develop confidence, discipline, and individuality while training in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Dancers receive comprehensive instruction in ballet technique, pointe or pre-pointe, and classical variations. Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum, students refine alignment, placement, coordination, musicality, and performance quality while developing the versatility required of today’s evolving dance landscape.

Guided by an exceptional faculty of experienced educators and industry professionals, dancers benefit from personalized coaching, daily mentorship, and valuable artistic guidance. In addition to studio training, students have opportunities to engage in discussions surrounding higher education, professional pathways, and career development within the dance industry.

Directed by renowned educators and artistic leaders Lissette and David Lucas, this immersive two-week ballet intensive will take place July 19–31, 2027 in Iowa City, Iowa, welcoming dedicated dancers ages 10–19 from around the world. Designed for serious young artists eager to grow, challenge themselves, and elevate both their technical and artistic abilities, the program offers a dynamic curriculum rooted in versatility, discipline, creativity, and performance excellence.

With distinguished faculty from both Joffrey Ballet School and UBC, dancers will experience exceptional training in ballet technique, pointe, variations, contemporary, contemporary pointe, improvisation, and repertoire. The intensive is designed to foster artistic individuality while encouraging dancers to grow within a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment.

More than a summer intensive, the JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive is a celebration of artistry, passion, discipline, and dreams. Through world-class instruction, meaningful mentorship, and a strong sense of community, every class, rehearsal, and shared experience is designed to encourage confidence, creativity, and excellence both in and out of the studio.

At the heart of the JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. Dancers will be encouraged to deepen their confidence, build lasting friendships, embrace their individuality, and pursue their goals with courage and determination in an environment where artistry and personal growth go hand in hand.

Throughout the week, dancers will train under the guidance of Angela Rebelo and a distinguished faculty of working professionals and seasoned Joffrey Ballet School instructors. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, precision, and artistic expression, this intensive provides world-class mentorship designed to help each dancer develop both technical mastery and personal artistry.

Daily classes include Classical Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, Neoclassical Repertoire on Pointe, Contemporary Dance, Pre-Pointe and Pointe Strengthening, as well as specialized conditioning sessions such as Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). These classes are thoughtfully structured to enhance technique, prevent injury, foster body awareness, and build a refined, intelligent approach to movement—equipping dancers with the strength and versatility needed to thrive in today’s professional dance world. The week will encourage hard work, self-reflection, and artistic growth, allowing each participant to discover new depths of expression and performance potential.

The intensive will culminate in a studio showing on Saturday, August 15th, where dancers will share their progress and artistry with family and friends!

Classes will be taught in English. 

• Ballet Kontemp Concentration: classes comprised of Pointe Kontemp, masterclasses, and Ballet Kontemp Repertory.
• Jazz & Contemporary Concentration: classes comprised of Jazz and Contemporary classes, masterclasses, and Jazz and Contemporary repertory.

The program culminates with a showcase performance featuring students in Ballet Kontemp, Jazz, and Contemporary Repertory. Dancers will also have the opportunity for professional individual photoshoots with Minty Photography and personalized coaching from Artistic Director Meg Paul. Space is limited! 

Students will delve into the foundations of classical ballet technique, honing their skills and artistry. The curriculum includes a mix of classical ballet classes, the study and performance of variations from renowned ballets, and explorations in contemporary ballet styles. This blend allows dancers to connect with the historical roots of ballet while expanding their movement vocabulary and preparing for the demands of today’s dance world. Daily ballet and pointe classes will enforce a strong technical base while additional classes in other dance forms will expand the students’ movement capabilities. The faculty is composed of working professionals, instructors, and choreographers who are prominent in the sphere of concert dance leading our students with expertise, refinement, and mentorship.

Throughout the two-week program, dancers train with esteemed faculty and renowned choreographers, exploring a range of styles that prepare them to seamlessly transition back into their academic programs or professional company work. Complementing the intensive technical curriculum are classes in yoga, Pilates, and strength conditioning—ensuring a balanced approach to physical readiness, injury prevention, and overall well-being.

This immersive program not only hones precision and performance quality but also empowers each artist to find their unique voice within the evolving language of contemporary dance. 

Dancers attending both weeks of the program have the opportunity to join our performance, which will take place on the final Saturday of the program. Dancers who are not participating in the performance will end on the final Friday of the performance.

Expand your classical technique into the realm of contemporary ballet with Artistic Director Josie Walsh and the Joffrey Ballet School!

The core curriculum of the Jazz & Contemporary Intensive includes daily classes in jazz, modern/contemporary, hip hop, and conditioning, with ballet technique classes 1-4 days per week. For dancers participating in the last week of the intensive, the program will culminate with a fully produced theater performance, giving the students a well-deserved sense of accomplishment for their summer studies. This final week of the program is focused on the performance. Dancers will have technique classes in the morning and will be focusing on repertoire and rehearsal during the rest of the day.

Classes will be taught in Italian and English.