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WE TRAIN THE FIELD

Dance in Maine this summer!

Bates Dance Festival offers the following summer training programs for dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and levels––Young Dancers Intensive (YDI), a rigorous two-week program for dancers ages 14–18; Young Dancers Intensive: Extensions, a one-week program for advanced students ages 16–18; and the Professional Training Program (PTP) for dancers over 18.

BDF also is proud to serve our local community by offering the Youth Arts Program. Students ages 6–17 take classes in dance, music, theater and visual arts. 

All programs take place on the Bates College Campus in Lewiston, Maine. Applications for YDI, Extensions, and PTP will open November 20, 2024 – May 9, 2025. 

See below for more information.

Professional Training Program

July 13 – August 2, 2025
Ages 18+

Design your own one, two, or three week schedule to develop your technique and deepen your practice.

Young Dancers Intensive

June 28 – July 12, 2025
Ages 14-18

Five classes a day, workshops with guest artists, opportunities to see performances, and personalized mentorship to support your festival experience and growth beyond.

YDI: Extensions

July 13 – July 19, 2025
Ages 16-18

Twenty advanced students continue training alongside PTP with specialized classes designed to further strengthen and prepare for a career in dance.

Youth Arts Program

July 14 – August 1, 2025
Ages 6-17

A three week day camp for local students with interest and curiosity in the arts.

”Overall, these three weeks have been absolutely life changing. The classes, performances, people, community, and social events all combined into an experience that balanced both learning opportunities and plain old fun.