American Midwest Ballet
SUMMER INTENSIVE
June 9 – June 27, 2025
Welcome to the American Midwest Ballet Summer Intensive! Three intensive weeks of ballet, pointe, variations, jazz, modern, contemporary, and repertory are in store for dancers ages 11-25 in this challenging and rewarding program, held at the beautiful Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa – part of the vibrant Omaha metro area.
Also returning this year: the Junior Intensive, a one-week program for dancers ages 10-13!
Summer Intensive participants will immerse themselves in dance six days per week. They will be guided by a faculty consisting of stellar guest instructors and company artists of American Midwest Ballet. On the final day, full program Summer Intensive and Junior Intensive students will showcase what they’ve learned in a performance in the Hoff Center’s fully-equipped theater.
About the Intensive
Essential Info
- Location: Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa (Omaha metro)
- Performance opportunity: Final-day performance in the Hoff Center theater for full program Summer Intensive and Junior Intensive students
AMB Summer Intensive
- Ages: 11-25
- Classes: Ballet, pointe, variations, jazz, modern, contemporary, and repertory
- Boarding option available for ages 13 and up
- Enrollment options: Students may select the full three-week program, or the first week only.
AMB Junior Intensive
- Ages: 10-13
- Classes: Ballet, beginning/pre-pointe, variations, jazz, modern, contemporary, and repertory
How to Apply
The application process has two steps: audition and enrollment. You should complete the audition step first. The audition help us determine if dancers are ready, in terms of training and technique, to take full advantage of an intensive three-week program. After audition, dancers accepted to the program will receive a link to complete their enrollment online. During enrollment, you’ll fill out the enrollment agreement, pay your deposit, and provide important contact information.
In-Person Audition
Pre-registration is mandatory:
In-person audition opportunities are:
National Master Audition
Ballet California
1261 Sartori Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
December 29th, 2024
Regional Summer Intensive Audition at COCA
Center of Creative Arts
6880 Washington Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63130
January 17th-19th, 2025
American Midwest Ballet School
Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 5150
January 11th, 2025, 3:00-5:00 pm
Dubuque Academy of Ballet
Grand Opera House
135 W. 8th Street
Dubuque Iowa 52001
February 23rd, 2025, 2:00-4:00pm
Online Audition
If an in-person audition doesn’t fit your schedule, we offer an online option. You can audition online by completing a simple form. You’ll be asked to supply some basic information about your dance background, and to upload the following items:
- A brief letter of recommendation from your dance teacher including years of training; number and style of dance classes you take per week; and your classroom work ethic and demeanor.
- A photo in first arabesque
- A photo in tendu a la seconde
The deadline for completing your online audition is April 21, 2025.
Costs and Dates
Boarding Students
| Session | Dates | Age Range | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Three Week Program | 6/09/25-6/27/25* | 13+ | $4800 |
| First Week Only | 6/09/25-6/14/25* | 13+ | $1800 |
Day Students
| Session | Dates | Age Range | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Three Week Program | 6/09/25-6/27/25 | 11-25 | $1800 |
| First Week Only | 6/09/25-6/14/25 | 11-25 | $650 |
| Junior Intensive | 6/23/25-6/27/25 | 10-13 | $650 |
Tuition Discount
A 10% tuition discount ($180 off the full program, $65 off single-week programs) is available to current American Midwest Ballet School students and past Summer Intensive attendees. Discount does not apply to deposits or boarding charges. May not be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Expires June 1, 2025.
Payment Deadlines
- All students: A $100 deposit (non-refundable) will be charged to your payment method when you register. After registration, you may make payments on your account at any time. Any remaining balance will be charged on the due date listed below.
- Boarding students: Registration deadline and payment in full due by May 1. Payments are non-refundable after May 1.
- Day students: Registration deadline and payment in full due by June 1. Payments are non-refundable after June 1.
About the Hoff Center
First opened to the public in February 2020, the Hoff Family Arts & Culture is a hub for creative activity that includes education offerings, classrooms, artist studios, galleries, culinary arts and teaching kitchens, and a state-of-the-art 280-seat theater. Combining a fully-renovated 1894 building with a newly-constructed wing housing the theater and the studios of American Midwest Ballet, the 95,000-square-foot facility is one of the largest architectural projects of its kind in the country. The Hoff Center is the home of Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (the nonprofit that manages the facility), American Midwest Ballet, Chanticleer Community Theater, Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, and Kitchen Council, a startup incubator for food entrepreneurs.
Boarding Option
A boarding option is available for students age 13 and up. They will live in student housing on the Creighton University campus. Adult resident advisors, including AMB professional dancers, will supervise the boarding students, transport them to and from the Hoff Center for classes, and accompany them on weekend outings and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many classes will students take each day?
Students will take classes Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:45pm including a rehearsal in preparation for the final day performance. Saturday classes will run from 9:30-12:45. Here is one example of what a typical day would look like:
- 9:30-11:00 Ballet Class
- 11:15-12:15 Variations Class
- 12:15-1:00 Lunch
- 1:00-2:15 Jazz
- 2:30-3:45 Rehearsal
- 3:45-4:45 Conditioning
What is the student boarding like?
Boarding students for the AMB Summer Intensive will stay in student housing on the campus of Creighton University in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Each suite includes 4 bedrooms, a furnished living room, a full kitchen (dishwasher, stove, refrigerator), and two full baths. Each student will have their own bedroom that includes a twin bed, desk, chair, and dresser. The building is fully air conditioned and has free wi-fi.
What will boarding students eat?
Students will typically have breakfast in their suite, utilizing the full kitchen and the provided grocery items. Dinner will take place at the Dining Hall on the Creighton campus, a full-service cafeteria. On dance days, lunch will be provided at the Hoff Center (where the dance studios are located.) On off days, meals may take place at the Dining Hall or at off-campus excursions.
Will students be supervised at all times?
Boarding students will have 24/7 supervision by a Resident Advisor (RA) through AMB. The RAs will be staying with the students at the housing facility. RAs will also accompany students on excursions and trips. While at the dance studios, students will be under the care of the AMB faculty, staff and RAs.
What will boarding students do while not dancing?
During the Summer Intensive program, students may also have the opportunity to experience a taste of the Omaha Metro area through excursions to local sites or events. Past excursions have included trips to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, the Luminarium, and local performances. These activities will be supervised by the RAs and include transportation (when applicable). Activities may also take place at the housing facility. These activities will be supervised by the RA staff and include things such as: crafts, movies, ice cream parties, and games.
Hope to See You Soon!
If you have questions, please email us at summerintensive@amballet.org.
All program information is subject to change.
Photos from past Summer Intensives
