Ithaca Ballet Summer Dance Program 2026

June 29 - August 7, 2026

Cindy Reid, Program Director

Thank you very much for your interest in the Ithaca Ballet's summer intensive dance program!  We have more than 40 years of experience in training dancers with an intensive summer program that provides a solid foundation in classical ballet combined with modern and jazz classes for added strength, versatility, and freedom of movement. This summer will be an exciting opportunity for dancers to develop their dance skills and make new friends in a friendly and nurturing atmosphere.

Dancers from 7-18 years old are welcome; previous ballet training is not required.  Dancers will be placed into Advanced, Intermediate, or Basic level depending on dance background and age.  The program director will adjust those placements as needed. At least 5 students must be registered in each level for that level to run.  If fewer than 5 students are registered, the students will be moved into the next appropriate level.

Most classes will be held at the Ballet Center of Ithaca, located at 504-506 N. Plain Street.  Some morning classes may be held at the Third Street Meetinghouse, located two blocks from the Ballet Center at 120 3rd Street.  A counselor will always accompany dancers to and from classes held at this location.

Program Information for 2026:

❖   Program runs from 9am – 3pm for all levels

❖   Students may attend a three (3) or six (6) week session

❖   Registration is per-session

❖   Tuition is discounted if registering prior to June 15, 2026

❖   All registrations and payment must be completed online

❖   Payment due in full at the time of registration, unless requesting a scholarship

Program Dates:

Option 1: June 29 - August 7 (six-week session)*

Option 2: June 29 - July 17 (1st three-week session)

Option 3: July 20 - August 7 (2nd three-week session)*

*six-week and 2nd three-week session include end of program performance on August 7

Registration guidance:

  • Advanced dancers who aspire to join the Ithaca Ballet should attend all six weeks

  • Dancers who want to be considered for advancing more quickly to the next class level are encouraged to attend at least one session this summer.

  • Dancers attending another summer program who would like to add extra weeks at Ithaca Ballet that fall outside the standard session dates should email summercamp@ithacaballet.org.

  • Payment is due in full at the time of registration.  If a dancer cannot attend their selected session due to illness or injury, they will be offered a space (if available) in a future session.  Refunds will not be issued and program fees cannot be applied toward fall Ballet Center tuition.

    If registering before June 15, 2026:

    • Three-week session: $950

    • Six-week session: $1850

    If registering after June 15, 2026:

    • Three-week session: $1025

    • Six-week session: $2000

    We are able to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships.   Applications must be received by June 15, 2026.

  • Payment is due in full at the time of registration and must be paid online using a debit or credit card.  If a dancer cannot attend their selected week(s) due to illness or injury, they will be offered a space (if available) in a future week. 

    Refunds will not be issued and program fees cannot be applied toward fall Ballet Center tuition.

  • Most classes will be held at the Ballet Center of Ithaca, located at 504-506 N. Plain Street. 

    Some morning classes may be held at the Third Street Meetinghouse, located two blocks from the Ballet Center at 120 3rd Street.  A counselor will always accompany dancers to and from classes held at this location.

  • 9:00 – 10:30    Ballet class

    10:45-11:30     Pointe class (beginner & advanced), stretch, or character

    11:30-1:00       Lunch & recreation

    1:00 – 2:00      Modern dance or composition class

    2:00 – 3:00      Jazz dance, classical ballet variations, or workshop

  • Faculty Includes

    ❖   Cindy Reid Artistic Director and instructor of intermediate to advanced ballet and pointe, classical variations

    ❖   Gunilla Lieberman Basic to early intermediate ballet, character dance and beginning pointe

    ❖   Rachel Myers Ballet and pointe

    ❖   Amanda Moretti Modern dance and Composition

  • Previous ballet training is not required.

    Dancers will be placed into Advanced, Intermediate, or Basic level depending on dance background and age. 

    The program director will adjust those placements as needed.

    At least 5 students must be registered in each level for that level to run.  If fewer than 5 students are registered, the students will be moved into the next appropriate level.

  • Ballet Class (all levels)

    Girls: Solid colored leotard, pink or flesh colored tights with feet, pink ballet slippers with elastics (and pointe shoes if appropriate). Hair MUST BE UP (entire neck must be visible). Bring extra bobby pins, pony tail holders, etc.

    Boys: White t-shirt (tucked in), black tights, black ballet slippers with elastic (OR white socks and white slippers).

    Ribbons on pointe shoes must be tucked in, on the inside ankle. No dangling ribbons will be tolerated. Ballet slippers must have elastic over the instep.

    Jazz Class (all levels) Same as above. Advanced level will need jazz shoes.

    Modern Class (all levels) Same as above except with FOOTLESS or convertible tights.

    Character Class (Intermediate level)

    Girls: Character shoes with heels. Full-knee length skirt.

    Boys: Boots or shoes with small heel.

    NOTE: No skirts, shorts, sweatpants, legwarmers, plastic pants or extras of any kind may be worn in class!

  • 1. No one may leave the studio premises unless accompanied by a counselor, parent or adult designated by parent.

    2. You must be dressed (with hair up) and ready to begin class at the appointed time.

    3. You must adhere to the dress code (see above).

    4. No gum chewing in class.

    5. Do not share combs and brushes.

    6. KEEP OUR STUDIO CLEAN! Clean up after yourself by putting bottles and cans in the recycling container; all other refuse in the garbage.

    7. ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD PERMITTED DOWNSTAIRS!

    8. Do not talk about weight among yourselves. Proper nutrition while you are growing is necessary for muscle and bone development. Young dancers should not diet.

  • 1. Dance attire, hair supplies, hairbrush/comb

    2. Bag lunch that does not require refrigeration: All dancers must bring their own lunch. There is a microwave in the studio. A counselor will accompany dancers who wish to purchase extra items to the Corner Store or Shortstop. Dancers wishing to purchase items must bring their own money.

    3. Ample water. There is not a water fountain at the studio and the studio is not air conditioned.

    4. Change of clothing or bathing suit for recreation.

    Please do not bring expensive electronics or other valuables to the studio as sometimes these things disappear or are damaged.

  • 1. Any dancer exhibiting symptoms of illness must remain at home.

    2. If a dancer begins feeling ill during a summer session, staff will contact the dancer’s parent/guardian or emergency contact and should be picked up as soon as possible.

    3. Since the studios do not have air conditioning, full or partial days may be cancelled if the county is under a heat advisory for the safety of our dancers. Should this occur, as much advanced notice as possible will be given. Refunds will not be issued for full or partial days cancelled due to heat.

Summer Contacts

For questions regarding payments, registration, or program logistics, please email summercamp@ithacaballet.org.

To reach a student during the summer program, call the studio at 607-319-0147.