McMinnville, Oregon - Dance Camp

Summer Dance Camps

Written by Abby Jones

Each year after the excitement of our spring performance, there’s a week of non-traditional dance class full of projects, movies, and games that all incorporate dance in some way, whether it’s ballet, jazz, or even hula. This is the Summer Fantasy Dance Camp, a time when dancers of all ages come together and collaborate in order to create an original performance.

Throughout the week we can be found developing a storyline, selecting music, choreographing pieces, creating crafts, and rummaging through the overflowing yet fascinating costume room where you never know what might turn up, and, of course, dancing. We all work together, regardless of experience, to make up dances and find appropriate costumes for the recital.

For a couple of hours later in the day, there’s always a more advanced class for the older dancers. We learn and practice different styles of movement than we usually do like jazz and contemporary. Each individual is encouraged to help choreograph the dances. It’s always interesting and enjoyable to experiment with styles of music and dance that we don’t usually experience.

At the end of the week, everything comes together for the final performance in the studio. It’s our chance to show our family and friends what we’ve been working on. Everyone feels a certain pride in having created and entire show basically from scratch in such a small amount of time.

The Summer Fantasy Dance Camp is about experiences, creativity, exposure, and fun in a positive and productive environment. It’s about embracing dance and performing. It’s an opportunity to try new things and learn more about ballet and dance in general. It’s an opportunity that we all appreciate.