Summer Intensive

“Dancing with AXIS was one of the first times I felt empowered to be fully honest in my movement – a complete immersion into the language and embodiment of inclusive dance.”
– Summer Intensive Participant

The Intensive is held in partnership with the UC Berkeley Department of Theater, Dance & Performance Studies in Berkeley, CA. All classes will be held on-campus.

We are excited to announce that for 2025 we are offering both Module I and Module II of AXIS’ comprehensive Teacher Training Program.

Applications for the 2025 Summer Intensive will be opening on January 3rd, 2025. In the meantime, Click here to view external funding options for tuition support.

Tuition Options:
• $950 for the entire 6-day intensive ($200 discount)
• $750 for the 4-day intensive, without teacher training – June 23 – 26
• $400 for Teacher Training Modules I & II – June 27 – 28

Scholarships:
Partial scholarships will be available to those in need, with priority given to applicants attending the full 6-day Intensive.

At the AXIS Summer Intensive participants will have the opportunity to experience three sets of curriculum derived from the company’s working ethos and repertoire, designed to enhance and further develop their own practices in improvisation, choreography & performance, and dance education. Our Teacher Training Modules I & II provide dance educators and experienced artists the chance to develop and enhance skills—exploring tools and working methods in inclusive dance and translation for disabled dancers. In addition to this curriculum, we offer programming focused on fully accessible movement classes that close with facilitated discussions on disability dance culture, community-building and advocacy.

Curriculum Information

Exploration 1: Improvisation 

AXIS Artists lead participants through improvisation scores and structured exercises to develop partnering and listening skills in a trusting and safe environment. Participants will respond to the environments around them as well as each other, learning how we can affect time and space through the choices we make as performers and the influences around us. 

Exploration 2: Choreography and Performance 

Choreography and Performance participants will begin with a technique class designed to develop and expand a range of memory, coordination and movement qualities. Participants will use these skills to research their own choreographic interests, investigate their own practice, and gain insight into the tasks and skills used to devise the work in AXIS’s current repertoire.

Teacher Training Modules I & II for Dancers, Professionals & Educators

AXIS offers this opportunity for an in-depth exploration of methods for teaching dance to disabled, non-disabled, and neurodiverse people. Drawing on the company’s creative practice, expertise and methodology in teaching integrated dance, participants will explore the areas of curriculum:

• Module 1 includes a discussion about the ADA, models of disability, and
  introduces the use of inclusive language and practices. The session includes
  learning and experiencing participatory exercises and activities for use in the
  classroom and dance studio. Educators will learn about how to structure an
  accessible class, which can be practiced in Module 2.
  
• Module 2 begins with an inclusive dance class taught by AXIS. Participants will
  have the opportunity to work in groups to adapt some of their favorite exercises
  and/or design an inclusive class, exploring new approaches to teaching
  movement, while receiving support and feedback from AXIS and fellow teaching
  artists.

External Funding Resources

Are you looking for external financial support to attend our Summer Intensive? You may be eligible for some of the grants & funding resources that are outlined below.

Please note that AXIS is not associated with any of these funding organizations, and will not be able to provide administrative support for your application.

External Funding for Educators

For educators interested in applying to our Summer Intensive and Teacher Training module, following funding opportunities are available.