Training at Banyan Dance Festival
Rigorous, immersive programs designed for advancement.
Banyan Dance Festival offers high-level training experiences for dancers seeking growth, challenge, and connection. Through our intensives, participants engage in daily classes, repertory, and creative process led by leading artists and educators.
An immersive training experience for pre-professional + professional dancers.
Banyan Dance Intensive
The Banyan Dance Festival Pre-Professional Intensive is a weeklong, conservatory-style experience designed for dancers ready to deepen their training and step into a professional environment. Participants engage in daily technique classes and a creation process with world-renowned choreographer Babatunji Johnson, culminating in a live festival performance.
This immersive program is built to develop artistry, stamina, and real-world practice—essential tools for a sustainable career in dance. Dancers are challenged to refine their technique, expand their range, and fully embody the choreographic language through a rigorous and supportive process.
Beyond the studio, participants are invited into the full festival experience, including community gatherings, roundtable discussions, and special events throughout the week, all while enjoying the vibrant setting of Palm Beach.
For the duration of the festival, dancers live and work within Banyan’s dynamic artistic environment—where discipline meets opportunity, and possibilities expand.
This opportunity is open for 20 dancers, ages 16-25, at an early-career, company-ready, or pre-professional advanced level.
Eligibility + Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
Must be at least 16 years of age by the program start date
Must have intermediate to advanced training in ballet, modern and contemporary
Must demonstrate strong technical foundation, work ethic, and artistic potential
Must be able to commit to the full intensive schedule (August 3–8, 2026)
Must be willing to participate in both training and performance components
Must submit all required application materials by the deadline
Must provide your own travel & accommodation (assistance in securing discounted accommodations will be available for out-of-town dancers)
Tuition
$550 Program Tuition
Covers all classes, rehearsals, and performance participation for the full week
Program Dates: August 3 - 8, 2026
Ballet Florida, 700 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Sample Schedule
9:30am - 11:00am | Ballet or Modern Technique
11:10am - 12:40pm | Ballet or Contemporary Technique
12:40pm - 1:40pm | Lunch
1:40pm - 3:00pm | Modern or Contemporary
3:30pm - 7:30pm | Rehearsal + Creative Process with Choreography Fellow or Babatunji Johnson
A supportive, engaging and focused dance training experience for young movers.
BANYAN YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM
The Banyan Young Artist Program is designed for dancers ages 9–15, with training groups divided into ages 9–12 and 13–15 to ensure an age-appropriate and focused experience.
Participants engage in rigorous half-day classes led by leading artists in the field, offering a strong foundation in technique while encouraging exploration across diverse movement practices. The program is designed to build stamina, discipline, and artistic confidence in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Following their daily training, dancers may be invited—upon request and approval—to observe company and Pre-Professional Intensive rehearsals, offering valuable insight into the professional creative process.
Youth Intensive dancers are also welcomed into the broader festival experience, with opportunities to attend performances, select festival activities and community gatherings throughout the week.
Program Dates: August 3 - 8, 2026
Eligibility, Requirements + Perks
Open to dancers ages 9–15
Participants will be placed in groups: 9–12 and 13–15
Minimum of 2–3 years of consistent dance training recommended
Dancers should have a foundational understanding of technique (ballet, modern, contemporary, or similar styles)
Ability to fully participate in daily half-day classes for the duration of the program
Willingness to engage in a focused, structured, and disciplined training environment
Eligible to observe rehearsals (company + pre-professional intensive) upon request and approval
Expected to maintain professional behavior and attentiveness during observations
Invited to attend festival events and community gatherings
Must adhere to all festival guidelines and supervision expectations
Sample Schedule: Ages 9-12
9:00am - 10:25am | Ballet or Modern
10:35am - 11:30pm | Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop or Tap
11:35am - 12:30pm | Repertory
Tuition: $200/week
Registration Deadline: June 3, 2026
Sample Schedule: Ages 13-15
3:00pm - 4:25pm | Ballet or Modern
4:35pm - 5:30pm | Contemporary or Jazz
5:35pm - 6:30pm | Repertory
Tuition: $200/week
Registration Deadline: June 3, 2026