SUMMERDANCE 2025

WELCOME TO SUMMERDANCE!

At Lifebridge Sanctuary, 333 Mountain Road, Rosendale, NY

July 28 - August 1 & August 4 - August 8

Ages 9-18 | 9:30 AM -5:00 PM

Join The Vanaver Caravan at SummerDance, an immersive dance experience nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, in Rosendale, NY. Dancers explore world traditions, contemporary choreography, theatre, jazz, music, percussive forms and more--while building creativity, confidence, and community. This program is a hidden gem and a truly inspiring experience for movers of all levels. Learn more and register today:

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

SummerDance is an annual summer dance and music intensive. Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley the workship takes place at our new location, Lifebridge Sanctuary in Rosendale, NY. Aspiring dancers and musicians (aged 9-18 + adult drop ins) of all levels and backgrounds are invited to join.

SummerDance participants will embark on a two-week journey designed to cultivate personal expression, refine technique, and ignite joy. Led by a team of esteemed faculty members, dancers will partake in masterclasses spanning an array of styles including modern dance, ballet, theater, jazz, world and folk dance traditions, swing dance, Afro-Caribbean Soca, Appalachian clogging, songwriting, music for dancers, and percussive dance. But SummerDance is more than just dance – it's a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.

Immersion Week: July 28 - Aug 1

Dancers will explore new styles, techniques, relieve stress, and nurture their creative spirit. Participants will find inspiration around every corner, forging lasting bonds with fellow dancers and immersing themselves in a supportive community.

Performance Week: August 4-8

Dancers will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage on the culminating evening of August 8th. Guided by the expert direction of the SummerDance faculty, participants will bring their choreographic visions to life, honing their skills and leaving a lasting impression on their audience.

New Afternoon Electives

This year, SummerDance is offering new electives in song-writing and music for aspiring musicians, Flamenco, World Dance & Performance, Advanced Swing, Afro-Carribean Soca, as well as a chance to book aerial flight lessons (group of solo) with 5th Wall Studio just down the road at Stone Mountain Farm.

About the New Location

Lifebridge Sanctuary recently changed hands and is now being run by the Hero's Journey Foundation. The setting offers more than just a venue – it provides spacious dance studios, outdoor pavilions, a tranquil courtyard, and hiking trails.

Overnight accommodations are available for out-of-town participants and their families (see below).

Tuition & Discounts

PROGRAM COST:

$585, one week
$1120, both weeks*

APPLY DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECKOUT:

*Registering for Both Weeks? Use code: TWOWEEK25
Sibling Discount (One Week), Use code: SIBLING25
Sibling Discount (Two Weeks), Use code: SIBSQUARED25

OVERNIGHT OPTION

Lifebridge offers a limited number of beautiful rooms for rent, along with an industrial kitchen and premium facilities.

This option is available for out-of-town families and participants 18 and older.

🔹 Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver over 18.

📩 If interested, please email vcoffice@vanavercaravan.org

Overnight Accommodation cost:

$325 per week per person (food not included)
$130 weekend stay per person (food not included)

Scholarships Are Available!

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Sponsor a student

Information & Guidelines

LOCATION & FACILITIES

📍 Lifebridge Sanctuary 333 Mountain Rd, Rosendale, NY 12472

This year, SummerDance will take place at Lifebridge Sanctuary, a retreat center nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Lifebridge offers state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious dance studios, outdoor pavilions, a courtyard, and ample outdoor access. Learn more about the Hero’s Journey Foundation at Lifebridge.

SCHEDULE NOTES

WEEK ONE – IMMERSION WEEK

📅 July 28 - August 1
🕤 Monday - Friday | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM* at Lifebridge
🕠 New Electives run until 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday. See below.

WEEK TWO – PERFORMANCE WEEK

📅 August 4 - August 8
🕤 Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM* at Lifebridge Sanctuary
🕠 Electives run until 5:00 PM.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 – PERFORMANCE DAY

📅 Friday, August 9🔹 This will be a longer day, culminating in the SummerDance Student Variety Show. This special event allows students to showcase their hard work and creativity in a pre-professional setting. 🔹 More details to follow.

NEW AFTERNOON ELECTIVES – 3:45-5:00 PM

Afternoon electives run Monday - Thursday from 3:45 - 5:00 PM each week. These electives offer an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth technique work, choreography review, additional performance opportunities, songwriting, aerial flight, and more!

✨ Open to all SummerDancers.

WHAT TO BRING

✅ Refillable water bottle(s)
✅ Two snacks and lunch
✅ Hand sanitizer/wipes
✅ Sunscreen & Bug spray
✅ Rain gear (if applicable)
✅ Breathable, stretchy dance clothes (no jeans, please)
✅ Extra set of dance shoes (ballet slippers or jazz shoes, optional)
✅ Tap shoes / hard-soled shoes (available to borrow in various sizes and conditions from our tap shoe bin)

JOIN THE CARAVAN CARPOOL

🚗 Parents & caregivers interested in carpooling to/from Rosendale can sign up [HERE]. To see who else is signed up in your area, click [HERE]. Feel free to contact other parents on the list at your convenience.

✨ Let’s save gas & time—for each other and the planet!

HEALTH & SAFETY

💊 A First Aid kit will be available, and our team will work to create a safe and supportive environment for each child.
⚠️ Medical Concerns: If your child has allergies (food, bee stings, hay fever, etc.), medical conditions, or medications, please inform the workshop director and faculty.
🐜 Tick Checks: Please check for ticks daily. We will avoid tall grass and encourage students to reapply bug spray throughout the day. If we discover a tick on your child, we will call you for instructions.

🚫 Illness Policy: If a participant appears ill, they will be sent home. Please do not attend if you are sick.

DANCE INSTITUTE POLICY GUIDELINES

📌 Attendance Commitment: Enrolling in SummerDance means committing to full participation. Absences should be communicated in advance. Excessive unexcused absences may impact performance eligibility.

📌 Respect & Conduct: Students represent The Vanaver Caravan and should respect the spaces we use and the people who share them.

Students and parents/guardians may enter only designated areas.
Tampering with or removing property/equipment is prohibited. Violators may face suspension.
Parking & Driving Etiquette: Drive cautiously and follow posted regulations.
Substance Policy: The use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco on premises is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate suspension.

AGE POLICY

SummerDance is designed for students ages 9-18, with classes divided into two age groups:

✔ Ages 9-12
✔ Ages 13-18

📌 Younger students should wait until they meet the age requirement to move up or enroll in the program. Exceptions may be made for students close to the age requirement if the program director and parents/caregivers believe the child can manage the program’s challenges.

REFUND POLICY

💰 Full tuition refunds (minus a $30 administrative fee) are available until April 5.
💰 50% tuition refunds are available until May 15.
🚫 No refunds will be issued after May 15.

✨ A portion of non-refundable tuition balances will be donated to the Betsey Bergman Memorial Scholarship Fund.