The Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive, led by Artistic Director Colleen Barnes, is a rigorous multi-genre training experience focused on strengthening technique, artistry, versatility, and stamina in preparation for the year-round dance season. Through focused training in an intimate and supportive environment, dancers are challenged to make meaningful progress across multiple disciplines while developing greater confidence and physical readiness.

Either a Ballet or Jazz & Contemporary audition is required for admission to this intensive. Students may audition in person or digitally. Students must by 10 years of age by June 7, 2027 in order to audition and be considered for this program.
Students do not need to attend a separate audition for every Summer Intensive they are interested in. By completing either a Ballet or Jazz & Contemporary audition, dancers are automatically considered for all Summer Intensives within that audition style for which they meet the stated age requirements.

Students train in a full-day intensive environment designed to build technique, artistry, versatility, and professional training habits. A typical day begins with classes in the morning, followed by an approximately 45-60 minute lunch break, with short 5–15 minute breaks between classes. Training then continues through the late afternoon or early evening with additional classes and specialty training.
The curriculum may include Ballet Technique, Pointe/Variations, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz Heels, and Conditioning for Dance including Yoga and Stretch. Students also participate in a weekly seminar on anatomy for dancers and injury prevention led by Artistic Director Colleen Barnes. Please note that certain classes may be offered only to select levels based on age, placement, and experience. Registered students will receive an exact schedule the week before the intensive start date.

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registration opens in jan 2025

Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive

Artistic Directors & Faculty

Artistic DirectorMaster Faculty

Colleen Barnes

Colleen Barnes (she/her) is currently the Area Chair and Assistant Professor of Dance-Ballet at the University of Akron’s School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration, where she has worked tirelessly to revitalize and elevate the Dance Program since 2021. At UA she teaches Ballet Technique, Anatomy for Dancers, Freshman &...
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Faculty

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Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive

2026 Tuition & Pricing

We’re excited to announce that pricing details for 2027 will be available shortly. Please note that the prices listed below are for the 2026 season. Stay tuned for updates, and check back soon for our 2027 rates!

$995 per week
For 1 week

$899 Per Week
For 2 weeks

Housing

Housing is available and optional for this intensive.Multiple Week Discounts Available

Meal Plans

$299 (per week)
Housing meal plan is required for housing students and includes breakfast and dinner from Sunday evening until Friday morning. Lunch is included Monday - Friday. Students staying multiple weeks will receive breakfast & dinner on the weekends.
A meal plan is available and optional for this intensive.

Additional Costs & Fees

Registration Fee

$125

Required one time fee for all students

Studio Lunch Plan Fee

$99

Optional weekly fee. Available for Commuter students. 50% due upon registration.

Roommate Initial Request Fee

$100

Optional one time fee for Housing students

Processing Fee

3.50%

Due at Registration

Deposit & Registration Fees

$625

A $500 Deposit Plus the $125 Registration Fee & 50% of the lunch fee is Required at registration for all students.

Joffrey Ballet School Tuition & Pricing rates are subject to change.

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Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive

Location Details

In-Person or Virtual Options Available

Akron, Ohio

Our Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive will be held at:

The University of Akron Guzzetta Hall
228 E Buchtel Ave, Akron, OH 44325

Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive

Housing Details

Housing ADDRESS

Click here to view the2027 Housing Manual

Program Details

There will be a virtual orientation for students and parents as well as an in person orientation on the first day of classes.

Virtual Orientation

Wednesday July 30 at 7:00 pm EST
ZOOM LinkZOOM ID: ZOOM Password:

For all students. Parents are welcome to attend.

Program Orientation

Monday, August 4 at TBA

At the studio

Only for students starting on Monday August 4.

No parents.

Program Orientation

Monday, August 11 at TBA

At the studio

Only for students starting on Monday August 11.

No parents.

Joffrey Ballet School is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students. Gender nonconforming students, students with religious and cultural considerations and any student needing additional support is welcome to contact us to discuss the dress code. Please contact our Customer Support department with any dress code questions and/or concerns.

Ballet Classes

Option 1: Black leotard, pink or skin-toned tights and ballet shoes.
Option 2: Black tights, fitted, tucked-in T-shirt (white or black), socks and shoes for ballet classes.
Option 3: (Gender Non-Binary option) Black tights or leggings with leotard or fitted, tucked-in T-Shirt (white or black)

Non-balletic classes

Option 1: Dance shorts or pants with a fitted T-Shirt, socks, shoes for contemporary dance forms.
Option 2: Black tights, T-shirt (white or black), socks and shoes.

Conditioning classes

Socks and warm-ups.

Performance

Various form-fitting clothing in black: pants, leggings, tops. Solid-color leotards & tops are also welcome.

Supplies required for all dancers:

A water bottle.
Thera-band of preferred strength for conditioning classes.

Clothing that will be worn when exiting the dance building.

A completed physical or physician’s note from within the last 12 months is required and should be completed before a dancer begins their selected intensive. If you have a completed physical examination for your dancer from within the last calendar year, you can substitute it in place of the Doctor’s note. The letter must state that the dancer is healthy and physically able to participate in the summer program. This form will be submitted at the student’s program orientation. A complete physical is not necessary. Sample Doctor’s Note

Students 13 and younger are not allowed to leave a Joffrey Ballet School building without a staff member.
Students 14 and older are allowed to leave the building during lunch breaks, but must travel with other students who are also 14 and older.
Students 13 and younger will not be allowed to leave the building with students 14 and older.
Parents are welcome to drop off meals for their students at the studio.

There will be no escorted trips during lunch breaks to/from the studios. Students must pack a lunch and snacks to eat between meals.

The Administrative team consists of Summer Coordinators, Office Managers and a group of Administrative Assistants who work with the Director of Operations and Artistic Directors at the studios. The team facilitates daily operations and handles crises or emergencies should they arise.

All of our summer interns take part in a robust selection process that includes a formal application, one-on-one interviews, group evaluations and background checks. Most of our interns are currently attending university or have graduated. All candidates must have a dance background or share an appreciation for performing arts.

at Joffrey Ballet School

Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive

Joffrey Akron Summer Intensive