Beyond the biggest dance stages in the country, there are many smaller stages and festivals where you can travel to appreciate the art of dance. One of the best in the country is the Florida Dance Festival, hosted by
the University of South Florida in
Tampa. This festival has been operating for over three decades, providing one of the best training programs and dance events in the southeast and even the country. Every June, the Florida Dance Festival showcases outstanding performances, workshops, and master classes. Whether you are a dancer yourself or simply interested in this creative art, this is a top dance festival worth traveling to attend.
Past Festivals
In 2011, the Florida Dance Festival took place from June 14 through June 25. This festival featured a long list of performances, including
the Full Radius Dance Company , Miami choreographer
Heather Maloney , a faculty concert, and a festival finale. The faculty at the festival is made up of a long list of accomplished dancers, including
Dale Andree and
Courtney Smith . To make things even more memorable, the performances are often accompanied by live music provided by a range of talented musicians.
Dance Training
While the performances are definitely a highlight of the Florida Dance Festival, this event is also under the spotlight for the dance training it provides. Whether you and your kids are interested in dance, there are many classes and workshops you can sign up for as a part of this festival. The minimum age requirement to participate is 11 years old, and all dancers are asked to have 2 years of modern dance training in order to qualify for full enrollment. Single classes and 1 class per day are also other options, but no advance enrollment is permitted. The cost for full tuition in 2011 was $650 plus a $40 registration fee, and this cost includes the cost of tickets for all performances.
The Details
If you're thinking about signing your kids up for training at the Florida Dance Festival, there are a few details to know. Your tuition pays for five dance classes a day (there are discounted rates if you want to take two, three, or four dance classes in a day). There are separate costs if you want to include a meal plan and dormitory accommodations. There is a dorm counselor who watches over students throughout the festival. If you are worried about the cost of the training, check out the official festival website for details on financial assistance and merit scholarships.
Types of Dance Classes
If you're interested in training at the Florida Dance Festival, you might want to know more about the classes that are offered. A long list of classes includes everything from
Physically Integrated Dance Technique to
Physically Integrated Repertory to a variety of modern dance classes. There are a number of topics covered throughout all classes, including correct postural alignment, exercises to prepare the body for dance, understanding individual body types, and more. From hip hop to ballet, there are endless types of dance taught by very qualified instructors at this festival.
Dance Performances
Some people aren't interested in the classes at all but plan a trip to the Florida Dance Festival to attend the performances. Located in sunny Tampa, Florida this festival is good cause for a vacation. Choose a
vacation rental in Tampa to take advantage of local sightseeing tours, museums, galleries, and nightlife in addition to the festival. With all the space, comfort, and convenience of a vacation rental, you might make an annual trip to Tampa for this festival.
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