SUMMERDANCE
WELCOME TO SUMMERDANCE + MUSIC!
At Lifebridge Sanctuary, 333 Mountain Road, Rosendale, NY
July 27 - July 31 & August 3 - August 7
Ages 9-18 | 9:30 AM -5:00 PM
Join The Vanaver Caravan at SummerDance+Music, an immersive dance experience nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, in Rosendale, NY. Students 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 workshop takes place at our new location, Lifebridge Sanctuary in Rosendale, NY. Aspiring dancers and musicians (aged 9-18) 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. SummerDance is more than just dance, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
Immersion Week: July 27 - July 31
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 3-7
Dancers will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on stage on the culminating evening of August 7th. 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.
About the Location
Lifebridge Sanctuary recently changed hands and is now 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).
NEW! SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM (PILOT)
🎶An exciting new pathway for young musicians within the SummerDance experience.
Launching in Summer 2026, the Summer Music Program is a small pilot designed for students who want to deepen their instrumental practice within a collaborative, tradition-rooted setting.
This program is for students who already play an instrument and are interested in folk and traditional music. Musicians will study repertoire, technique, and ensemble skills while exploring the cultural and communal roots of the music.
Program Highlights
Instrumental and ensemble-based instruction
Exploration of folk and regional traditions (Appalachian, Celtic, Old-Time, Bluegrass, and more)
Learning by ear, collaborative music-making, and informal jams
Integrated classes with SummerDance students, including percussive dance, vocal training, and group singing
Music students are fully part of the SummerDance community and will regularly merge with dancers, reflecting the deep connection between music and movement.
Pilot Format
Enrollment is limited to support focused mentorship and a strong cohort experience. Students should be prepared to participate fully and work collaboratively.
Apply
Interested students must complete a short application form sharing their musical background, interests, and goals.
📝 Application form coming soon
Details about faculty, schedule, and acceptance timeline will be shared soon.
Tuition & Discounts
PROGRAM COST:
$585, one week
$1120, both weeks*
APPLY DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECKOUT:
*Registering for Both Weeks? Use code: TWOWEEK26
Sibling Discount (One Week), Use code: SIBLING26
Sibling Discount (Two Weeks), Use code: SIBSQUARED26
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!
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 27 - July 31
🕤 Monday - Friday | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM* at Lifebridge
🕠 Special Opt-in Classes & Rehearsal Blocks run until 5:00 PM, Monday - Thursday. See below.
WEEK TWO – PERFORMANCE WEEK
📅 August 3 - August 7
🕤 Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM* at Lifebridge Sanctuary
🕠 Special Opt-in Classes & Rehearsal Blocks run until 5:00 PM.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 – PERFORMANCE DAY
📅 Friday, August 7🔹 This will be a longer day, culminating in the SummerDance Student Showcase. This special event allows students to showcase their hard work and creativity in a pre-professional setting. 🔹 More details to follow.
Special Opt-In Classes & Rehearsal Blocks
3:45–5:00 PM | Monday–Thursday
Afternoon electives run from 3:45–5:00 PM and offer focused, in-depth instruction in areas such as technique, choreography, performance, songwriting, aerial flight, and more.
These sessions are not aftercare and are intended for students who are committed to the class they enroll in.
Students staying after 3:30 PM must be registered for and fully participate in an elective class.
This time is reserved for enrolled students only and is structured instructional time.
Unregistered students, siblings, or friends may not remain on campus.
The elective schedule and sign-up form will be shared soon.
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. 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.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
📞 Phone: 845-256-9300
📩 Email: vcoffice@vanavercaravan.org
We look forward to dancing with you!
🌟 Warmly,
The SummerDance Team!
SAMPLE CLASS SCHEDULE
Check back in Spring 2026 for an updated schedule!
MEET THE 2025 FACULTY
Many of these friendly faces will be returning in summer 2026!
REGISTER NOW
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