Katherine Dunham Summer Intensive with April Berry - June 2025
Immerse yourself in the Katherine Dunham Technique with Master Teacher, April Berry.
June 2-6, 2025
Ages 18+
$550*
*Alums receive half-off
Schedule:
10am -noon: Warm up and Technique class
Noon to 1pm:- Lunch
1-2:30pm: Repertory
2:45-4:30: Context/History/Viewing
In order to register for the Intensive, please fill out the Registration Form
All registrants will not be considered until payment has been received via the Payment Form-Dunham
April Berry, dance director, master teacher, dance educator, and former internationally acclaimed principal dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, was born and raised in New York. Berry began her professional training in ballet at the National Academy of Ballet and Theatre Arts in New York City under the founding direction of Thalia Mara, also founder of the prestigious International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. As a young dance student, Berry was a scholarship student and a company apprentice with the Dance Theatre of Harlem under directors Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook. Berry’s professional dance career began in ballet at the age of 17 and she has danced with ballet companies in Switzerland, Italy, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Long Island. Berry studied modern dance techniques and jazz dance at The Ailey School in New York, and trained in African-Caribbean folkloric and popular dance forms at the Escuela Nacional des Arts (National School of the Arts) in Havana, Cuba. Berry has worked closely with many of the most celebrated choreographers and dance artists of the 20th century. She has danced the signature works of Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham, Lester Horton, George Balanchine, Todd Bolender, Choo San Goh, Hans Van Manen, Billy Wilson, John Butler, Talley Beatty, and Donald McKayle, as well as in works by other renowned choreographers from the world of ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz dance.
Room & Board options available for an additional fee.
Illinois Street Residence Hall (ISR) Prices/night
$61.70 ($65.40 with tax) for a single occupancy
$40.15 ($42.56 with tax) for a double occupancy
Separate payment for dorms can be made by check to: Department of Dance, University of Illinois
Experimental Dance Film Summer Intensive with Laura Chiaramonte
Registration is now closed. Experimental Dance Film Summer Intensive is full.
Discover and work in midcentury modern spaces throughout Champaign Urbana, including Jack Baker Loft and Margaret Erlanger House.
**Special Note: Dance at Illinois and the Flatlands Dance Film Festival are pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Bates Dance Festival. This summer, the Flatlands Dance Film Festival will feature an exhibition of films from its official selection over the past four years at the Bates Dance Festival. Furthermore, participants who enroll in the Dance at Illinois Experimental Film Summer Intensive in June will be eligible for a 20% discount on registration for the Bates Dance Festival. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both organizations, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.**
June 9-13, 2025
Ages 18+
$550*
*Alums receive half-off
FACULTY BIOS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Room & Board options available for an additional fee.
Sample schedule:
Monday, June 9
10-12pm: Introductions/Tour spaces/Discussions
12-1pm: Lunch
1-3pm: Workshop (Movement & Camera)
3:30-4:30pm: Workshop (Technical Composition)
4:30-5pm: Writing/Discussion
Tuesday, June 10
9-10am: Somatic Warm-up
10-12pm: Workshop (Exploring Spaces)
12-1pm: Lunch
1-3pm: Workshop (Exploring Spaces)
3:30-5pm: Writing/Discussion
Wednesday, June 11
9-10am: Somatic Warm-up
10-12pm: Gathering and Movement Material and Footage
12-1pm: Lunch
1-3pm: Workshop: Design (Choreography and Editing)
3:30-5pm: Discussion/Installation
Thursday, June 12
9-10am: Somatic Warm-up
10-12pm: Workshop: Directorial ideas for Installation
12-1pm: Lunch
1-3pm: Making Individual Teams
3:30-5pm: Show n Tell
Friday, June 13
9-12pm: Installation/Work Day
11-12pm: Lunch
12-3pm: Installation/Work Day
4-5pm: Final Showing & Discussion