The PAI dance program is rigorous, encompassing classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, and improvisation. The demanding four-week workshop is led by a faculty of professional dancers, teachers and choreographers, all who come from diverse backgrounds and have professional experience. The curriculum is both strenuous and rewarding, challenging dancers to refine technique and increase stamina. It culminates in a full-scale dance production featuring students, faculty, and guest artists. Dancers are involved in all aspects of the production, including costume design, lighting and choreography. There is often live accompaniment by PAI musicians.

Although the importance of strong ballet technique is stressed, the program also emphasizes diversity in dance training. Many students wish to explore other dance genres and engage in the creative process of choreography. PAI encourages such artistic diversity, knowing there are many non-traditional dance opportunities (modern, jazz and improvisation) available to both professional and amateur adult dancers. For students who do not pursue careers as professional dancers, a diversity of dance genres will allow them to dance for a lifetime, far into their adult years.

In addition to our faculty, guest clinicians are invited to conduct masterclasses in specific aspects of dance. In 2007, Barbara Weisberger, founder of the Pennsylvania Ballet, shared her expertise with PAI dancers. Other notable guest artists of past seasons included Carrie Ellmore, principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company; Elizabeth Hansen of the Joffrey Ballet; Jeanne Dillon and Sophia Castaldi, who danced both nationally and internationally with the Miami City Ballet; Lisa Sundstrum, former principal dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet Company and American Ballet Theater; Lina Early, director of Opus 1 Contemporary; Derrick Vanford, dancer with Koresh Dance Company; Trinette Singleton, former principal dancer with The Joffery Ballet; Megan Bailly Jackson, principal dancer with the Brandywine Ballet Company; and Andrew Buleza, former character dancer with Pittsburgh’s famous Tamburitzans.

PAI accepts dancers between the ages of 10 and 18.