Dancers in the 12 day and 6 day sessions will engage in –

• Two daily technique classes (Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz) taught by internationally regarded guest artists and JMU Dance Faculty.
• Daily rehearsals of repertory with one guest artist
• Professional development seminars including audition preparation with JMU Faculty and guest artists.
• 1 performance opportunity per sessions to showcase each guest artist work!

Dancers in the 3 Day Intensive will engage in –

• Two daily technique classes taught by guest artists and JMU Dance Faculty
• Daily rehearsals of new work by a JMU Dance Faculty.
• 1 performance opportunity showcasing the repertory work learned at the intensive!

Both sessions will engage two guest artists and a JMU faculty member guiding each student through contemporary, ballet, jazz and specialty workshops!

***Pictured above: DanceWorks Chicago in DayDream by Joshua Manculich

Photo by Richard Finklestein

2026 Schedule Coming Soon!

Cost Breakdown with On-Campus Housing and Food:

ACTIVITIES: All prices include group activities on and off campus, which will be announced at a later date closer to the registration deadline.

LUNCH: All prices above (even those selecting options for no housing/food) include lunch in the dining hall on campus.

Important Deadlines:

1. Scholarship Deadline: Monday April 27th, 2026
   1. Award emails will be sent out on or before May 4th, 2026.  All applicants will be notified either way.

On Campus Housing and Food:

Next Steps participants have the option to stay in JMU dorms while in the program.  This exciting opportunity allows the students to get the full JMU student experience.

Dorm Information:

• Double Dorm rooms are available. The price above is for double rooms.
• Double rooms will be assigned randomly unless there is a specific request for a roommate.
• Linen service is included in every room:
  • Linens include: 2 sheets, 1 pillowcase, 2 towels, and 1 washcloth.
  • Double towels will be provided for stays greater than four (4) nights. 
  • Linens are provided folded in each room (beds are not pre-made).
  • Pillows are provided (free of charge) for each bed; blankets for air-conditioned dorms.

Campus Dining Information:

• For participants who are staying in campus housing, you will receive 3 meals a day in JMU’s award-winning dining halls.  If you are staying in the dorm, the meal plan is required.
• For those participants who are not staying in the dorm, lunch at the campus dining hall is included in your cost.

Hotel and Harrisonburg Information:

Next Steps participants who are not local, can utilize campus housing/food but are also welcome to stay in hotels in the Harrisonburg area.  If you choose to stay at a hotel, evening supervision is not provided. Please reach out to Matt Pardo (Email: pardomj@jmu.edu) with any specific questions.

For more information on Harrisonburg, please visit the Visit Harrisonburg VA website.

Here are some local hotels that are near the beautiful Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, which will be the base of all Next Steps Summer programs…

1. Hotel Madison – on campus, across the street from the Forbes Center
2. Hyatt Place Harrisonburg - 2.4 miles away
3. Double Tree by Hilton Harrisonburg – 2.4 miles away
4. Clarion Pointe Harrisonburg – 2.4 miles away
5. Courtyard by Marriot Harrisonburg – 2.4 miles away

Next Steps will offer a limited number of needs-based scholarships for the 2026 Summer Intensive. Scholarships are awarded by filling out the Next Steps Scholarship Form before the deadline of April 27th, 2026. You must register for the intensive first and pay in-full before your scholarship application can be processed. The award notifications will be sent out via email on or before May 4th, 2026 and the award recipients will receive a refund for their awarded amount via a card reimbursement.

 Questions? Please contact Javier Padilla at padillji@jmu.edu.