FAQs

Can I take the workshop part-time?
We occasionally accept a limited number of part-time students, depending on enrollment. If you are interested, you must submit your registration and check the box stating that you are interested in part-time study. If you are accepted, you will be able to register for specific weeks, to attend two classes daily (Technique and Phrasework). Part-time study is not available for the afternoon elective classes. Part-time enrollment can not be confirmed until all full-time registration has closed, in early May.

Is there a dress-code for the workshop?
There is no dress code for our workshop, however we ask that you wear clothes that don't obstruct your dancing; sweats and a tank top or t-shirt is fine, or you're welcome to wear leotards and tights, as long as you're comfortable. Please don't wear excessively baggy clothes that could hinder your movement. If you elect to take ballet class, please bring ballet slippers. We strongly recommend that you also bring knee pads.

Is there a payment plan?
Yes. You may pay your tuition in one or two installments. In order to register for the workshop, you must submit at least the first installment ($570) and the registration fee ($100) by the registration deadline, and then you can pay the balance ($600) in May (see the “Fees and Deadlines” section for the exact dates). Housing fees are due in full at the time that you apply for housing, along with any additional amenities (parking pass, gym pass, etc.).

Can I pick my own roommate?
Yes. When you apply for housing, we ask for some information about your lifestyle, so that we can match you up appropriately with other workshop participants. If you know who you want to live with, you can write their name on your application. It is always best to communicate with each other so that each of you writes the other's name on your forms, but we will always do our best to accommodate these requests.

Is there financial aid available?
Yes. We award a limited number of work-study scholarships each year, based on an application process. If you wish to apply for financial aid, you must submit your application and first tuition installment before we can consider your financial aid application. Applications are due IN OUR OFFICE (not postmarked by) in early April (check the “Fees and Deadlines” section for the exact date), which means that if you are applying for financial aid, you must also register for the workshop before the final workshop deadline. Awards generally range from $50-400, with a work load that corresponds to the amount of the award. Work-study assignments will not conflict with your attendance in the workshop, and are generally scheduled during lunch breaks or at the end of the day.

When do I know what elective I'll be in?
We will let you know shortly before the workshop which elective you have been placed in. If you are opting for Doug Varone's Choreographic Devices class, you must include a resume of your choreographic experience along with your registration form. For all other electives, they are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you register, the better your chances are of getting your first choice.

I want to take more than one elective. Can I alternate between multiple classes?
Over the years this question has come up repeatedly, often in cases where participants are interested in switching between Ballet and Somatics. Because of the relatively short span of the workshop, we do not allow students to alternate between multiple electives. We feel that a deeper involvement in one area provides a more fruitful course of study, allowing for a more significant comprehension of the subject matter.

Do I have to audition?
No auditions are necessary for admittance into the workshop, however there will be a placement class on the first day, and technique classes will be broken into levels. We ask that you NOT send videos or photos UNLESS you are applying for financial aid, in which case you must submit a list of additional materials. Admittance is on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you register, the better your chances are of being accepted into the workshop.

How large are the classes?
Class sizes depend on the total enrollment. In past years, technique classes generally range from 15-20 people per class, Ballet and Somatics are larger, as the entire workshop is split between the two, and the afternoon electives vary depending on the class. Generally there are no more than 20 people in any given class.

Is there a performance at the end of the workshop?
There is an informal showing at the end of the workshop, which you are welcome to invite your friends and family to attend. There are no costumes or lights, and showings are usually either in a studio or black-box theater.

What do people do in their free time? Is there any free time?
The workshop schedule is very full, but your weekends will be mostly free. We usually schedule some fun activities (barbeque, pot-luck dinner, game night) on Sunday evenings, to get you back into workshop mode, but otherwise your weekends will mostly be your own. We will distribute information packets to workshop participants with details on things to do in town and neighboring cities.

During the week, we have events scheduled almost every night. They are all optional, but a majority of students choose to attend most everything. Events include company showings, which are highly educational and a wonderful way of dissecting the work; special Q & A nights with Doug Varone and with the company dancers, when you can ask questions about their lives in the company, as professional dancers in New York, and where they came from; Massage Night; special showings by guest artists, and many more.

Can I get college credit for taking the workshop?
We do not offer college credit, however we have been able to work one-on-one with students who have coordinated with their individual universities. We will gladly provide documentation detailing your involvement in the workshop, so that you can negotiate with your college to get credit.

Have another question that isn’t answered here? Send us an email: workshops@dougvaroneanddancers.org, or call 212.279.3344 today.