Summer Dance Intensive
Ballet Magnificat! Summer Dance Intensive annually attracts hundreds of students from around the world. Rated as “one of the best and yet most affordable”, this high level workshop is comprised of intense technical and spiritual training, conducted by the artists of Ballet Magnificat!'s professional touring companies and staff who guide the young dancers to develop their potential and seek God's direction for their lives.
LOCATION AND DATE:
Jackson, Mississippi
July 3rd - July 31st, 2027
Ages 11-24
SESSIONS:
July 3rd - July 17th, 2027 (2 weeks)
July 17th - July 31st, 2027 (2 weeks)
July 3rd - July 31st, 2027 (4 weeks)
Application and Requirements
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Registration
1.) APPLY
ALL STUDENTS must apply through our online portal. It will prompt you to provide payment information for the application fee at the end of this process. The application fee will be charged upon acceptance to the SDI.
2.) SEND PICTURE
In order to complete the application process, you must email your first arabesque picture to bmag.workshop@balletmagnificat.com in jpg format.
Ladies: solid color leotard, pink tights, en pointe. (No skirts)
Men: black or white tight-fitted shirt, black tights, shorts optional, black or white socks, black or white ballet shoes, demi-pointe.
Ballet Magnificat! will send you a confirmation email within two weeks of receiving your application and photo. This email will include the next steps.
IF YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE and you need to go back in to complete it, use this link (the same as when you started the application). You will be able to pick up where you left off.
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Mom, would you like to see what all the fuss is about? This is your chance! We are looking for caring adults who will partner with us in reaching over 300 students for Christ this summer. If this sounds like you, please prayerfully consider applying for a counselor position. This year for the first time, we will cover your room fees and provide one meal per day at the cafeteria!
For more information, and to apply, please visit our counselor page.
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Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, variations (Ballet Magnificat! repertoire), contemporary, conditioning, improvisation, and for some levels, pas de deux. In addition, the schedule includes daily chapel and small group discipleship. See a company performance each session!
Applications Accepted Beginning November 1, 2026
Applying early will help you begin your fundraising efforts sooner, especially during Christmas vacation. Here's a link to some fundraising ideas and encouragement: Fundraising Ideas
Requirements
Must be 11 - 24 years old
Female applicants must have a minimum of 3 consecutive years of ballet training and 1 year of pointe since the age of 8. (If you have had 1 "season" of pointe (i.e., Aug-May), this counts as 1 year!)
Men must have a minimum of 2 years of ballet training.
All applicants must be currently in dance training and be able to dance four to five hours daily, six days a week.
New and returning students are required to submit:
1. Online Application (available Nov 1)
1. Non-refundable Registration Fee $50.00
1. Photo: A clear, unobstructed first arabesque profile en pointe for ladies, demi-pointe for men. Leotard and tights only, no skirts or costumes, please. Please email it to bmag.workshop@balletmagnificat.com in jpg format.
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If you have already created an account and would like to access it, please click here.
The link above will only work after you have completed the application.
If your application is incomplete and you need to go back in to complete it, use this link instead.
The Intensive
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This audition-only level is created for the dancer capable of stepping over the barre from student to professional dancer, offering unique training and experiences for the participants.
Open to 4-week students only.
Students are selected to audition for this level during the regular workshop placement classes.
Variations class 5+ times each week where dancers will learn and rehearse a Ballet Magnificat! ballet, to be performed at the Student Gala at the end of the 4-week workshop.
Classes - experience the life of a professional by working like and with the professional company and under the instruction of company teachers like Kathy Thibodeaux and Sol Maisonet.
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Ballet Magnificat! SDI students are housed in the dorms of Belhaven University in Jackson, MS. Belhaven University stands among select Christian Colleges and universities with national influence, and boasts a beautiful campus located in the historic downtown neighborhoods of Jackson, MS. Students are provided a safe, quiet place to call home for their time at SDI. Belhaven University provides 24 hour security on campus and wonderful dining and performing arts facilities. and Students will be placed two to a room. Bathrooms are either shared between two rooms, or shared between a hall, depending on the dorm.
Off-campus Students
Local students and students with friends or family in the area may prefer to stay off-campus at night. This is allowed, however, off-campus students are required to attend all workshop activities including morning devotions, evening activities, Bible studies, and group times. They will be assigned to a counselor group for Bible studies and group activities.
Off-campus students may purchase meal cards in the cafeteria or pay for cafeteria meals on a per-meal basis as well as bringing sack lunches and eating with friends in the Dining Commons. Each cafeteria meal costs $9.31.
Workshop Outings
On Saturday, July 17th, during 1st Session students leaving and 2nd Session students arriving, 4-Weekers will be taken on an outing to rejuvenate them for the next two-week session. Counselors and students will travel to a local shopping area for a few hours of browsing; followed by dinner at one of the local restaurants. The guys will go on their own excursion.
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Arrival Weekend
Saturday - Arrival Day. Dancers arrive and settle into their dorm rooms, meet their counselors, roommates, and small group members. After a hot dinner, everyone gets a good night's rest.
Sunday - Chapel Service, Orientation, Placement Classes, and Group Activities.
Monday - Classes begin!
Arrival and Departure
We provide a shuttle for those on-campus students coming by plane, train, or bus on arrival and departure days, with greeters assigned to check-in each arriving participant.
Preferred Arrival & Departure Times
Arriving on Saturdays, July 3 & July 17th:
Preferred Arrival Time if driving: 10am - 4pm
Preferred Arrival Time if flying: 8am - 4pm
Departing on Saturdays, July 17th & July 31st:
Preferred Departure Time if driving: 6am - 10am
Preferred Departure Time if flying: 6am - 1pm
International Students
Each year we are excited to welcome students from around the world to our Summer Dance Intensive!
Performances
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The student gala, performed at the end of each 2 week session, is a time where all students participate in presenting the Ballet Magnificat! repertory learned during variations classes throughout their 2-4 week sessions.
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The Pre-Professional will use the entire four weeks to learn a Ballet Magnificat ballet, which they will perform at the end of the intensive.
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The Ballet Magnificat! professional Company will perform for the students during each session. Parents are welcome to attend as space allows.
Financial Information
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2-Week Total: $2,332.71
Tuition: $1,563
Room & Board: $727.71
Materials Fee: $42
4-Week Total: $4,046.42
Tuition: $2,499
Room & Board: $1,455.42
Activities Fee: $922-Week Off-Campus Total: $1,605
Tuition: $1,563
Materials Fee: $424-Week Off-Campus Total: $2,591
Tuition: $2,499
Activities Fee: $92PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION:
1. Full balance must be paid by May 1, 2027. (We recommend applying by April 15 in order to meet the May 1 deadline.)
As we are approaching the deadline, please note that we can give a bit more time to those just registering.2. Applications received after May 1, 2027 may be charged a $100 processing fee and all fees are due with registration.
3. Payments may be made in installments.
4. REFUNDS:
-There is a $375 fee for cancellations made after May 1, 2027.
-No refunds will be issued if we do not receive cancellation notification by 4:00pm (Central Time) two Fridays (8 days) preceding the start of your session.
-No refunds will be issued after the start of the workshop session, for any reason, including injury, illness, and homesickness.
5. There will be a charge of $30 for all returned checks.
6. ALL fees must be paid in U.S. dollars.
Please note: SDI payments are not tax deductible since services are received in exchange. For this reason we are not able to provide any tax receipts for SDI payment.
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All payments will be made online via eCheck (ACH), credit card, or debit card. There is a 3.2% transaction fee for paying with a credit card, but there is NO transaction fee for paying with eCheck or debit card!
Payment Plans
There are 2 payment plan options, either “Pay in Full by May 1” or “Monthly Installments”. Both payment plans are compatible with a credit/debit card and eCheck (ACH).
“Pay in Full by May 1” – With this option, you are able to make payments on your account as frequently as you’d like in whatever dollar amount you choose, as long as it is paid in full by May 1.
“Monthly Installments” – With this option, your payment method will be automatically charged on the first of each month. Your account balance will be divided into equal installments depending on when you register. For those who register in November, your first installment will be charged on December 1.
Click here to login to your online account!
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Scholarships:
There are three different scholarships available: the Merit Scholarship, the Financial Aid scholarship, and the Love of Life Scholarship. For more information, please see our scholarship page.Sibling Discount:
If multiple students from the same family are enrolled in the SDI, each student in that family will receive a 15% tuition discount.
More about the SDI experience
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At Ballet Magnificat!, we seek to honor Jesus Christ and make Him known to the widest possible audience through the medium of dance. How do we accomplish this at our Summer Intensive? We begin each day with praise and worship and an opportunity to hear personal testimonies from Ballet Magnificat! staff and professional company members. We have a worship service on Sundays on campus with praise and worship and speakers giving a message. We do not take students off campus to services at the various local churches.
Also, all students are assigned to small groups of 10-14 students and a counselor. These small groups meet for Bible studies in the evenings. Students often find that treasured friendships are formed in their small groups as they are able to discuss and learn with others their own age.
Creative Worship sessions take the dancer from the classical setting and allow them to use dance and creative talents as a worship tool. Students are encouraged to use their dancing as an expression of adoration to the Almighty Creator.
Ballet Magnificat! is an inter-denominational ministry. Our members attend a variety of churches including Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, and non-denominational charismatic. It has always been our policy not to encourage one denomination over another, but rather to respect one another's choice of worship and to celebrate our common faith in Christ.
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My daughter attended the Summer Dance Intensive for the first time in 2018. She has made lifelong friends, has new "heroes" in many of the company dancers, and has seen how her faith and passion for dance can work together in the future. As a parent, I am beyond grateful for the confidence and instruction, spiritual and dance-based, that Ballet Magnificat! has provided her.
Jane- Mulberry, TX
My daughter had a wonderful experience at the summer intensive. She can't wait to go again next year. She learned so much and made some great friends from all over the world. The staff was phenomenal.
The Staff of Ballet Magnificat were all wonderful. My daughter improved so much during here time at the summer intensive. She is already planning to return next summer!! She loved it.
Celina- Madison, MS
I had the most amazing time at their dance intensive!!! Everything about it was wonderful, definitely a life changing experience!
Kileigh- LaRue, TX
My daughter has attended Ballet Mag’s SDI the last 2 summers. This year she did the 4 week option. She has grown so much, not only as a dancer, but spiritually as well. Ballet Mag has taught her how to make worship an intricate part of her daily life using the gifts God has given her!
Marianne- Knoxville, TN
The faith-filled environment was wonderful, the counselors genuinely cared, and our daughter made friendships and memories she’ll carry with her.
Daniel- Hesperus, CO
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Is an audition required?
No, for regular applications, no audition is necessary. We are blessed to be able to offer 8 levels, covering the technical abilities of a broad range of dancers. Upon arrival at the intensive, all dancers are required to take a placement class to determine their workshop level. Students are picked from these placement classes to audition for the Pre-Professional Level.
What requirements are there for the pictures due with the Application?
A clear, unobstructed first arabesque profile en pointe for ladies, demi-pointe for men. Leotard and tights only, no skirts or costumes, please. Professional photo not necessary. No larger than 5" x 7". (Two head-shot photos will be required upon acceptance, with the remaining forms.)
Does Ballet Magnificat! offer scholarships?
Yes! There are three types of scholarships: 1. Merit Scholarship, 2. Financial Aid Scholarship, and 3. Love of Life Scholarship. Please click here for more information. We also encourage our students to explore alternate fundraising possibilities for the Summer Dance Intensive. For fundraising ideas click here: Fundraising Ideas
How soon will I find out the results of my Scholarship application?
The results are mailed out one month from the application due date. If you do not receive a response by March 12th, please contact us at bmag.workshop@balletmagnificat.com or (601) 977-1001.
Can participants request a specific roommate?
Yes, you may request a specific roommate on your online application as well as the additional forms in the designated areas. Roommates must be within 2 years of age, they must request each other, and they must be attending the same Summer Dance Intensive session.
Is there a dress code for the Summer Dance Intensive?
Yes, there is a dress code. Girls should wear pink full-length tights and black leotards with pink ballet or pointe shoes. Boys should wear white t-shirts, black tights, black shorts, and black or white socks with matching ballet shoes. More detailed information will be given upon acceptance.
What is the daily schedule like at a Ballet Magnificat! Summer Dance Intensive?
Sample Daily Schedule
7:00-8:15---------Breakfast
8:30-9:15---------Chapel
10:00-11:45-------Ballet Technique Class
12:00-1:15---------Lunch
1:45-3:00---------Pointe, Contemporary, Improvisation, Pas de Deux
3:15-5:00---------Variations
5:00-6:30--------Dinner
6:30-7:00--------Free Time
7:00-8:30--------Bible Study, Performance, or Creative Worship
Each student is given a day-by-day schedule that they can look at and determine, once they know their level, which studio they'll be in that particular day and if they'll be dancing at Ballet Magnificat! or Belhaven University.
Is living on campus required for the Summer Dance Intensive?
No. Students may stay off-campus. However, off-campus students are required to attend all activities, including morning chapel and evening activities (such as Bible Studies, performances, and group times). Off-campus students are put with a counselor group to be part of. Ballet Magnificat! does not supervise housing arrangement of students living off-campus.
Are there classes on Saturday?
Yes, we do have classes on the middle Saturday of each session. The schedule varies slightly on Saturday each year but Saturday classes are not as rigorous as they are during the week. There are no activities on the departure Saturdays for students who are leaving.
How many pairs of pointe shoes should a dancer bring to the summer intensive?
The number of pointe shoes needed for the Summer Dance Intensive depends on several factors: the strength of the dancer’s feet, the brand of shoe, and humidity. The students will be on pointe at least 3 days a week, if not more, in very humid weather. Dancers are encouraged to take care of their pointe shoes to lengthen the life of the shoe.
Is there a student performance at the end of the Summer Dance Intensive?
Yes, there is a Student Gala at the end of each session. Family and friends are invited to join us! Seating is General Admission.
Do you perform a background check on your counselors?
Extensive screening, including background checks, are performed on all of our counselors and workshop staff.
What version of the Bible should I bring to the SDI?
The students are welcome to bring any translation, but the company typically uses NIV, ESV, or CSB translations for Bible studies. Using the same translation may bring more cohesiveness and understanding to the Bible study times, and the student may feel they can follow along better.
Can I bring a mini-fridge for my dorm room?
Yes! A mini-fridge is a great way to keep snacks/food cool, as there is no community fridge for the entire dorm to use.
How much spending money should I bring with me?
Every once in a while your counselor may make a run to the store, and you may want to send some money with them to purchase some healthy snacks for you. Additionally, Ballet Magnificat! will have their merchandise available during the SDI, and you may want to purchase a T-shirt, a DVD, some sweatpants, or a poster to hang in your dorm room! We would suggest bringing at least $50, just to be safe.
Contact Information:
Ballet Magnificat!
Summer Dance Intensive
5406 I-55 North
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 977-1001
bmag.workshop@balletmagnificat.com