CHOREOGRAPHIC ACADEMY
SUMMER 2026
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Rippleffect Choreographic Academy & Dance Intensive is a multi-day program designed for emerging choreographers interested in creating for stage or film, and dancers interested in professional development and quality training.
Those participating in the full 11 day Choreographic Academy can follow either the Stage or Film Tracks. Participants will engage in 5 days of Artistic Development, 5 days of Creation & Expanded Practice, and a Final Showcase.
Those who wish not to partake in the Choreographic Academy can register as Dancer and follow the Dancer Track. This track gives you access to 5 days of in-depth rehearsals with members of the choreographic academy, extensive training and classes with the mentors, as well as a performance opportunity in the final showcase.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Across 11 days, participants in the Choreographic Academy Stage & Film tracks will engage in 5 days of Artistic Development, 5 days of Creation & Expanded Practice, and a Final Showcase.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Academy Dates: 6-16 July, 2026
Location: Nashville School of the Arts | Nashville, Tennessee
Minimum Age: 18
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
Tuition: $1,000
Invitations Sent: May 3, 2026
Acceptance Deposit: $200 (non-refundable) due May 10, 2026
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THE BREAKDOWN
Artistic Development | July 6-10:
This stage of the academy includes classes, workshops, and experiences focused on the art of choreography, composition, & creation with our incredible mentors. Throughout these days you will learn the tools to develop and tune your own artistic voice, methods and modes of directing, pre-production and production needs, as well as the practical knowledge needed to work sustainably as an artist. The Artistic Development stage will culminate with a pitch session where those interested in presenting work will pitch their choreographic idea (Stage or Film) to the panel of mentors who will then choose those works which will move forward to creation.
Creation & Expanded Practice | July 11-15:
This stage of the academy includes auditions, rehearsals, feedback sessions, continued classes and the creation process of works for the final showcase. For the Stage Track- those chosen to present work will hold an audition, cast dancers, run rehearsals and hold production meetings as they build their piece. For the Film Track- those chosen to create work will audition and cast dancers, run rehearsals & necessary production meetings, and film and edit in this time period.
*Those whose works were not chosen for the final showcase will stay engaged in the creation process through various ways- dancers, assistants, production support, collaborators, etc.
Showcase & Reception | July 16:
On the final day of the academy, the works created during the last 5 days will be presented to a public facing audience alongside a Q&A from the mentors.
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STAGE TRACK
The STAGE Track is focused on creating choreography for live performance. You will deepen your understanding and implementation of compositional tools, explore choice making for thematic structure, explore production elements in a choreographic way- ie. lighting, prop usage, intermedia practices- and more!
A crash course in lighting design will be taught by Stacie Flood-Popp with the opportunity to implement lighting into the greater scheme of your choreographic work.
The Rippleffect has an extensive costume closet of pieces you can work with to outfit your piece.
FILM TRACK
The FILM Track is focused on creating choreography specifically for/of/with the camera. We will think choreographically about not just the subject/s in front of the lens, but also the camera and the edit. We will deepen our understanding of working with cameras and lenses, using editing softwares, pre-production and post-production considerations, as well as explore the kinesthetic experience of how light, sound, and the ‘mise en scene’ work cohesively within a screen-based form. Please note that YOU will be the filmmaker- you will operate the camera and edit your work. You will have production support on filming days to help with lighting, sound, and set- as well as editing support.
Sony Cameras, lenses and other necessary equipment will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own kit. We encourage that Film participants have their own laptops to edit with. If you do not, please do not let this deter you from applying.
Similar to the STAGE track, you will have opportunity to use the Rippleffect costume closet to outfit your work.
Both cohorts (stage and film) train together at key moments, while also receiving track-specific mentorship, rehearsal structures, and creative outcomes.
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APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Applicants may either:
Complete all written questions in the Google Form OR Submit a video answering questions 5–9.
Upon acceptance, all participants must submit:
1 headshot
1 artistic “movement” photo or reel/video (for promotional use)
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PAYMENT INFORMATION
Venmo: theRadicle
Zelle available
For alternative payment options, contact: info@therippleffect.org
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Over the final 5 days of the Academy, those following the Dancer Track will engage in an Audition process, rehearsals and feedback sessions, training with the mentors, and a final performance.
Those interested in being a dancer need only to register for the event. An application for this track is not necessary.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Dates: 11-16 July, 2026
Location: Nashville School of the Arts | Nashville, Tennessee
Minimum Age: 15
Tuition: $500
Registration Deadline: July 5th, 2026
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THE BREAKDOWN
Audition + Commencement | July 11:
The morning of Day 1 will be an audition held by participants of the Choreographic Academy whose works have been chosen for creation.
After casting, dancers will begin rehearsals and partake in mentor-led classes and feedback sessions.
Creation & Expanded Practice | July 12-15:
Each day will entail a mix of rehearsals, classes, and feedback sessions. Classes range from Heels Technique with Soraya Lundy, Contemporary Forms and Groove with Destini Rogers, Compositional Play with Teddy Tedholm, Stage Choreography with Candace Brown, and more!
Showcase & Reception | July 16:
On the final day of the academy, the works created during the last 5 days will be presented to a public facing audience alongside a Q&A from the mentors.
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PAYMENT INFORMATION
Venmo: theRadicle
Zelle available
For alternative payment options, contact: info@therippleffect.org
