NYCDA Intensive – Frequently Asked Questions

Applications & Acceptance

Q: My dancer received automatic acceptance to the Intensive. Do they have to go through the normal application process to attend?
A: Yes. All dancers must submit an application regardless of automatic acceptance. However, they do not need to provide a letter of recommendation or video audition. Space is honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: Does automatic acceptance cover tuition?
A: No. Automatic acceptance does not cover any portion of tuition. The only scholarship with monetary value is the “One To Watch” award.

Q: Will my dancer need to submit a video if they already have automatic acceptance?
A: No. The only exception is for the Winter Contemporary Intensive. All dancers must submit a video for placement purposes, regardless of automatic acceptance.

Q: My dancer is 8/9 years old and received automatic acceptance. Can they attend?
A: No. All dancers must be at least 10 years old by the start of the Intensive. Automatic acceptance will be honored once they are age-eligible.

Q: Are you strict in regards to age requirements?
A: Yes. We are firm about our age requirements and ask that dancers remain in their correct age bracket when applying. All dancers must be of the age requirement by the time of the event.

Q: Will we receive a reply if my dancer is not accepted, or only if they are accepted?
A: Yes. You will receive notification if there is not space to accommodate your dancer.

Q: How do I apply for the NYCDA Intensives?
A: The application link can be found on our website in the Intensive section. Please note, TourPro accounts are reserved for studios and studio owners.

Tuition & Payments

Q: When is payment due?
A: You will not receive an invoice until you have received the official acceptance email. A 50% tuition deposit is due immediately upon acceptance. Participation is not guaranteed without this deposit.

Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: No. All payments are non-refundable, no exceptions. In the case of injury or illness, a credit will be extended for a future NYCDA event.

Q: Where can I pay my balance for the Intensive?
A: A payment link will be provided after official acceptance.

Q: Do you offer any kind of financial assistance?
A: No. Due to the high cost of producing these events in NYC, financial assistance is not available.

Q: Can my dancer apply their Steps on Broadway Scholarship to the NYCDA Intensive?
A: No. Steps scholarships are non-transferable and may only be redeemed at Steps.


Schedule & Classes

Q: How many hours a day is the Intensive?
A: Classes run from 9am–6pm daily. On the Showcase day, the schedule is abbreviated and dancers are released following the showcase.

Q: What classes will be offered?
A: Every dancer takes at least one ballet class and one jazz/contemporary class daily. Additional classes may include:

  • Tap

  • Modern

  • Musical theater

  • Hip hop

  • Audition techniques

  • Injury prevention

  • Yoga

Q: What is the rehearsal schedule like?
A: Rehearsals take place after technique classes from 4:15–6pm. All dancers will be placed in two pieces.

Showcase

Q: What time is the Showcase?
A: The Showcase schedule will be shared during the Intensive.

Q: Will the Showcase be livestreamed?
A: Yes. It will be available at live.nycdance.com.

Q: Can I attend the Showcase in person?
A: Yes, but due to limited space, dancers will likely be allowed only one guest.

Q: Will I receive a video of the Showcase?
A: Yes. A link to the Showcase recording will be emailed to families in the weeks following the Intensive.


Packing & Preparation

Q: What shoes should my dancer bring?

  • Jazz shoes

  • Character/ballroom shoes (only if already owned — do not purchase)

  • Tap shoes

  • Ballet shoes

  • Sneakers for hip hop


Q: What dance clothes/other items should my dancer pack?

  • Solid color tops (t-shirt, tank top, etc.)

  • Dance shorts/pants

  • All-black dance outfit for the Showcase

  • Leotards and tights for ballet (any color leotard/tights)

  • Sweat towel/personal fan (studios can get warm)

  • Reusable water bottle


Q: Will my dancer be able to leave for lunch?
A: We strongly recommend packing lunch. Parents may drop off lunch at 12pm. Dancers may leave with a signed permission slip and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18.

Travel & Lodging

Q: What airport is closest to the studios?
A: New York City is served by three major airports:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)


Q: Are there recommended hotels nearby?
A: Yes. A list of recommended hotels will be sent upon acceptance into the program and also listed in the Intensive section.