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 “Rising Star” 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.

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: 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 Showcase day, the schedule is abbreviated and dancers are released early afternoon.

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 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.