Kanopy Dance Academy, (KDA) offers Summer Intensives and Classes based on the fundamental components of modern dance. The Summer Intensives are an immersive dance experience also featuring principal dance and movement techniques by Martha Graham, José Limón, Merce Cunningham, Erick Hawkins, Lester Horton, Doris Humphrey, Anna Sokolow and other leading but under-represented shapers of modern and contemporary dance. KDA’s outstanding faculty team is drawn from some of the best and diverse talent in the country.
The Curriculum includes modern dance techniques, choreography & improvisation, as well as ballet, pre-pointe and pointe, stretch & strength, new contemporary repertory, nutrition, injury prevention, journaling, mentoring, modern dance history and Black American modern dance history. Intermediate and advanced students, may supplement the intensives with special week-long master workshops taught by our nationally recognized guest artists in residence. Informal showings of student work are staged for families at the end of each session.
KDA is also offering weekly classes for children in Creative Modern/Ballet and for adults in Beginning/Continuing Ballet & Graham Modern, and SHAPE: CardioBarre for adults of all levels.
KDA students, who continue to study in our fall and spring semesters, have special opportunities to perform at the Overture Center for the Arts in our annual productions of The Next Generation of Dance and Kanopy’s signature holiday production, Winter Fantasia: Reimagined, in addition to select outreach community programming.
Summer Intensives and Classes are held at the Kanopy Center for Modern and Contemporary Dance, 329 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI, 53703, next to Madison Opera Center and across from Overture Parking Ramp. Parking and drop-off on street and parking in the Madison Opera Lot, or Overture Parking Ramp.
Dance Intensives are offered for Beginning (age 8-12), Intermediate (age 10-adult) and Advanced (13-adult) 1-3 weeks, classes are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4pm.
Daily classes in Modern techniques, creating choreography, improvisation, repertory, ballet, stretch/strength, pointe/prepointe, classical variations, musical theater dance, contemporary, injury prevention, journaling, modern dance history and Black American dance history and more. There will be an informal showing at the end of the session.
5 Weeks – For the Young Dancer
Mondays 4:30-5:30pm, July 6-Aug 8, 2026
Is your young dancer leaping around the house at all times? Twirls to the music? Our Creative Modern/Ballet class is designed to be a welcoming and creative introduction to the art form.
These young dancers learn fundamental dance skills, are introduced to Ballet & Modern, play dance games, enjoy creative exploration, learn to work together, and create their very own dances.
5 Weeks – Adult Classes
Adult Beginner/Continuing Modern:
Saturdays 9-10:15am, July 6-Aug 8
Whether you’ve always wanted to try modern dance or are returning after years away, this class is designed to be an accessible and welcoming introduction to the art form. All experience levels are encouraged to join.
Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of Graham based Modern Technique through a holistic approach that emphasizes healthy movement, musicality, and personal growth. Students will build core-strength, flexibility, coordination, confidence, balance, and good posture while discovering the beauty and joy of moving with music.
Classes are taught in a supportive, judgment-free environment where progress is celebrated at every stage. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and be bare foot —no special attire or prior experience is required to get started.
Adult Beginner Modern also pairs beautifully with our other adult offerings, including SHAPE: CardioBarre and Adult Beginner Ballet, creating a well-rounded way to improve strength, mobility, artistry, and overall fitness while enjoying the community of dance.
SHAPE: CardioBarre (adults of all levels):
Tuesdays 7:30-8:15am, July 6-Aug 8
Discover the strength, grace, and energy of dance in a welcoming, full-body workout designed for every fitness level. SHAPE: CardioBarre is an accessible introduction to dance, no former dance experience required.
This dynamic class combines low-impact cardio with sculpting exercises both on the mat and at the barre, using light weights, resistance bands, and other strength-building tools to target the muscles dancers rely on for stability, control, and endurance. You’ll build strength from head to toe while improving posture, balance, coordination, and body awareness.
Expect a class that leaves you feeling challenged and accomplished, with flowing movement, energizing music, and exercises that develop long, functional strength. Whether you’re looking to cross-train, improve your fitness, or simply experience the joy of dance in a supportive environment, SHAPE: CardioBarre offers a fun and effective way to move with confidence.
Adult Beginner Ballet (beginning/continuing):
Wednesdays 5:15-6:15pm, July 6-Aug 8
Whether you’ve always dreamed of trying ballet or are returning after years away, this class is designed to be an accessible and welcoming introduction to the art form. Ballet is for everyone, and all experience levels are encouraged to join.
Together, we’ll explore the fundamentals of ballet through a holistic approach that emphasizes healthy movement, musicality, and personal growth. Students will build coordination, confidence, balance, and good posture while discovering the beauty and joy of moving with music.
Classes are taught in a supportive, judgment-free environment where progress is celebrated at every stage. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in and ballet shoes if you have them—no special attire or prior experience is required to get started.
Adult Beginner Ballet also pairs beautifully with our other adult offerings, including SHAPE: CardioBarre and Adult Beginner Modern Dance, creating a well-rounded way to improve strength, mobility, artistry, and overall fitness while enjoying the community of dance.
Week-long Master Artist Workshops may be offered in the summer.
Summer 2026:
Límon Technique and Repertory with Daniel Fetecua Soto, former principal dancer in the famed Limon Dance Company, NYC. Deepen artistry and expression. This workshop is for Intermediate and Advanced dancers ages 11-adult. Informal Showing.
Límon Technique and Límon based new contemporary repertory with Colin Connor, former artistic director of the prestigious Límon Dance Company, NYC. This workshop is for Advanced dancers ages 13-adult. Advanced technique class plus repertory to accelerate physical understanding of the technique, artistry, details, discovering advanced combinations and original exercises. Informal Showing.
Kanopy’ summer intensives and classes are taught by Kanopy’s outstanding faculty team in addition to acclaimed guest artists in residence. Click here to learn more about Kanopy’s Faculty.
Beginner/Advanced Beginner Intensive (age 8-12)
Intermediate Intensive (age 10-adult)
Advanced/Pre-Professional Intensive (age 13-adult)
Master Artist Workshop Intermediate/Advanced (ages 11-adult)
Master Artist Workshop Advanced (ages 13-adult)
Kanopy Academy Students enroll in their current level, please inquire:
Levels 2-3: Beginner/Advanced Beginner Intensive (ages 8-12)
Levels 3,4,5: Intermediate Intensive (age 10-adult)
Levels 5,6,K2: Advanced, Pre-Professional Intensive (age 13-adult)
Contact us for questions about placement at info@kanopydance.org.
Placement adjustments may be made the first day for Intermediate and Advanced Intensive Students.
Registration and Tuition Payment are required to secure a place in the Intensives and Classes. In-Person space is limited to ensure the health and safety of students and faculty, and is on a first come, first serve basis. Enrollment is ongoing through the summer subject to availability. Summer Intensives have a payment plan option you may choose during registration process. No refunds.
Attire:
- Leotard & Convertible/footless tights or unitard required. NO TIGHTS WITH FEET COVERED—tights must be able to roll up tights to be barefoot or use footless tights.
- Ballet Slippers required for Ballet.
- Hair in a bun—secured out of face. (If hair is short— pig tails, hair clips, bobby pints— hair should not fall into face and be secured back.)
- Optional ballet skirt for Ballet.
- Young dancers may wear leotard with attached skirt.
- Adults may choose to wear yoga/athletic wear.
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No large jewelry (for safety reasons)
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No baggy warm up clothes—choose fitted dance warm up sweaters, leg warmers, etc.
- Students attending long sessions of multiple classes and rehearsals should bring packed lunch, snacks, water-bottle, their own utensils, cup, plate—if needed.
- Students should bring a Journal/pen/pencil to write and draw on.
- Any severe allergies– please let us know right away.
Master Artist Workshops 2026
WORKSHOP I
Límon Technique and Repertory Workshop with Daniel Fetecua Soto, former principal dancer in the famed Limon Dance Company, NYC.
For Intermediate and Advanced dancers ages 11-adult, July 27-Aug 1, six days, Mon-Sat 9:00am-12:00pm.
Students will participate in an informal showing with Kanopy’s Professional Company, apprentices, Kanopy2 and guest artist on Saturday, Aug 1 at 4:30pm at our studios, featuring a Límon masterwork “Suite from Choreographic Offering”, that Kanopy has commissioned for our 2026/27 mainstage season at the Overture Center.
WORKSHOP II
Límon Technique and New Contemporary Repertory Workshop with Colin Connor, former artistic director, Lìmon Dance Company, NYC. For Advanced dancers ages 13-adult, Aug 3-8, six days, Mon-Sat 9:00am-12:00pm.
Students will participate in an informal showing with Kanopy’s Professional Company, apprentices, Kanopy2 and guest artists on Saturday, Aug 8 at 4:30pm at our studios, featuring acclaimed choreography “Flying in the Face of Time” by Colin Connor, that Kanopy will present on its 26/27 mainstage season at the Overture Center.
Weekly Classes 2026
Classes for young dancers ages 5-7 in Creative Modern/Ballet, July 6-August 8, 2026, late afternoon/early evening.
Classes for Adults in Beginning/Continuing Modern and Ballet, and SHAPE:CardioBarre (for all levels), July 6 August 8, 2026, early evening, early morning, and Saturday mid-mornings.
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