History

Summer Dance Lab (SDL) was begun at the behest of the Washington State Arts Commission in 1971. The request was made to professional dance artist, choreographer, and founding director of the Seattle-based First Chamber Dance Company, Charles Bennett. Charles had gained the attention of the Arts Commission because of his great success with First Chamber, which had become an esteemed company nationally, touring widely in America but also abroad where it pioneered bringing American dance to new audiences around the world.

From its inception, First Chamber showcased highly skilled artists who were fluent in the technique of ballet, and also came from established careers in other dance forms. Charles saw these diverse backgrounds as a means to shape a distinctive company sensibility that would draw upon members’ particular talents while also performing in works that used ballet and American dance forms as its metier. This unusual coalition under Mr. Bennett’s direction brought the company recognition for its wide array of works that spoke to the dynamism of the field. Works by Ballet masters, Modern, Jazz, and American Theater choreographers along with pieces from noted flamenco artists were part of the company’s ongoing repertoire.

Mr. Bennett’s embracing of different styles of dance and understanding of the inherent value of each form developed into an ethos that he wanted to cultivate. He thought it valuable that young artists have a comprehension of these styles artistically, and also saw the creation of a program attuned to pre-professional development as an opportunity to instill a superior technical grounding, such that young artists could meet the challenges of a diverse field that lay ahead.

To realize this idea he convened a group of colleagues with the intention of designing such an initiative. The outgrowth of their collaborative planning was the Summer Dance Lab program. Unique in its approach to training, it was one of the first ever national programs dedicated to the scholarship of pre-professional artists.

With additional assistance from the Centrum Foundation, the first SDL programs were held in Port Townsend, WA, from 1971 to 1980. These were advanced studies for older students. In 1974 a Junior Dance Lab was begun at Whitman College. In 1981 both programs merged into a multi-level pre-professional program exclusively at Whitman College. To this day the SDL program continues to enjoy working at the college and the wonderful environs of the city’s community.

What Sets Us Apart

SDL carries on the ethos of its founding director of training young dancers with a strong emphasis on Ballet as the foundation for technique, but also providing a truly multidisciplinary curriculum from a faculty of dedicated professionals who specialize in their various disciplines.

Through its singular programming, dancers gain a comprehensive learning experience in the principles of multiple dance styles and orientations by being introduced to their various techniques. Students learn what are the points of shared basis and what differentiates them technically and artistically, along with how they are evolving in today’s dance landscape and how they continue to influence the field. Students are also introduced to emerging forms of movement that are impacting the direction of dance and expanding its boundaries. Because of this approach, SDL has created an intensive that stands out other training programs through the balance of its high ballet standards and a multi-disciplinary curriculum that challenges students to advance in ways that offer a depth and breadth of experience not easily attained otherwise.

A key component of the program is class sizes. SDL has garnered a reputation for significantly smaller classes, enabling a focus on personalized instruction so as to promote the growth of each dancer as an individual. The program encourages this growth by the support students encounter in classes from both instructors and live musicians on a daily basis.

SDL teachers recognize each individual’s natural gifts and physical characteristics, and offer students a deeper understanding of the purpose of their technique and how to apply it so each dancer can accomplish more and go further into exploring the dance art form. This attunement to each student’s development allows each dancer to accomplish more and enjoy dancing fuller, enhancing what they bring to their movement and pushing past boundaries. Because there is no one company style that students are asked to model, an SDL dancer is taken for the individual they are and growth is fostered not through the approximation of fitting into one mold, but through the strength of their dancing and attunement to each discipline’s demands.

Students have the possibility of working with guest choreographers or apprenticing in the staging of works, on an audition basis. All through the process attention is given to the premises that inspire dance as an art form.

These are some of the differences that define what an SDL student experiences. The most important throughline in this method of training is a holistic approach that is supportive, challenging, and fun. That is why we like to say at SDL ... "We Make Dancers!"

Because SDL is not aligned with a specific larger company we do not have one idea of what makes a perfect dancer, or one body type that fits a company image. But an SDL dancer will be someone who is well rounded with a depth of training and experience that prepares them for a sustained career with the tools that will enable them to meet the demands of an ever changing dance world.

SDL is different than many other programs with a track record of proven ability to educate and train young artists. We have fostered the growth of numerous current dance artists and cultivated the dance experience of many on their way to achieving their goals. That is why we like to say at SDL... "We Make Dancers!"

The Origins Of Our Name

The name of the program, Summer Dance Lab, now seems like something of a throwback to an earlier era when many global aspirations were being expressed through science related inquiries and by connection, discoveries. I imagine the program’s founding Artistic Director, Charles Bennett thought that the name was fresh and in keeping with the times. Our continued use of the name though is because not only does it signify the history and rich legacy of the program, but notes the fact that we take pride in emphasizing the term Lab, which for us expresses that desire for exploration and research originally conceived as a basis for mentoring and learning that leads to discovery. It has become an ethos of the program to provide an environment where these discoveries can be made, combining a holistic approach to training with a broad comprehension of the dance arts.

The SDL program develops well-rounded dancers within a holistic approach who have the proper depth of training and experience that prepares them for a sustained career with the tools that will enable them to meet the demands of an ever-changing dance world.

SDL has produced a comprehensive curriculum which includes Ballet Technique, Pointe, Partnering, Modern Dance, Jazz/Hip-Hop, Character and American Theater Dance, plus a number of new electives each year. Housed on the campus of Whitman College in the beautiful historic town of Walla Walla, WA, students take classes in clean, ample studio spaces, and have use of campus facilities while being provided with 24 hour campus security. The program emphasizes small classes and personalized instruction by specialists in their various disciplines. Training is designed to help foster a positive environment for students to learn and grow.

SDL Scholarship Awards

Blue Mountain Foundation Scholarships and other financial aid awards are available to students showing need. A financial aid form must be submitted to be considered for any financial aid.