SUMMER INTENSIVE ’26
Pre-Professional Intensive
Session 1: Whim W’Him Experience
June 29 – July 10, 2026
Session 2: Whim W’Him Create
July 13 – July 24, 2026
Entry by application | 16yrs+ | $1,475 each or $2,900 for both sessions
Financial Aid and Work/Study position available
Open Intensive
Session 3: Whim W’Him Open Experience
July 27 – July 31, 2026
Open registration (no application required) | 16yrs+ | $875
Financial Aid available
All sessions held at Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center
1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
KEY DATES
March 29
- Priority Deadline for Session 1&2
- Financial Aid Applications Due
- Work/Study Applications Due
April 13
- Final Deadline for Session 1&2
June 27
- Session 3 Registration Closes
Our three programs will provide the opportunity to explore artistic identity, be curious and dive into new ways of thinking and moving. Dancers will also develop professional skills necessary for pursuing a life in dance and the arts.
Whim W’Him’s intensives provide a unique window into the vast world of contemporary dance. With the shared knowledge of our faculty, a repertoire of over 100 works from internationally-renowned choreographers, and a commitment to nurturing community through contemporary dance, participants will gain knowledge, experience, and a network of support. If you’re looking for a welcoming, supportive environment committed to new creation in contemporary dance, we invite you to join us!
Dancers may apply to attend one session or both. Our final session, Whim W’Him Open Experience does not require an application.
Sessions One and Two are designed for pre-professional and professional dancers level dancers (18+). Dancers 16-17 years of age may apply and must exemplify an advanced/pre-professional level.
Session Three is open to dancers 16yrs+ who are currently training or who have trained in a pre-professional environment in the past.
Session 1: Whim W’Him Experience
June 29 – July 10, 2026
Be immersed in the Whim W’Him company experience with a focus on our repertoire as well as our unique approach to contemporary partnering.
We will:
- Take daily technique classes (ballet and contemporary) as well as additional classes in partnering, improvisation, and floorwork
- Learn Whim W’Him repertoire from Founding Artistic Director Olivier Wevers and Whim W’Him artists, exploring the expansive creative environment the company has built
- Practice and hone your partnering skills with the guidance from Whim W’Him artists
- Refine your audition materials and develop skills necessary to pursue a life in dance and the arts during seminars by Artistic Director Olivier Wevers and Whim W’Him company members
- Connect with other dancers and grow your network
Session 2: Whim W’Him Create
July 13 – July 24, 2026
Explore the dynamic choreographic worlds of Whim W’Him and a special guest teaching artist we’ll be announcing soon. The focus will be on honing a creative process where instinct and technique are working together to make space for growth and invention. Courses will include Whim W’Him repertoire, improvisation, diving into your own creative process.
We will:
- Focus on process during creative workshops and repertoire classes with our guest artist
- Take daily technique classes in addition to classes in floorwork, improvisation, and more
- Explore existing Whim repertoire with the Whim W’Him artists
- Connect and collaborate with fellow dancers, Whim W’Him artists, and our guest artist
An informal showing will take place on the final day (July 24) for family and friends.
DETAILS
Where – Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center, 1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
When – The daily Schedule will be sent to accepted applicants ahead of the program’s start. Participants will have Saturdays and Sundays off. You can view a sample schedule from our 2025 Summer Intensive here (times and classes will vary).
Housing is not provided. Applicants will be given information for finding housing upon acceptance.
TUITION
2-Weeks – $1,475 (Session 1 or 2)
4-Weeks – $2,900 (Session 1 & 2)
Tuition payable via Mindbody (Link will be sent to accepted applicants)
$500 Non-Refundable Deposit is due upon acceptance. Remaining tuition may be paid in installments.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Requirements
Sessions One and Two of our 2026 Summer Intensive programs are designed for pre-professional and professional dancers level dancers (18+). Dancers 16-17 years of age may apply and must exemplify an advanced/pre-professional level.
Application Materials
- Headshot, Resume, Studio and/or Performance Footage (3 minutes max)
- Video should include set choreography and improvisation. Please no more than 1 minute of improvisation.
- No passwords or text please, link only
Priority Deadline – Sunday, March 29, 2026, 5:00pm PST
- Applicants will be notified of acceptance by April 6, 2026
- $500 non-refundable Deposit due April 13, 2026
Final Deadline – Sunday, April 13, 2026, 5:00pm PST
- Applications may be considered on a rolling basis if space remains in the program
- $500 Non-Refundable Deposit due upon acceptance
If you have any questions, please email Intensives Operations Coordinator Ashley Rivette, intensives@whimwhim.org
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid Applications are due Sunday March 29, 2026, 5:00pm PST
You will be notified of your acceptance and any applicable financial aid by April 6, 2026.
WORK/STUDY PROGRAM
Whim W’Him is pleased to offer one Work/Study artist position for our 2026 Summer Intensive. The Work/Study artist will receive a full scholarship while providing operational and social media work in advance of and during the program. For more information and to apply, please click here.
The Work/Study artist must attend both Session 1 and 2 (June 29-July 24).
Work/Study Applications are due Sunday, March 29, 2026 5:00pm PST
You will be notified of your acceptance by April 6, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email Intensives Operations Coordinator Ashley Rivette at intensives@whimwhim.org
Session 3: Whim W’Him Open Experience
July 27 – July 31, 2026
Open Registration
Whether you are a college student, current professional, or just wanting to engage more deeply in training and exploration, come spend 5 days dancing with Whim W’Him without any audition required. This program is designed for dancers (16yrs+) who are currently training or who have trained in a pre-professional environment in the past, this program offers you a window into the Whim experience in a welcoming, supportive environment.
We Will
- Take daily technique classes (Ballet and Contemporary) as well as classes in floorwork, improvisation, and more
- Explore Whim W’Him repertoire taught by Whim W’Him artists
- Connect with other dancers and Whim W’Him artists
If you’re curious if this program is the right fit for you, please email Intensives Operations Coordinator Ashley Rivette, intensives@whimwhim.org
DETAILS
Where – Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Center, 1716 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
When – The daily Schedule will be sent to accepted applicants ahead of the program’s start. You can view a sample schedule from our 2025 Summer Intensive here (times and classes will vary).
Where to Stay – Housing is not provided. Applicants will be given information for finding housing upon acceptance.
TUITION & REGISTRATION
5 days – $875
$275 Non-Refundable Deposit required to confirm registration
Register in 2 simple steps-
- Fill out the Registration Form
- Pay your $275 Non-Refundable Deposit to confirm your registration. Deposit and tuition payable via Mindbody. A link will be sent upon registration.
Remaining tuition may be paid in installments.
Registration closes June 27, 2026
All Deposits due by June 29, 2026
VALUES
We aim to create
- A safe and inclusive environment
- A place where ideas and talents can blossom
- An environment where new friendships and lifelong connections are made
We highly encourage people of color, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented groups in our community to apply.
What Past Participants Say About WHIM Intensives –
“I had a wonderful time at the WHIM Summer Intensive!! I really appreciated the attitudes and enthusiasm of the instructors and the welcoming environment.” – Summer Intensive Participant
“I really appreciated the partnering classes/partnering rep in particular. In many instances, I’ve been thrown into contemporary partnering without any sort of technical build up or real feedback about how to approach it outside of ‘find a way that makes it work.’ The concepts, personalized insight, and time to workshop in these classes in particular were extremely helpful and eye-opening.” – Summer Intensive Participant
“This intensive was an experience that I’ve never had before within the dance community. The closeness that I felt with all the participants as well as the teachers was so special and unique compared to past intensives & programs I’ve been a part of. The environment of each class was safe, and filled with so much support, and respect from everyone in the room. I found such inspiration from everyone around me as well as hearing all of the lessons, and information the dancers of Whim W’Him had to bring to us. I really appreciated how enthusiastic the entire board was throughout the entire intensive as it helped greatly with the energy of the students throughout the week.” – Winter Intensive Participant
“The teachers had intention when they taught and I felt they gave all students equal attention, making sure to see every person in the room.” Winter Intensive Participant
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID
Limited scholarships are available for artists in need of financial support. We also offer scholarship funds for BIPOC dancers. Please fill out our Financial Aid Application Form here.
Financial Aid Applications are due Sunday March 29, 2026, 5:00pm PST
You will be notified of your acceptance and any applicable financial aid by April 6, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email Intensives Operations Coordinator Ashley Rivette at intensives@whimwhim.org