The school year’s wrapping up and summer’s knocking on the door. Wondering how to keep your kids active, engaged, and happy? Let’s talk about summer dance camps for 2024. It’s a place where kids of all ages can dance their hearts out, meet new friends, learn new skills and grow in confidence. as young dancers. Knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can make a great dance experience for you or your child even better.

Why Choose a Dance Camp?

Our ultimate guide to making the most of dance camp this summer

What is Dance Camp About?

Dance camps are an immersive experience tailored for young campers to delve into the world of dance through engaging activities and fun with friends. Each week unfolds a new magical theme packed with dance classes, crafts, and playful activities.

Campers will explore creativity, movement, and have fun while developing their dance skills in a vibrant and supportive environment.

Dance camps go beyond teaching dance steps; they are about encouraging self-expression, building confidence, and fostering friendships in a nurturing environment. From the rhythmic beats of hip hop to the delicate poise of ballet, the expressive movements of modern dance, and the energetic jumps of jazz dance, these camps are designed to cultivate a love for dance, encouraging campers to explore different genres and find their own style.

Showcasing Talent and Growth

A highlight of many dance camps is the end-of-camp showcase, where campers get to perform the routines and skills they've mastered. It's not just about showing off dance techniques; these performances embody the campers' hard work, creativity, and growth over the session, providing a proud moment for both participants and their families.

Developing Life Skills

Dance camps are about so much more than just learning to dance; they're about cultivating life skills. Children learn about teamwork, leadership, creativity, and resilience. They're a place where campers can build confidence, develop a sense of independence, and foster lasting friendships.

Choosing the Right Dance Camp

With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right camp. Ballet class? Jazz lessons? Hip hop dance??

When selecting a summer dance camp, consider your child's interests, skill level, and comfort. Visiting the studio, talking to instructors, and understanding the camp's focus can help ensure a match that will enrich your child's summer with growth, learning, and fun. From new students with little or no dance experience to intermediate / advanced dancers, there's something great for every dancer and every skill level.

Choose a local dance school to take some of the pressure of travel off your plate; Note class days and make sure they don't interfere with any family plans. Some classes can be over the weekend, but generally you'll find camps on Mon - Fri.

Consider the camp's focus on different dance styles, the balance between structured dance training and free dance classes, and the inclusion of other creative and physical activities. Visit open houses or trial classes if available, and don't hesitate to reach out to camp organizers with questions about the curriculum, instructors, and daily schedule.

Opt for a local dance school with a great reputation, and don’t forget to check your vacation agenda before booking

Early registration often starts in February, with many camps offering early bird pricing to encourage prompt sign-ups. Communication is key, so look for camps that offer detailed parent bulletin boards or send regular email updates. Sessions can vary from full-day to half-day options, with some camps providing snack or lunch periods, ensuring a well-rounded daily schedule.

Check your June, July and August plans

Over-booking ourselves can be stressful, and one of the worst feelings is having to choose between one activity or another due to time constraints. Make sure you don't have any trips planned for the duration of class, and that the dates and times work for everyone in the family.

What Your Dance Camper Should Bring

Check out our handy pdf guide for what to pack at an overnight summer dance camp

What you bring to a summer dance camp depends on the venue and what type of camp it is. Some summer sessions may be overnight, but many are full day sessions or even just a few hours long. When packing for overnight camping, there's obviously much more to consider. Check out this handy, printable list here.

For day camps, the list is a little bit simpler.

Comfortable Clothes
A water bottle
A lunch or snack (check how long the camp sessions are)
(optional) change of clothes
A great attitude

Doty Performance Summer Dance Camps

From the energetic steps of hip hop to the graceful movements of ballet, Doty Performance's summer camps offer a wide variety of dance styles. These camps are designed not just for learning dance techniques but also for inspiring a deep love of dance in every camper. From magical 3 day dance camps like Barbie Dream Week and the Bippity Boppity Ball to grooving with Bluey and Minnie in fun Monday mini classes, we have a dance and a dance camp for every skill level and every personality.

Tuesday, June 11 - Thursday June 13

Wednesday, June 26 - Friday, June 28

Monday, July 8 - Wednesday, July 10

Monday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 17

Monday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 24

Monday Mini Dance Camps at Doty Performance Dance School

Monday Mini Camps: Summer Adventures beckon children ages 3-7 to immerse themselves in a series of enchanting dance-themed camps, held every Monday from 9:30 to 11 am. Each week, from July 15th to August 5th, unfolds a new magical theme.

Under the big top

July 15th, 2024

Under the Big Top invites young campers to explore the thrilling world of circus through dance, crafting, and playful activities.

Bluey's Ballet Class

Bluey's Ballet Class merges the charm of the popular character Bluey with the grace of ballet, complemented by related crafts and fun.

July 22nd, 2024

Gabby's Dancehouse

Gabby's Dancehouse offers an exploration of creativity and movement, inspired by the imaginative world of Gabby's Dollhouse, with dance activities and crafts.

July 29th, 2024

Minnie's Mousercise

Minnie's Mousercise combines the iconic energy of Minnie Mouse with engaging exercises and dance, alongside themed crafts.

August 5th, 2024

Early Bird Pricing: before March 31: $35 per day

April 1 - May 31: $45 per day

Full Price After June 1: $55 per day

Registration and Camp Policies

Early Bird Pricing Before May 31st!

Payment is due at the time of registration.
Cancellations prior to June 1 will be charged a $25 fee. Cancellations after June 1, tuition is non-refundable.
All camps include a daily dance class, craft/activities and will end with a parent performance!
Campers will be asked to bring a snack, and water bottle.
You will receive an email 1 week prior to camp with the final details including the dress code for each camp (campers are encouraged to get creative and dress for the theme to add to the fun!)

The 2024 Ultimate Guide to Dance Camp Prep