International Contemporary Masters

In association with YAGP

Today, the significance of contemporary dance continues to grow, becoming an essential component of the skill set for any dancer aspiring to pursue an academic or professional career in dance. This trend reflects the evolving landscape of the dance industry, where versatility and a strong foundation in contemporary techniques are increasingly valued.

The ICM Workshop is specifically crafted for dancers who are eager to enhance their contemporary dance technique. Participants will have the unique opportunity to train under the guidance of renowned choreographers, artists, and masters from various corners of the globe.

This immersive experience will not only broaden their technical skills but also deepen their understanding of contemporary dance as an art form, fostering creativity and artistic expression. Dancers will engage in rigorous training, contemporary repertoire, and improvisation, all designed to challenge and inspire them as they develop their skills in the field of contemporary dance.

ICM Workshops
Two-Week Session: July 7 - 18, 2025 | Monday - Friday
Ages 9 - 22 | Residential or Day options available

International Contemporary Masters NY (ages 15 - 22 years) provides expert contemporary technique training for serious dance students. Dancers will grow their skill and technique by from leading international Contemporary Dance choreographers, artists, and masters.

Classes will take place Monday - Friday (5.5 -6 hrs/day + additional rehearsal hrs) and will include: ballet technique (no pointe), strength conditioning, training in a minimum of two different contemporary techniques. The program will culminate in an Open Class Showcase.

Two-Week Session: July 7 - 18, Monday - Friday

Location: Manhattan, NYC

Can be combined with the John Cranko School Summer Intensive, learn more here.

International Contemporary Masters CT (ages 9 - 15 years) provides expert contemporary technique training for serious dance students. Dancers will grow their skill and technique by from leading international Contemporary Dance choreographers, artists, and masters.

Two-Week Session: July 7 - 18, Monday - Friday
Location: The Loomis Chaffee School Campus, Windsor CT

Can be combined with the John Cranko School Summer Intensive, learn more here.

Auditions

To be considered, dancers are required to submit a video audition. Anyone attending the John Cranko School SI live or virtual audition will be automatically considered for ICM.

In preparing your video, please follow the guidance below - you will be required to upload a link as a one compiled video. Please make sure the lighting is sufficient and your full body and movements are captured. Current, pre-recorded material maybe submitted, as long as performed within the last 3 months.

Part 1: Variation (approx. 2 minutes)

A modern or contemporary solo to musical accompaniment. Original or existing choreography of your choice.

Part 2: Ballet Technique - Center Exercises

Age appropriate requested ballet movements below, to musical accompaniment. Record the combinations on the right and left sides

Tendu in the center combination with a pirouette

Adagio in the center

Pirouette that moves across the floor

Petite allegro combination

Grand allegro combination

You may use any music of your choice. Pointe work is NOT required for ICM. However, dancers are welcome to do this section en pointe if they so choose.

Part 3: Modern Technique - Center Exercises

Treat the video as a class and execute two modern combinations.

Modern combination #1 - floor work

Modern combination #2 - across the floor

You may use any music of your choice. Combinations may be recorded separately but must be edited together prior to submission.

Dress Code & Appearance

Leotard and tights, unitard, or tights and tight-fitting top

No jewelry, skirts, loose-fitting apparell

Please make sure that you can be clearly be seen.

Deadline
Video auditions are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. Videos must be submitted via the portal in the link below.

Program Costs & Enrollment

2025 Tuition Costs

Program	Session Length	Tuition Fee	Registration Fee
International Contemporary Masters (ICM)	2 Weeks (July 7 - July 18)	$1,650	$150
John Cranko School SI (JCSSI)	3 Weeks (July 20-Aug. 8)	$2,600	$150
ICM & JCSSI	5 Weeks (July 7 - Aug. 8)	$4,250	$150

2025 ICM New York Housing Costs (15-22yrs)

Two housing options are available - MMC & YU. All will be directed to register for MMC Housing but can note their 1st choice preference. While we can't guarantee one's 1st choice, we will do our best to consider such requests. 5 Week Participants will have priority for the housing option of their choice. If one's housing will be adjusted from MMC to YU, ASE will refund the difference in cost prior to program start.) Housing option may be modified at Program's discretion.

Program	Session Length	MMC Housing Fee	YU Housing Fee	Registration Fee	Additional Fees
International Contemporary Masters (ICM)	2 Weeks (July 6 - July 19)	$1,425	$1,200	$150	$100 Chaperone Fee (Mandatory for Chaperoned Housing)
John Cranko School SI (JCSSI)	3 Weeks (July 20-Aug. 9)	$1,980	$1,600	$150	$150 Chaperone Fee (Mandatory for Chaperoned Housing)
ICM & JCSSI	5 Weeks (July 6-Aug. 9)	$3,250	$2,700	$150	$250 Chaperone Fee (Mandatory for Chaperoned Housing)

IMPORTANT IF ELECTING TO RESIDE IN PROGRAM HOUSING:

Please be guided by your dancer's age as of July 7, 2025.
15-16 year-old dancers must be enrolled in the Chaperoned Housing option.
17-year-old dancers may opt out of Chaperoned Housing.
Dancers 18 years and older are not chaperoned.
YU Housing allows for Parent + Dancer/s residence option via special request. If you would like to reside with your dancer in housing, please contact the program director for more information.

2025 ICM Connecticut Housing Costs (9-15yrs)

Includes; Housing with A/C rooms*, 3 meals daily and snacks, on-campus activities. Rooms are double occupancy, with a limited number of singles which are subject to availability and are typically assigned to older dancers. (*A limited number of non A/C rooms may be available.) One day of the weekend will be an off-site trip.

Program/ Length	A/C Room & Meal Plan	Non-A/C Room* &Meal Plan	Registration Fee	Additional Fees
ICM (July 6 - July 18)	$1,750	$1,500	$150	Offsite Trips $40
JCSSI (July 20 - Aug. 9)	$2,580	$2,350	$150	Offsite Trips $80
ICM & JCSSI (July 6-Aug. 9)	$4,230	$3,900	$150	Offsite Trips $160

Enrollment & Payment Deadlines

Please refer to your acceptance letter for detailed enrollment instructions. Upon receipt of an acceptance, log into your Parent Dashboard and click the Enrollment tab. To reserve your space in the program, kindly be advised of the following deadlines:

2025 Tuition Payment Schedule

Within 2 weeks of Acceptance

By Friday, 04/04/2025

50% of Tuition

Remainder of Tuition

2025 Housing Payment Schedule

By Friday, 03/07/2025

By Friday, 04/04/2025

50% of Housing

Remainder of Housing

Payment Reminders:

By check or wire transfer only. Other than payments for the initial audition and/or registration deposit of $150, credit cards are not accepted.
Carefully review your registration invoice for important payment information.

Refund Policy

Subject to the Cancellation Period specified in Program's Registration Contract, ASE has a no-refund policy on payments received. There are absolutely no refunds for dismissal from the Program or for voluntary withdrawal. Withdrawal from the Program, 60 days or more prior to the beginning of the 3 week session, due to a severe injury or medical condition unrelated to a pre-existing condition and directly resulting in Participant’s inability to train, may be evaluated on a case by case basis for special consideration of a credit. All special consideration requests will be reviewed in September following the completion of the Program. Audition and Registration Fee payments do not qualify for special consideration requests. It is Participant's responsibility to submit to ASE, in September, written statement of the request, relevant medical documentation, and physician’s attestation that the injury or medical condition is not related to a previously existing condition. Upon receipt of stated information, ASE will determine, in its sole discretion, whether any special consideration will be granted. Requests for session changes are not guaranteed, reviewed on a case by case basis, and are subject to ASE's Refund Policy.(*Good Standing defined as being in compliance with Program's policies, inclusive of, but not limited to payments and form submissions.) Given ASE’s no-refund policy please consider insurance as an option to protect your enrollment costs. Limited information is provided below. All are encouraged to consider other general industry and/or home country channels.

Insurance Suggestions

NOTE: ASE is not affiliated with the insurance companies, nor does ASE assume any responsibilities, or liabilities or make any representations regarding their products and/or services. This information is offered to all families solely on an OPTIONAL and INFORMATIONAL basis. It is the sole responsibility of each family to obtain full information regarding the costs, terms, coverage, and any/all other relevant matters. Please do not contact ASE/John Cranko School SI program staff with any questions regarding the insurance as we are not authorized to make any representations and/or give out information.

Options for U.S. Families:

Activity Insurance, APlus Plans, SquareMouth

Options for International Families:
At this time Program is able to recommend only health insurance options. For cancellation insurance, home country options should be considered.

UHC Safe Trip , IMG Global, Seven Corners

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NY Studios

Advanced students (15+ years) will have the opportunity to train in the one and only New York City! Studios are located on Manhattan’s beautiful Upper East Side. While some organized activities may be offered, participants will have ample free time to explore and enjoy New York independently. ICM NY is ideal for students who are comfortable navigating a major city, are independent, mature, responsible, and are excited to have more personal time in lieu of planned activities.

CLASSES ARE HELD IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS*:

Hunter College: Lexington Avenue between 68th and 69th Streets
Marymount Manhattan College: 221 East 71st Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

*As ASE does not own or operate program's facilities, locations may change as a result of circumstances beyond ASE’s control. The Program cannot ensure an allergen-free environment at any of its facilities.

CT Campus

The ICM CT Program takes place on the open campus of the Loomis Chaffee School, in the quaint town of Windsor, CT. The beautiful 300-acre private school campus includes studios, theater, indoor swimming pool, dining hall, health center, and encompasses natural fields, woods, and lake areas. All students and staff are housed at the Loomis Chaffee dorms.

The facilities are operated by Loomis' year-round staff and also host academic youth programs and short term camps during the summer. Please note that an allergen-free environment cannot be ensured at the Program’s facilities.

Loomis Chaffee is conveniently accessible from the following airports/train stations:

BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located approximately 104 miles from Loomis
Direct national and international flights

AMTRAK (WINDSOR, CT STATION — WND)

Walking distance from Loomis
Amtrak train service to/from many cities

BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

9 miles from Loomis
Direct national and international flights

JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located approximately 120 miles from Loomis
Direct national and international flights

NY Supervision

Participants attending ICM NY are expected to be mature, focused, and able to function independently and responsibly at all times. While some organized activities may be offered, the schedule outside of classes is open and unchaperoned, giving participants the ability to take full advantage of everything New York has to offer. NO individual supervision will be provided (except in some cases requiring medical care).

Staff supervision in the Residence

Group supervision to and from class/Residence (Chaperoned Dancers Only)
Attending to curfew (Chaperoned Dancers Only)
Program rules (all)

Staff supervision in the Studios

Group supervision of official Program activities
Attending to program rules during classes

CT Supervision

All Participants are expected to be mature, focused, and able to behave responsibly at all times. To support the participants' experience, ICM CT staff include; Program Directors, Senior Staff, Program Assistants, lifeguards, nursing staff, and athletic trainers. Program Directors, Senior Staff, Program Assistants, and some Parent Chaperons reside on campus. The Program is officially licensed by the CT Department of Early Childhood, and is overseen by an off-site licensed medical director.

Participants ages 12-15 are allowed to navigate the campus on their own, in groups of three. Younger participants are required to remain with their assigned group at all times. For the safety of all participants, ICM CT has a no-visitors and no-departure policy (excepting the official Visiting Day).

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NY Housing

Program's housing options are conveniently located on the residential East Side of Manhattan, within reasonable walking distance or a short ride to studios on public transportation. Housing is subject to availability. The program reserves the right to modify housing assignments based on availability. All questions should be directed to ASE Staff – please DO NOT contact the residence directly.

MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE (MMC) / 231 East 55th Street

A modern residence with air-conditioned 2-bedroom suites/2-4 residents per bedroom with a private bathroom, kitchen, and a common dining area. The elevator building has 24-hour on-site security, and program staff will reside there for the duration of the program.

Suite Amenities Include:

Twin bed, table and chairs, desk, dresser, wardrobes or closets
Full-size refrigerator, Electric stove, Microwave

YESHIVA UNIVERSITY (YU) / Brookdale Hall / 50 E 34th St
Brookdale is comprised of 4 and 5-person rooms equipped with a kitchenette with counter space, a sink, and cabinet space. There is a communal lounge and laundry room. The elevator building has on-site security along with Program chaperons/staff residing for the duration of the program.

Suite Amenities Include:

Twin bed, desk, dresser, wardrobes or closets
Small Refrigerator and Microwave

All participants have easy access to the neighborhood supermarkets, grocery stores, food courts, and cafes. Transportation costs are not included. Meal Plans, bedding, kitchen, and bathroom supplies are NOT provided.

IMPORTANT:

The Chaperoned Housing option is mandatory for all dancers 15-16 years old.
17-year-old dancers may opt out of Chaperoned Housing.
Dancers 18 years and older are not chaperoned.
Please by guided by your dancers age at the program start.

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CT Housing & Dining

The air-conditioned dormitories have double and single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, common areas, laundry facilities, and swiped card access. Singles are subject to availability and are typically assigned to older dancers. A limited number of non A/C rooms may be available, in such case cost will be adjusted. Furnishings typically include a dresser and wardrobe for each resident, and a shared desk. (Dorms/rooms may differ)

Program staff reside in the dorms with participants. Female and male participants may be housed on separate floors within same dorms. Common areas are for all. All ballet and extracurricular activities take place on campus, with the exception of off-site weekend trips.

Dining facilities serve 3 meals daily and 2 snacks on class days.Suggested Information for Navigating Windsor, CT:

Faculty & Guests

Damiano Artale
Technique & Repertoire

Graduate of the Teatro alla Scala ballet school, Damiano is a professional artist, an internationally sought after choreographer, and a guest teacher at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart. As a dancer with Ballet de l'Opéra National du Rhin (France) and Ballet du Grand Theater de Geneve (Switzerland), he performed creations by W. Forsythe, M. Bejart, J. Godani, L. Childs, and interpreted Soloist and Principal roles in the choreographies of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, A. Foniadakis, E. Gat, F. Ventriglia, S. Teshigawara, B. Millepied, J.C. Maillot. From 2013 to 2020 Damiano was a soloist of Aterballetto (Italy) and danced in the choreographies of Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, Johan Inger, among others. Damiano is also known as a sought after international choreographer, having created works for Aterballetto (Italy), White Carrara Downtown Festival (Italy), AlmaMiaDanceProject in Lausanne (Switzerland), Luglio Musicale Trapanese (IT), principal dancers of Teatro alla Scala, and many others. Damiano's pas de deux creation “Abiectio” was selected for the 33rd International Choreographic Competition Hannover. He also choreographed videos “The triumph of grace” directed by Valeria Civardi and "Kiss me Again" by Maestro Giovanni Allevi.

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Gaga/dancers
Gaga Movement
Ohad Naharin Repertoire

Gaga is the movement language developed by world-renowned choreographer and former artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company, Ohad Naharin. Gaga has become a primary training method for dancers, and Ohad Naharin's repertoire is performed in companies around the world. It is recognized for expanding dancers' movement beyond familiar limits, and supports their exploration of new movement possibilities. Gaga provides dancers a framework for discovering and strengthening the body and adding flexibility, stamina, agility, and skills including coordination and efficiency while stimulating the senses and the imagination. Gaga/dancers deepens dancers’ awareness of physical sensations, expands their palette of available movement options, enhances their ability to modulate their energy and engage their explosive power, and enriches their movement quality with a wide range of textures. The classes investigate form, speed, and effort while traversing additional spectrums such as those between soft and thick textures, delicacy and explosive power, and understatement and being over the top. The layering of familiar skills with Gaga tasks presents dancers with fresh challenges, and throughout the class, teachers prompt the dancers to visit more unfamiliar places and ways of moving as well, unlocking the endlessness of possibilities. Dancers will also have the opportunity to apply their newly learned Gaga movement language by exploring and sharing Ohad Naharin Repertoire at the program's culmination.

Photo by Ascaf

Marco Laudani
Technique & Repertoire

Marco Laudani is the artistic director of the company Ocram Dance Movement and an associate choreographer for the national dance production centre Scenario Pubblico. Marco's works have been selected in numerous international festivals in Germany (Festival SzóloDuó, Solo Tanz Theater Stuttgart), Hungary (Festival SzólóDuó), Spain (Maldà en Dansa, Certamen Coreografico Compostela 2021, 20 Certamen Internacional de choreografia Burgos-New York 2021), Portugal (Quinzena de Dança de Almada), Slovenia (Ljubljana Dance Meeting), Greece (Pocket Dance Festival), and others. He is a teacher and choreographer for the John Cranko School in Stuttgart, KAOS Balletto di Firenze and has been a guest lecturer at Copenhagen Contemporary Dance School. He is often invited as a guest teacher at Youth American Grand Prix and other prominent international competitions. In 2019 he was awarded the choreography prize at Certamen Coreografico distrito de Tetuan (Madrid), and in 2020 he was invited as a guest choreographer at the Ljubljana Opera by director Petar Dorcevski.

Pilar Murube
Contemporary Technique

Pilar Murube was born in Seville, Spain, and completed her ballet training at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart before moving in a contemporary direction as a dancer with Marco Santi. Since 2014 she has been working mainly as a teacher of contemporary dance at the John Cranko School and Produktionszentrum Tanz und Performance e. V. Stuttgart. As a choreographer, among other pieces, she has created ‘Forever Young’ and ‘6791’ for the Kulturnacht Feuerbach, ‘Privat Birds’ in collaboration with Ariane Brand for the Zeitgenössische Tanztage Ludwigsburg 2017 and, most recently, ‘Rashomon’, a video art project directed by Nina Kurzeja. Her most recent works as a dancer are: ‘Die Zaubernacht’, a dance pantomime by Kurt Weil (Nina Kurzeja, Blomst! gUg) at the Wilhelma Theatre, ‘Die Nacht die nicht kommt’, a dance theatre piece directed by Luis Hergón at Theaterhaus and FITZ, and ‘PUTA’ a multimedia dance theatre piece at Marienplatz.

Nataša Novotná
Jiří Kylián Repertoire

Natasa has been with the Dutch ensemble Nederlands Dans Theater 2 and 1 led by Jiří Kylián since 1997. Between 2000 and 2002 she danced in the Swedish Göteborgs Operan Ballet. As a performing dancer, she collaborated with choreographers, e.g. J. Kylián, O. Naharin, W. Forsyth, M. Ek, Crystal Pite, Meryl Tancard and others. She was nominated by the Dutch Critics for best dance interpretation for role in Johan Inger’s Pneuma and then together with Paravaneh Sharifali for William Forsythe’s Duo. Natasa's achievements as an artist of contemporary dance, she was invited to independently performed all over the world with renown choreographers and companies such as the Tero Saarinen Company in Finland, Copenhagen International Ballet, Korzo Theater, Station Zuid and C-scope in the Netherlands, with Roberto Bolle, the soloist of the Teatro alla Scala, and with the London's Sadler's Wells and Sylvie Guillem. Natasa is also a co-founder of 420PEOPLE dance initiative in Prague, Czech Republic, and is a sought after teacher and expert in Jiri Kylian repertoire.

International Contemporary Masters

In association with YAGP

ICM Workshops Two-Week Session: July 7 - 18, 2025 | Monday - Friday Ages 9 - 22 | Residential or Day options available

Faculty & Guests

Damiano Artale Technique & Repertoire

Gaga/dancers Gaga Movement Ohad Naharin Repertoire

Marco Laudani Technique & Repertoire