Overview and Philosophy

Our dynamic program is centered around our exceptional, professional dance instruction, "choice" and a variety of camp activities including art and crafts, waterfront, co-ed socials, campfires, trips and many other sports activities.

Campers design their own schedules and they can choose to take from two to six hours of dance classes daily. Dance instruction is offered in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap and an exciting new addition in 2011, EnChoreo—our camper directed choreography experience. (See the Dance Program section.) All classes are small and campers are separated into ability levels to provide the most effective and personalized instruction.

Girls may also choose from many other activities including tennis, fitness, photography, painting, ceramics, crafts, (Intensive and recreational instruction in tennis is offered daily)and numerous water sports (swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing/kayaking and more).

Every day, each girl determines her own schedule. This must include a total of at least five activities a day with a minimum of two dance classes a day. The more serious dancers may take as many as six dance classes a day. (See Typical Day for a more detailed discussion.)

Evening activities vary as the girls have a number of fun and unique opportunities. These include co-ed socials, talent shows, special classes, games and occasional evenings out of camp. Weekly trips are built into the schedule, including one to see the New York City Ballet at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, among others. There is also one overnight trip to places like Burlington, VT, Lake Placid, NY and Montreal, Canada.

To help insure that the summer meets every camper's expectations, each girl is asked to set her own goals for her stay at camp. Annemiek "Mieks" Gersten and Rachel Kerchman, the Dance Camp's Co-Directors, help guide each girl to establish and achieve those goals as needed. Brant Lake's experienced and mature staff members also provide guidance and support to help insure a safe, healthy, rewarding and memorable summer.