JEFFERSON — BodyStories: Teresa Fellion Dance has announced its 2026 Summer Intensives, offering two distinct sessions of technical training, composition, and community building in both New York City and Upstate New York.
The program begins with Session I on Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, at the Joffrey Ballet School in Long Island City, Queens. Daily schedules run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., split between technique classes and sessions dedicated to improvisation, composition, and repertory.
Session II will follow over the weekend of June 6 and 7 at the Middlebrook Arts Research + Residency Center (MAR+RC) in Jefferson, nestled in the Catskills. Participants for the upstate residency arrive Friday evening, June 5, for a weekend that features an interdisciplinary lab, technique, and composition workshops alongside community dinners, bonfires, and field dancing. A virtual attendance option is available for the second session.
Dancer and artistic director Teresa Fellion noted that the intensives serve as unique spaces designed to ignite creativity, foster personal growth, and encourage meaningful connections. Fellion emphasized that the program annually welcomes participants across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. She expressed that watching dancers, artists, and community members come together to learn from one another remains an incredibly inspiring element of the workshops.
“Our Summer Intensives are unique spaces that ignite creativity, foster personal growth, and encourage meaningful connections. Each year, we welcome participants from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and experience levels. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch dancers, artists, and people come together in the spirit of movement and community, learning from one another and leaving with new knowledge, insight, and friendships. The diversity of perspectives and shared enthusiasm make the intensives a vibrant and inclusive experience, and I am continually amazed by how much everyone gives and receives,” Fellion said.
Past participants have praised the intensives for providing artistic growth in a highly supportive environment. One dancer recalled that the workshops managed to be challenging yet flexible and encouraging, noting that the positive energy in the room prevented any feelings of deficiency. Another attendee highlighted the thoughtful pacing and balance, explaining that classes allowed participants to explore their own movement alongside company material.
"This intensive is a wonderful way to grow artistically and connect with other creatives in a supportive environment. I came home with joyful memories and new ideas. Being surrounded by the beauty of upstate New York is so refreshing and inspiring!” said one past participant.
To foster inclusivity, BodyStories utilizes a sliding-scale pricing model aimed at increasing accessibility while supporting its teaching artists. Single class drop-in rates begin at $22, with tiered packages available based on financial resources. Financial assistance and scholarships are also available for those who qualify. All dancers who participate in either session will receive an invitation to perform in a BodyStories 2026 New York City performance.
Registration is currently open but spaces are limited. Interested participants can secure a spot by completing the interest form online, or submit inquiries regarding scholarships and scheduling to education@bodystoriesfellion.org.
