Programs
June 13 - July 10, 2026
Advanced Training
Dance Italia is a vibrant community of artists and educators who gather each summer to challenge themselves artistically in a rigorous and supportive professional environment where each dancer receives individualized attention.
Heading into our 15th edition, we are committed to contributing to the technical, artistic, and personal growth of all participants in a safe, non-competitive, and non-judgmental space.
DI thrives on the creative exchange of ideas, exploration, and opportunities for participants to experience a diverse spectrum of dance/movement disciplines. Dancers expand their skills through daily classes, workshops, discussions, informal showings, and performances while meeting world-renowned artists through informal discussions and social gatherings, becoming a part of an extended network of artists.
DI is run by Stefanie Nelson Dancegroup, a not-for-profit contemporary dance organization focused on fostering connections among dancers and choreographers, and supporting international artists through connections, opportunities, and mentorship. Committed to empowering artists, DI provides a crucial framework for the development of healthy approaches to positioning oneself in the dance field.
2026 workshops
Week Three
June 28-July 2
Liz Shea, US
Dynamic Bodies: SomaLab® w/ Yogic Practices
Dr. Chelsey Cioli, US
Injury to Insight: The Anatomy of Prevention and Recovery for Dancers
Marialisa & Andrea / SMASH POIN1, IT
Waacking & Hip-Hop Workshop
Milan Kampfer, DE/PT
PINA BAUSCH REPERTORY WORKSHOP
Glenda Gheller, IT
R.O.O.T.S Lab • research, openness, observation, trust, share Creative Workshop
Week Four
July 5-8 & July 9
Adriano Popolo Rubbio & Glenda Gheller , IT
KOMOCO Training and REPERTORY and Performance WORKSHOP
(Two options: half day, 3hr and full day, 6hr)
Weekend Workshops
Community events to be announced.
More Info
01. Program highlights
(4 week program)
1 public performance at Real Collegio summer festival (July 8, 2026)
1 professional photoshoot
20 days of instruction (Sunday through Thursday)
downtime with festival artists
weekly informal showings and Q&A with faculty
final dinner with faculty and staff
02. Fees
4 Weeks: €2100, €1975 early bird
3 Weeks: €1655, €1500 early bird
03. Studio Locations
Classes and workshops are held at
-Motore592 located at Via Matteo Civitali, 592
Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s renowned for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Lucca features some of Italy's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture, superb dining, antique markets, classical and rock music festivals, easy access to stunning nearby villas in the surrounding hills and with endless beaches less than half an hour away. Lucca is one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets.
04. Housing & Accommodations
Participants are responsible for their housing. If you are traveling alone, let us know. We will do our best to connect you with other solo travelers.
Our recommended housing contact: Gabriella & Cristina
WhatsApp: 0039 3409840550 or AirBNB: www.airbnb.com
05. Extras
There are many exciting things to do in and around Lucca during your stay. Here is a short list of things that past participants have enjoyed:
Lucca Summer Fest - an outdoor music festival featuring John Legend, Celine Dion, Paolo Conte, and more…
Horseback Riding Tours - guided tours on horseback through the Tuscan countryside
Wine & Olive Oil Tours - guided tastings of local fare
Cinque Terre, Pisa, & Florence - all easy day trips from Lucca
In Pasta, K2 Ristorante Pizzeria, La Bottega di Anna e Leo, & Trattoria Da Leo - local restaurant discounts
Pro Classic Cycle - bike rentals for getting around town easily and biking the medieval walls surrounding Lucca. All DANCE ITALIA participants are offered a large discount. Let us know if you're interested!
Lucca Italian School - Italian language lessons