Programs

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June 13 - July 10, 2026

Advanced Training

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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 One
June 14-18

Matilde Ungaretti, IT
Yoga

Brian McGinnis, USA
Ballet and Dynamic Alignment, Powerful Flow & Creative Composition

Brigel Gjoka/Dynamo Kid, AL/FR
FORSYTHE IMPROVISATION & REPERTORY WORKSHOP

Ricerca X, IT
DIG: Making - a toolbox

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 Two
June 21-25

Liz Shea, USA
Dynamic Bodies: SomaLab® w/ Yogic Practices

Nunzia Piciallo, IL/IT 
GAGA and WAMI Creative Workshop

Davide Bonetti, IT
Acrodance: Movement Exploration

Tricia Dietrick, US
Firstfruits: Kinetic Confessions
Performance 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

bulckaeng@gmail.com 

livinglovelyinlucca@gmail.com 

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: