Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
THE PROGRAM
What are the dates of the program?
The CLI Conservatory is a ten-month training program designed to prepare students to enter the professional world of dance. For the class of 2024-2025, the CLI Conservatory program begins September 4th, 2024 and ends June 20th, 2025.
Who are the faculty?
All of our faculty are working professionals in the dance industry. These choreographers are booking professional dancers for jobs throughout the year. The connections we provide to our students with our 100+ CLI Conservatory faculty members are one of the aspects that makes the CLI Conservatory unique. Some of our instructors include Teddy Forance (our Conservatory Director), Tiler Peck, Brain Friedman, Brian Nicholson, Chris Scott, Talia Favia, Lex Ishimoto, Kathryn McCormick, Riley Watts, and more. See more faculty here.
When are the holiday breaks?
  • Thanksgiving Break: November 23 – December 1, 2024
  • Winter Break: December 21, 2024 – January 12, 2025
  • Spring Break: March 17 – March 21, 2025
What is a typical schedule?
Classes run Monday through Friday from 9 AM – 5:30 PM. Here is an example of a day in the life for our dancers:
  • 9:00 – 10:20 AM – Ballet with Casey Gonzalez
  • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Contemporary with Teddy Forance
  • 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch Break
  • 1:00 – 2:20 PM – Hip-hop with JBlaze
  • 2:30 – 3:50 PM – Jazz with Liana Blackburn
  • 4:00 – 5:30 PM – Dance on Camera Training
What training is offered in addition to dance classes?
We are passionate about holistic training so that you can step into the industry with confidence! To help prepare you for the camera, we offer dance on camera classes and photography classes and workshops. To help you prepare for life as a dancer, we offer life coaching, nutrition classes, mental and emotional wellbeing sessions, and 1:1 coaching and mentorship. We also hold seminars with YPAD (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance). To make sure you’re ready for being an independent artist we offer entrepreneurial classes and finances for dancers classes!
Are there any performance opportunities through the CLI Conservatory?
There will be plenty of performance opportunities throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity to perform in multiple dance films choreographed by faculty and students, student choreographed solos that our content team films, and a final end-of-year showcase where students will perform pieces set on them by choreographers throughout the year.
What kind of job opportunities can I expect after the program?
Auditions are a big part of life as a professional dancer. Throughout the program we are preparing dancers for auditions through mock auditions, dance on camera opportunities, professional photo shoots, Q+A sessions with agents, and more! We hold private auditions with Bloc, MSA, and Clear Talent Agencies at the end of the year along with other companies like Cirque Du Soliel, and major cruise lines.
More related questions
LOCATION &
HOUSING
Where is the CLI Conservatory located?
The CLI Conservatory is located in Southampton, Massachusetts. Southampton is roughly three hours from New York City and two hours from Boston, and in the backyard of the iconic performance space Jacob’s Pillow. We chose this location because it allows dancers to focus on their dance training with the CLI Studios world-renowned faculty without the distractions of a busy, major city.
Are there housing options?
Yes, dancers have the option to stay in apartment style housing at Hathaway Farms Townhomes located in Northampton, MA, about 15 minutes away from the studio. Dancers may choose either a single room or double room (sharing a room) and will be placed in a 2, 3, or 4 bedroom apartment. All units have full kitchens and in-unit washer and dryer.
What is the cost of housing?
Housing is approximately $1000/month for a single room and $700/month for a double room. There may be adjustments for the Conservatory class of 2024-2025.
Should I bring a car?
We highly recommend that dancers bring a car if they have one as the local public transportation is limited. Most dancers who bring their car are more than happy to set up a carpool with those who do not bring a car.
More related questions
ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL INFORMATION
How much is tuition?
Tuition is $2,500 a month, or a total of $25,000 for the ten-month program
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
One of our missions is to bring access to high quality dance training to all dancers regardless of socioeconomic status. We have worked to make the cost of our program much more affordable than a 4 year program or even dancers taking classes on their own in a major city. We also understand it can still be a high financial commitment. We offer a limited number of Early Admission and Priority Admission scholarships for exceptional dancers who are accepted to the program.
I am an international student, how do I handle a visa?
We have had several international students attend the program! Previously we’ve had students from Canada, Mexico, the UK, South Africa, and Estonia. In order to attend the CLI Conservatory, international dancers will need to secure a visitor visa independently.
Can I work or take academic classes while at the CLI Conservatory?
The daily schedule of the CLI Conservatory is rigorous so there is not much additional time for other pursuits. However, many of our dancers have been hired throughout the year for dance teaching jobs, touring with conventions on the weekends, etc and we will work with you to make this work with your schedule.
More related questions
AUDITIONS
What should I submit for my audition video?
The main goal of the video submission is for our team to see your unique dancing ability so we can assess if you’re a good fit for our program. You should submit a video in any style of dance that you feel best demonstrates your abilities. The video should be a solo approximately one to three minutes in length (no duos, trios, or groups please). Your video can feature original choreography, a piece choreographed by someone else, or improvisation in any style of your choice. Video reels that you’ve edited together are also acceptable submissions. Please limit your submission to one video and one application.
Who should audition? How old do I have to be to audition?
The CLI Conservatory is a pre-professional program for well-rounded dancers looking to embark on a professional dance career. Dancers must be 17 years old or older OR a high school graduate to apply and be accepted.
When do auditions close?
We encourage interested dancers to audition as soon as possible as we can not guarantee space for those who wait to audition. Various scholarships will be available for exceptional dancers who audition by the November 1st early admission and January 1st priority deadline. Regular auditions will close in Spring of 2024.
More related questions
HEALTH & SAFETY
What are your health & safety protocols?
All staff members and instructors receive training on best practices for working with students and appropriate workplace behavior. CLI Studios also has clear policies and procedures for reporting, reviewing, and addressing mental and physical health and safety concerns for participants. Procedures for reporting health and safety concerns will be provided to all dancers before they arrive at the CLI Conservatory.
What happens if I get injured during the program?
We understand that injury can happen. We have relationships with local chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists to help diagnose and treat potential injuries. In the event of injury, we will work with you to develop a recovery plan to make sure you have the time you need to heal.
What are your COVID-19 Protocols?
The health and safety of dancers, instructors, and our staff is of the utmost importance to CLI Studios. As part of our commitment to health and safety we will continue to monitor and adhere to all local, state, and federal requirements for COVID safety. Any specific requirements for participants will be communicated prior to the start of the CLI Conservatory.
More related questions