Independent Training Program
Overview
The Gibney Independent Training Program offers flexible and rigorous training for aspiring professional dancers seeking a supportive community of artists in New York City over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
Gibney’s Independent Training Program offers a balance of flexible independence and supportive accountability in professional-level training in New York City. Our aim is to offer a well-rounded training ground for dancers to improve their artistic and physical abilities, while growing as critical thinkers, community builders, and artist- entrepreneurs.
Gibney is proud to offer a dance space to artists who look beyond their own work to collaborate in community, acknowledging how others think and how movement can change lives. The classes at Gibney are supportive, non-judgmental, and safe for dancers to try new styles, take risks, and have fun, while training at an advanced level in a diverse array of styles.
Students choose one of the following tracks based on their interests and professional goals:
- Contemporary Dance
- Choreographic Process (6 or 12 month only)
- Ballet Studies
- Independent Study
Please contact Director of Training, Sam Baker, at sam@gibneydance.org with questions.
M-1 Student Visa Sponsorship is available for international dancers. Learn more about Gibney student visa sponsorship below.
Students who successfully complete the Gibney Independent Training Program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Applications are open year-round. Students are accepted to start every month of the year.
Curriculum
The curriculum and corresponding classes are designed for the professional or aspiring professional dancer, taught by esteemed members of the New York City dance field. The Independent Training Program curriculum includes content in and out of the studio for a well-rounded education.
12+ Weekly Classes
Students choose 12-14 weekly classes from Gibney’s Open Class Schedule. Gibney holds over 60 open classes weekly in a wide range of techniques and levels including Contemporary, Gaga, Countertechnique, Ballet, Street/Club Styles, Somatic practices, and more. Students take class alongside NYC professionals, explore new styles, and delve into their own personal interests.
Student Gatherings
Students and program staff come together twice per month to meet and connect. These meetings offer students the opportunity to share with one another and ask questions. Each meeting concludes with a discussion covering various topics including setting goals, artistic challenges, budgeting and networking tips, producing your own work, and more.
Artistic Advisors
Based on their unique interests and goals, students are matched with an active professional artist in the New York City dance community to act as their artistic advisor. Students meet monthly with their artistic advisor throughout the course of the program, for a minimum 1 hour per meeting. These meetings will allow you to talk openly, ask questions, and receive career guidance from a professional artist.
One-On-One Support
Every student will have access to individualized support from the Gibney Independent Training Program Staff. One-on-one check-ins will be held at the beginning and end of your program to set goals, discuss progress, reflect on the program, and develop plans post-program completion. Students may schedule additional meetings with program Staff to discuss any questions that may arise.
Partner Organizations
We have several partner organizations that contribute to our classes programming, including:
- Gaga Dance USA programs weekly classes in Gaga technique
- Movement Research programs many Physical Inquiry & Somatic Practices
Program Tracks
Gibney Independent Training Program students choose a track based on their interests and professional goals. There are separate course requirements for each track, resulting in at least 22 hours of Gibney class time per week and varying lengths of time in lab instruction, or rehearsal, depending upon the track.
Students must complete at least 44 classes per month to maintain their status in the program and can take up to 56 classes per month, chosen from our Class Schedule. These hours do not include lab hours, rehearsals, or independent projects outside of instructional class time.
Each track has specific start dates and optional lengths.
Contemporary Track
Time to Complete Program: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
Minimum Hours per Month: 88 Hours
Start Date: First Monday of any Month
Certificate Achieved: Certificate of Completion, Contemporary Dance Program
- Weekly Requirements (22 instructional hours):
- 5 Daily Technique Classes (10 hours)
- 2 Physical Inquiry & Somatic Practices Classes (4 hours)
- 4 Elective Classes (8 hours)
Choreographic Process Track
Students in the Choreographic Process Track must complete a Choreographic Project in addition to weekly classes. This project offers students the opportunity to create a performance from start to finish with the support of a professional dance institution.
Time to Complete Program: 6 or 12 months
Minimum Hours per Month: 88 Hours
Start Date: First Monday of any Month
Certificate Achieved: Certificate of Completion, Choreographic Process Program
Weekly Requirements (22 instructional hours):
- 5 Daily Technique (10 hours)
- 2 Physical Inquiry & Somatic Practices (4 hours)
- 2 Creative Exploration / Performative Techniques & Composition (4 hours)
- 2 Electives (4 hours)
Choreographic Project components include:
- $100 toward Gibney Studio Space each month
- One shared free performance in The Theater at Gibney with Gibney’s in-house production team
- Marketing materials, professional programs, and front of house management
- One camera shoot of final performance
Ballet Studies Track
Time to Complete Program: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
Minimum Hours per Month: 88 Hours
Start Date: First Monday of any Month
Certificate Achieved: Certificate of Completion, Ballet Studies Program
Weekly Requirements (22 instructional hours):
- 5 Daily Technique- Ballet (10 hours)
- 2 Daily Technique- Contemporary (4 hours)
- 2 Physical Inquiry & Somatic Practices (4 hours)
- 2 Electives (4 hours)
Independent Study Track
Time to Complete Program: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
Minimum Hours per Month: 88 Hours
Start Date: First Monday of any Month
Certificate Achieved: Certificate of Completion, Independent Studies Program
Weekly Requirements (22 instructional hours):
- 5 Daily Technique (10 hours)
- 2 Physical Inquiry & Somatic Practices (4 hours)
- 2 Creative Exploration / Performative Techniques & Composition (4 hours)
- 2 Electives (4 hours)
Student Visa Sponsorship
Gibney sponsors M-1 Student Visas for International Students interested in studying at Gibney.
The M-1 visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programs are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. Therefore, M-1 visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all TUITION and ESTIMATED LIVING EXPENSES for the entire period of intended stay.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses:
- Rent and Utilities: $925
- Food: $350
- Transportation: $125
- Personal (cell phone, clothing, etc.): $200
Total Monthly Estimate: $1,600
While studying in the United States, it is essential to maintain your M-1 student status. M-1 visa holders must complete at least 22 hours of class per week (11-14 Classes) to maintain status. It is the duty of the student to maintain their status by respecting the class attendance requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could result in dismissal from the program and/or loss of M-1 status for visa students.
If you are accepted into the program, you will receive detailed information about applying for the M-1 visa. You will submit information for your I-20 form and your Statement of Finances. Then, Gibney creates your I-20 form and mails it to you. Upon receipt, you will pay a SEVIS fee of $350 and schedule an appointment at the US Consulate in your home country. After attending the consulate appointment and receiving approval for the visa, you may enter the US up to 30 days before the start of the program.
For more information about the M-1 visa and process, please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students or contact Gibney Independent Training Program Staff at sam@gibneydance.org.
Application Process
Start Date and Deadlines
Students in the Contemporary Dance, Ballet Studies, Choreographic track and Independent Study track may start the first Monday of any Month. A September start date is recommended for all students.
Interested students are encouraged to submit an application as early as possible. Applications are reviewed year-round. You must apply more than 1 month before your desired start date, and more than 2 months in advance if you are also applying for visa sponsorship.
Applicants must submit a $50 Application Fee to be considered.
Interview Process
After applying and submitting an application fee, Gibney Independent Training Program staff will contact you through email to schedule an interview with you, either via Zoom call or in person. In the interview, we will learn more about your interests and goals, review program components, and answer any questions you may have.
Please note that interviews will not be scheduled if you have not submitted the application fee.
Eligibility
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the start of the program. Gibney does not have a maximum age limit for this program.
The Independent Training Program is geared toward dancers preparing to begin, or recently beginning, their professional career in dance. Applicants should have some prior dance experience as they will be dancing alongside professionals. As students may build their own class schedule from Gibney’s diverse offerings, all dancers will have the opportunity to build a challenging and fulfilling schedule.
M-1 Student Visa Sponsorship is available for international dancers. Learn more about Gibney student visa sponsorship here.
English Proficiency is not required, though an understanding of English is strongly encouraged to take full advantage of all curriculum.
Visit Us
If you are interested in studying at Gibney and you are in NYC, please contact us at classes@gibneydance.org to schedule a visit. Come for a tour of our spaces, to take a class, and to meet Independent Training Program Staff. We are always happy to meet with new students!
Tuition
Program Track
Contemporary Dance, Ballet Studies, and Independent Study*
3 Month Program
- Tuition: $2,700
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $1,350
- Estimated Living Expenses: $4,800
6 Month Program
- Tuition: $5,250
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $2,625
- Estimated Living Expenses: $9,600
9 Month Program
- Tuition: $7,650
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $3,825
- Estimated Living Expenses: $14,400
12 Month Program
- Tuition: $9,900
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $4,950
- Estimated Living Expenses: $19,200
*If you choose to add a performance option to the Independent Study track, tuition will include an additional $1,300 for six months and an additional $1,900 for twelve months.
Program Track
Choreographic Process
6 Month Program
- Tuition: $6,550
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $3,275
- Estimated Living Expenses: $9,600
- Includes: $100 toward space each month, a produced performance in The Theater at Gibney with professional tech production, marketing, programs, and management, and professional video footage of the performance.
12 Month Program
- Tuition: $11,800
- Due Within 2 Weeks of Acceptance: $5,900
- Estimated Living Expenses: $19,250
- Includes: $100 toward space each month, a produced performance in The Theater at Gibney with professional tech production, marketing, programs, and management, and professional video footage of the performance.
Scholarships
Unfortunately, Gibney does not offer scholarships for the Independent Training Program as tuition is priced based on a discounted class and performance rate. Gibney staff can provide accepted students with a formal letter of acceptance in support of external fundraising and scholarship applications.
Policies
Methods of Payment
Acceptable methods of payment for tuition include wire transfer, credit/debit card, check, or cash. Checks must be drawn on a US bank in US Dollars. Cash payments are accepted in person only (please do not mail cash!) at a scheduled time.
Note that the non-refundable $50 application fee must be paid with a credit card.
Payment Schedule
Tuition may be paid in installments. A non-refundable 50% deposit is due within two weeks of acceptance to reserve your place, with the remaining balance due at least one week before the program begins.
Refund Policy
Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable.
If you are applying for Visa sponsorship and your visa is not approved in your home country, Gibney will refund 90% of tuition paid to date, prior to the start of the program.
No refunds are given once the program has started, regardless of program completion or withdrawal. Dismissal from the program will not constitute a reason for any refund.
Attendance Policy
Attendance in all classes plays a critical role in student success. Progress is difficult and often unachievable without regular attendance. If a student fails to complete weekly course requirements for more than one week consecutively, they will be asked to meet with Program Staff to discuss the status of their participation in the program. It is the duty of the student to maintain their status by respecting the class attendance requirements. Failure to meet these requirements could result in dismissal from the program.
Causes for Expulsion
Students may be asked to leave the program if it becomes clear that their intention is not to seriously study dance while in the Independent Training Program, or if they are consistently unable to complete attendance requirements. Each student is expected to exhibit professional behavior by showing respect toward staff, faculty and fellow students. At any point, if Gibney staff feels you have demonstrated behavior in violation of our Code of Conduct, it may be cause for dismissal from the program.
Housing Options
Students are responsible for securing their own housing for the duration of their studies for the Independent Training Program. In order to assist students in choosing the housing arrangement that works best for them, Gibney can provide a list of housing opportunities upon request as a helpful starting point. Gibney is not in any way affiliated and does not benefit financially from these presented opportunities.
Certificate of Completion
Students who successfully complete the Independent Training Program will receive a Certificate of Completion.
University Credit
You may be eligible to earn academic credit through your college or university. Although Gibney is not an accredited institution, many students have received course credit for participating in the Independent Training Program during a semester or summer term. Check with your school to learn about credit eligibility and approval requirements.
Alumni Accomplishments
Independent Training Students represent a global community of dancers who come to Gibney from around the world to deepen their practice and expand their artistic pathways. Our alumni have gone on to pursue diverse careers in dance and the arts, including presenting their own work, performing with major touring companies, founding dance companies, publishing books and articles, opening studios, leading university dance departments, teaching, and earning BFAs, MFAs, and PhDs.
Take a look at our map of past and current Gibney Training students.