Last updated for April 2012; stay tuned for information on Spring 2013.
The Experiment is a highly intensive Balboa workshop built around the model of small, select groups of participants spending a week together with top dancers of our generation in an extraordinary live+work+play environment.
In 2009 we launched a single week with 24 participants in a luxury beach house. In 2010 & 2011 we moved to a larger house, added more special guests, and expanded to multiple weeks with a different set of participants each week. In April 2012 we will be hosting three separate weeks with 28 participants each, for a total of 84 spots available.
In place of traditional classes, The Experiment features an ever-evolving set of special sessions developed to take advantage of this unique environment. Primarily student driven, these sessions emphasize self-motivation, group collaboration and friendly competition, with the staff serving as moderators, coaches and fellow participants. In the words of one attendee, "The Experiment is what I wish every Master's class would be, but can't. It is a truly unique learning experience." (See the testimonials page for more.)
Each day contains a balance of these sessions with unstructured free time and social dancing every night. Other activities such as music & DJ discussions, mock contests and formal nights are spread throughout the week.
The Experiment is hosted by David Rehm in conjunction with a core staff featuring: Nick Williams, Kate Hedin & Bobby White, Laura Keat, Marie Nahnfeldt Mattsson, and Head DJ Kyle Smith. Additional special guests include: Jeremy Otth, Marty & Jen Lau, and several higher-level participants who will serve as mentors to other weeks.
[Most but not all core staff will be present for all three weeks. Special guests & mentors
will come and go for a few days up to a week or two, throughout.]
The answer to this question continues to expand as we increase the number of weeks.
For the first year, with only one week & 24 spots, competition was extremely high and attracted many top dancers from around the world (many of whom are also teachers and/or top level competitors, although these are not requirements).
Now with three weeks and more than triple the capacity of the first year, we are able to accommodate a wider range of 'Advanced/Advanced-plus' dancers through the broader category and highest levels of 'Masters'. (If application trends continue, that could very well grow to four weeks in the near future.)
Finally, if you are an intermediate or even beginning dancer and would be interested in something geared toward those levels, please let us know by submitting an application and encouraging others to do the same. We use such applications to help determine the demand for additional weeks.
The Experiment uses an application process to select participants just like a university and many other kinds of intensive learning programs. Final selections are made through consultation with a panel of over a dozen people, including staff as well as a number of outside sources.
Selection criteria obviously include overall ability and quality of motion, but also things like: self-motivation & work ethic, active-mindedness (consistently asking the right questions and actively seeking answers), creativity/ingenuity, self-awareness, ability to work in groups, overall attitude, and even peer nominations (via each application).
You do not need a partner, and around half of participants attend without one. We regularly shuffle partners and groups during sessions.
The Experiment 2012 will take place April 7–14, 14–21, & 21–28. While there is some hierarchy to the different weeks with the highest level during the middle one, groups are increasingly built around a range of considerations in addition to level, including interests and personalities.
Each week opens to participants around 6 pm on their opening Saturday (the first meal provided is dinner at 7), and everyone has to vacate by 9 am the following Saturday morning. (These times are based on the rental cycle, and apply every Saturday in order for cleaning crews to come through between each week.)
Applications for April 2012 are now open with a deadline of October 21, 2011. Acceptance letters will be sent in waves throughout November and into early December. Everyone who applies will receive notification (acceptance or otherwise) by early December.
The Experiment is currently held on the east coast of the United States in Topsail Island, North Carolina, about 45 minutes from Wilmington NC International Airport (ILM). (Despite the name, this is a tiny local airport and therefore participants should book flights as early as possible.)
At the beginning of each week we offer a single shuttle from the airport to the house, and again at the end of each week returning to the airport. This shuttle leaves at 5 pm from the airport on Saturday afternoons and returns each following Saturday morning at 9 am (arriving to the airport by 10). Outside of these shuttle times, participants are responsible for their own ground transportation.
The present venue is a gorgeous, four-story oceanfront property with the beach just outside the back door, full balconies on the other three floors, and the main living/dance & dining space on the top floor, all overlooking the ocean. Other notable amenities include a private pool, hot tub, game room with ping-pong & pool table, several large-screen televisions, a second kitchen open to participants, multiple laundry machines, and free wifi internet.
There are two types of accommodations. Suites are private rooms with a single King bed for 2 people, primarily intended for couples. Bunk rooms hold 4-6 people and can accommodate both individuals and couples with a mix of single- and double/'full'- sized beds. Bed linens and towels are provided.
Meals are provided by an on-site kitchen staff and included in the price of accommodations. Both standard and vegetarian options are available, while those with additional requirements or concerns will need to make arrangements with the kitchen staff to see what they can accommodate. Be sure to include all dietary restrictions in the appropriate section on your application.
A growing trend involves participants bringing all kinds of regional/international delicacies to share, as well as making their own treats and desserts.
The Experiment is essentially a 'dry campus' (no alcohol) with the exception that participants may bring wine for dinner.
Music is coordinated by Head DJs Kyle Smith and Kate Hedin in conjunction with participants who volunteer to DJ. We are excited to have DJ Kyle Smith return for all three weeks this year, from the middle of week one through the middle of week three.
Yes, we allow and have had at least three couples bring children, with several more expressing interest. The Experiment is committed to enabling those who want to continue working on their dancing after becoming parents to be able to do so. If this is something you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Base tuition is US$460 plus the price of accommodations (including meals) which range from US$450–575. (This remains similar to other week-long dance camps including total cost of lodging & meals.) If accepted, base tuition is due within two weeks of receiving acceptance letters in November/December (to secure your spot), with the remainder due in February 2012. Alternate payment plan options are available in select circumstances.
The Experiment graciously relies on a volunteer kitchen staff built around a core set of volunteers who have been with us for several years (who stay for the duration of the camp), and requiring a few additional volunteers to fill out the schedule throughout (usually for a week at a time).
These are essentially full time jobs for three meals a day, and therefore kitchen staff are not able to participate in workshop sessions nor enter the contests. Conversely they do get to see/listen to much of the sessions while working (the kitchen is open to the main living/dance space), hang out with everyone or enjoy the beach during free time, and social dance during evening dances (which some claim is worth it alone)—all without paying tuition or accommodations. Any level of dancer is welcome.
If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact us at: kitchen@thebalboaexperiment.com. Be sure to include what weeks you are available and your level of experience/comfort with food preparation for large groups (not necessary but certainly helps).
Please direct further questions to: info@thebalboaexperiment.com.