Golden Hour 2026 — A Regional Summer Dance Intensive

A Regional Summer Dance Intensive

Golden

Hour

Summer Intensive 2026

Hosted by Micaiah's Studio of Ballet · Valley City, ND

Prairie Raised. World Class Trained.

July 26 — 29, 2026 · Valley City, North Dakota

About Golden Hour

Where dancers from across the region come to rise together.

Golden Hour is a premier regional summer intensive — open to dancers from all studios across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and beyond. This is a collective experience, not a local camp. Dancers come together from across the region to train alongside one another, learn from world-class faculty, and grow as artists in a community built on encouragement and excellence.

We believe every serious dancer — no matter where she or he grows up — deserves access to world-class training, real mentorship, and the experience of being truly seen as an artist.

This is not a convention. This is the kind of intensive that changes how dancers think about themselves and their craft — and sends them home ready to elevate every studio they walk back into.

"Small town. Big artistry."
4
Days of Training
3
World Class Artists
3
Studios Running
All
Dancers Welcome

Guest Faculty

Meet the artists coming to you.

Three artists. Three distinct voices. One extraordinary intensive that brings the professional dance world directly to the prairie.

R
Richard Elszy
Los Angeles, California

Founder of Building Blocks of Dance — a nationally recognized methodology transforming how studios develop dancers from the ground up. With 18K+ industry followers and an active presence as a master teacher and award-winning judge on the national circuit, Richard brings the energy, depth, and artistry of the professional dance world directly to Valley City. He doesn't teach steps. He builds artists.

BBD Jazz Ballet Contemporary Choreography
C
Catherine Borrone
New York City · NYC Trained

Former dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet in New York City. BFA trained. Certified Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) instructor. Catherine bridges world-class technical training with mindset development and body intelligence. She will also lead an exclusive college & career mentorship session for Teen & Senior dancers — an honest conversation about programs, auditions, and what a professional dance career actually looks like from the inside.

Ballet PBT Alignment Mindset Mentorship
N
Nancy Xiong
Minnesota

Director of Elite Family Dance Company and a Minnesota-based hip hop artist and mentor. Nancy creates a space where dancers stop performing for approval and start moving from a place of genuine identity and confidence. Her sessions expand versatility, musicality, and performance presence in ways that translate across every style dancers train in.

Hip Hop Musicality Confidence Performance Mentorship

Schedule

Four days. One unforgettable summer.

Bonus Day
Sunday
July 26
2:00 – 4:00 PMPre-Pointe & Pointe Workshop · Catherine Borrone · $125
4:00 – 5:30 PMAdult Ballet · Catherine Borrone · $85
Optional add-on. Small group. Individualized attention.
Day One
Monday
July 27
2:45 PMArrival & Opening Circle — All Together
3:20 – 8:00 PMClasses across 3 studios simultaneously
6:40 PMMini pickup
8:00 PMJunior & Teen/Senior end
Day Two
Tuesday
July 28
9:00 AMWarm-up — All Groups
All DayFull immersion · Lunch together · Mindset sessions
3:15 PMMini pickup
5:30 PMJunior pickup
6:15 PMTeen/Senior end
Day Three
Wednesday
July 29
9:00 AMFinal morning classes
12:00 – 12:45 PMFinal lunch — All Together
12:45 – 1:45 PMRun Through
1:45 – 2:45 PMClosing Showcase
2:45 – 3:00 PMClosing Circle — All Together

Tuition

Premium training. Accessible pricing.

All full registrations include daily lunch and a Golden Hour t-shirt. $75 non-refundable deposit holds your spot. Remaining balance due day of event.

Mini Division
Ages 5 – 8
$195
Full 3-Day Intensive
  • Daily lunch included
  • Golden Hour t-shirt
  • Closing showcase Wednesday
  • Monday pickup 6:40 PM
  • Tuesday pickup 3:15 PM
Teen / Senior
Ages 11 – 19
$360
Full 3-Day Intensive
  • Daily lunch included
  • Golden Hour t-shirt
  • Closing showcase Wednesday
  • College & career mentorship
  • Tuesday end 6:15 PM
2-Day Option
Choose any two days. Lunch and t-shirt included. Balance due day of event.
Mini $195 · Junior $260 · Teen $315
Drop-In (Mon or Tue only)
Space permitting. Full registrations take priority. Lunch & t-shirt as add-ons.
Mini $110 · Junior $145 · Teen $175
Sunday Workshops
Intimate small group with Catherine Borrone. Open to all dancers and adults.
Pre-Pointe & Pointe $125 · Adult Ballet $85
All Genders Welcome
Golden Hour is open to all dancers — boys, girls, and non-binary dancers are all equally welcome and celebrated here.
One community. Every dancer.

Studio Directors

Come experience it firsthand.

Golden Hour is offering a limited number of studio directors the opportunity to attend as professional guests — observing or participating alongside dancers for an immersive professional development experience. Only 5 director spots available. Lunch and Golden Hour t-shirt included with all passes.

Single Day
$100
  • Observer or participant — your choice
  • Any one day
  • Lunch included
  • Golden Hour t-shirt
  • Balance due day of event
2-Day Pass
$135 – $200
  • Observer $135 · Participant $200
  • Choose any 2 days
  • Lunch both days
  • Golden Hour t-shirt
  • Balance due July 1
Full 3-Day Pass
$175 – $275
  • Observer $175 · Participant $275
  • All 3 days
  • Daily lunch all 3 days
  • Golden Hour t-shirt
  • Balance due July 1

⚠ Only 5 total director spots across all pass types. First come, first served. $75 deposit holds your spot.

Registration

Ready to secure your spot?

$75 non-refundable deposit holds your spot. Remaining balance due day of event. Spots are limited — register early.

Prefer to register directly? Click here to open the registration portal →

Where to Stay

We've got your accommodations covered.

AmericInn
$145
Per Night
Mention Golden Hour when booking to receive the group rate.

Book by July 1, 2026 to secure availability.
GrandStay
$135.99
Per Night
Mention Golden Hour when booking to receive the group rate.

Reserve by July 3, 2026 to secure availability.

While You're Here

Explore Valley City.

Valley City is known as the City of Bridges — tucked into the Sheyenne River Valley, it's a small town with big charm. Here's what to explore while your dancer trains.

Local Favorite
Wild Prairie Bakery
Valley City's beloved local bakery — known for fresh donuts, knoephla soup, and coffee. A must-stop for families during the intensive.
History
Nome Schoolhouse
A beautifully preserved one-room schoolhouse offering a glimpse into North Dakota's pioneer heritage. A unique and memorable stop just outside town.
Recreation
Gaukler Center & Outdoor Pool
The perfect way for families and younger dancers to cool off between sessions. Valley City's community recreation center and outdoor pool are great for kids and adults alike.
Dining
Casa Mexico
Valley City's go-to for a delicious sit-down dinner. Authentic Mexican cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere — perfect for families after a long day of training.
Craft Beer
Brockopp Brewing
Local craft brewery in the heart of downtown Valley City. A great spot for parents to unwind while dancers rest up for the next day.
Nature & Landmarks
Medicine Wheel Park & Bridges
Explore Valley City's iconic historic bridges, hike the trails at Medicine Wheel Park, or stroll the scenic Sheyenne River Valley. Valley City is as beautiful as it is welcoming.

Getting Here

Closer than you think.

Jamestown
35 minutes
Enderlin
45 minutes
Fargo
50 minutes
Grand Forks
2 hours
Bismarck
2 hours
Watertown, SD
3 hours

Your dancer is ready
for more.

Registration is open · Spots are limited

Register Now

$75 deposit holds your spot · Remaining balance due day of event