NOCO Dance Intensive equips young dancers with world-class training, confidence, and real-world opportunities for a professional future.
On a warm summer morning in Northern Colorado, the studio hums with anticipation. Dancers adjust their leotards, stretch, and take a deep breath before stepping into their first class. For many, this week-long experience is the highlight of the year. It is the moment when dedication meets opportunity at NOCO Dance Intensive.
Founded to bridge the gap between studio training and professional performance, NOCO Dance Intensive provides dancers ages 10 and up with an immersive program that combines technical rigor, artistic growth, and real-world insight. It is not just a place to train; it is a place to evolve as an artist and as a performer.
A Vision for Growth and Professional Readiness
Director Erin Merkley created NOCO Dance Intensive to reflect the energy and expectations of the professional dance world. The program spans ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and more, giving students a comprehensive experience across multiple disciplines.
“We designed NOCO to be both high-level and highly personal,” Merkley says. “Our students receive individualized feedback that makes their growth tangible and immediate. Every dancer leaves with skills and confidence that will serve them for years.”
Small class sizes ensure every dancer has access to mentorship and individualized guidance. This supportive environment encourages meaningful connections between students and faculty while fostering both technical and personal growth.
Training With Active Industry Professionals
NOCO’s faculty is composed of active performing professionals like Jonatan Lujan and Amanda Treiber who bring current techniques and real-world insight directly into the classroom. Students learn from artists who are performing, choreographing, and shaping the dance world today.
Through a partnership with Amanda Treiber & Company, students also gain the chance to perform professionally. This experience allows dancers to apply what they learn on stage, understand professional expectations, and build a resume that can open doors for college programs or company auditions.
“One of the best intensives I have ever attended,” shared a student. “The staff and dancers feel like family. It is my favorite week of the year.”
NOCO’s faculty also emphasizes versatility. Students receive guidance on performance quality, musicality, and adaptation across multiple styles, ensuring they are prepared for the diverse demands of auditions and professional opportunities.
Supporting Dancers Through Scholarships
Accessibility is central to NOCO’s mission. The Kristina Scholarship helps talented dancers across Colorado access high-quality training, regardless of financial constraints.
“Through the Kristina Scholarship, we can help dancers who might otherwise miss this experience,” Merkley explains. “It is about more than classes. It is about inspiring and transforming lives through dance.”
This initiative reinforces NOCO’s commitment not only to individual students but to the broader Colorado dance community. By removing financial barriers, NOCO ensures that talented dancers have an equal opportunity to grow and excel.
Building Confidence, Versatility, and Stage Presence
Students at NOCO leave the intensive with more than improved technique. They gain confidence, artistic expression, and the ability to perform under pressure. Each day challenges dancers physically and creatively while providing tools to thrive in collaborative and high-stakes environments.
The program focuses on real-world skills that extend beyond the studio. Dancers learn about professional rehearsal etiquette, performance mindset, and resilience—all essential components for a successful career in dance.
By the end of the week, students are not just more skilled—they are more prepared for their next steps. Whether that is pursuing pre-professional training, auditioning for college programs, or joining a company, NOCO equips them with a competitive edge.
Why Families Choose NOCO
For parents seeking a summer program that combines technical training with personal growth, NOCO Dance Intensive offers unmatched value. Its combination of mentorship, professional insight, and individualized instruction creates an experience that shapes both artistry and character.
“Our goal is to inspire every dancer who joins us,” Merkley says. “NOCO is not just training. It is an experience that shapes future artists and builds connections that last a lifetime.”
Students often comment on the family-like environment that makes the intensive feel both challenging and supportive. This balance allows dancers to take risks, develop confidence, and form lifelong friendships.
Take the Next Step in Your Dance Journey
Aspiring dancers can explore NOCO Dance Intensive online at www.nocodanceintensive.com. Families can review schedules, faculty information, and scholarship opportunities to prepare for a summer filled with growth, inspiration, and professional insight.
For those seeking financial support or interested in giving back, visit www.kristinascholarship.org to access and support transformative opportunities for Colorado dancers.
Follow NOCO Dance Intensive on Instagram at @nocodanceintensive for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and student highlights throughout the year.
