Dance Around the World: High School Summer Programs in Europe & Latin America

Since 1947, CIEE has been creating life-changing global learning experiences for students and families around the world. In 2015, we partnered with a generous donor to launch our high school programs with a bold vision: to make study abroad an essential part of the U.S. high school experience. Today, our summer programs for teens have helped over 14,000 high school students travel abroad to more than 40 CIEE locations.  

CIEE intentionally designs our programs to provide students with one-of-a-kind experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. Our high school dance programs abroad can elevate your student’s dance experience in an unforgettable way. From flamenco in Seville to tango in Buenos Aires to ballet in Paris and London, students immerse themselves in new cities, returning home with refined skills and lifelong memories. 

What Makes CIEE Dance Programs Unique 

High school students in flamenco class

Our dance and culture summer programs take learning beyond the studio, providing:  

  • A truly immersive experience. Over three weeks, students connect with the local community through cultural activities and excursions, deepening their understanding of the region’s customs and daily life. 
  • Curated curriculum from local dance professionals. Each study abroad dance program tailors its courses to the location, providing both technical instruction and insights into the culture and traditions that shape dance in the region.  
  • Expression through original performances. Students in CIEE dance programs will collaborate with their cohort to choreograph and perform an original piece based on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout the program. 

Dance & Culture Summer Programs by City 

Buenos Aires 

In Argentina, students explore the country’s deep connection to dance. Daily classes in Tango, Argentine folk dance, ballet, and contemporary dance provide a glimpse into the diverse cultural expressions that reflect Argentina’s rich artistic heritage.  

Students will continue exploring Buenos Aires through cultural excursions and activities like an empanada cooking class, rolling up their sleeves to create traditional savory pastries. Then, they’ll join a traditional gaucho dance class to learn about Argentina’s rural cowboy culture. 

Learn more about our Dance & Culture program in Buenos Aires 

London  

Home to a world-renowned performing arts scene, London provides the ideal environment to study dance abroad. Each day, students train with expert British instructors in classical forms tailored to varying skill levels. 

Students will connect with the city’s rich history through excursions to theaters like Stratford-upon-Avon and the National Theatre. They’ll also take in the sights as they cruise the River Thames to Greenwich, enjoying stunning views of historic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament.  

Learn more about our Dance & Culture program in London 

Paris 

Students study in Paris, home to the world’s first ballet school, in this dance and culture summer program. Students spend their weekdays with local experts for intensive dance training, courses on dance history, and other foundational techniques.  

Outside the studio, students learn to make classic pastries alongside local chefs. They’ll also explore the city’s famous art scene with excursions to the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay. 

Learn more about our Dance & Culture program in Paris 

Seville  

In Seville, Spain, students study the art of flamenco. Flamenco is a complex dance rooted in passion and expression, using expressive hand-clapping and intricate footwork to communicate emotion through music. As the birthplace of flamenco, our summer program in Seville offers the unique opportunity to connect with local experts in daily dance training and studio work. 

Students will embrace the city through immersive experiences, like hands-on culinary classes and a boat cruise along the Guadalquivir River. Then, they will continue exploring the regional influences on flamenco during excursions to Granada and Cádiz. 

Learn more about our Dance & Culture program in Seville →  

Who Can Apply to CIEE’s Dance & Culture Summer Programs?  

Students posing in dance class in Alicante

Each program welcomes high school dance students interested in deepening their practice while immersing themselves in a new culture!  

CIEE designed the study abroad dance programs for students with prior dance experience. Students should be physically prepared for full days of dancing—about 5-6 hours daily, five days a week.  

How to Apply to a CIEE Dance Program  

CIEE high school dance programs abroad are the perfect place for students to perfect their practice and performance. Our curated curriculum and connections with local experts provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build new skills and make lifelong memories, all while exploring iconic cities.  

Explore all high school summer dance programs and apply today!