INTRODUCTION

The Mark Morris Dance Accompaniment Training Program (MMDATP) aims to elevate dance accompaniment as a viable profession and highlight the importance of live music in the dance studio. Created nearly a decade ago by Mark Morris, whose steadfast belief that music and dance are equal partners in rehearsal, onstage, and in the classroom, the program reflects Mark’s vision, which centers live music in every aspect of the dance experience. That commitment shaped his philosophy of the Mark Morris Dance Group and is visible today through the 200+ weekly classes at the Mark Morris Dance Center, nearly all of which include live musical accompaniment. 

MMDATP:

• Trains advanced to professional musicians – pianists, percussionists, and other instrumentalists – to accompany ballet and modern technique classes and introduces them to other dance forms including children’s creative and adaptive dance classes.
• Prepares musicians to take advantage of employment opportunities within the dance field.
• Expands participant’s networks and impact beyond performing and teaching. 

Program Faculty

• Dance Faculty: Sarah Marcus, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at New York City Ballet
• Accompaniment Faculty: Robert Boston, composer, performer and class accompanist
• Guest speakers include Ethan Iverson and Mark Morris.
• Guest teaching artists and dance students will be brought in to lead some practicum classes.

Musicians who have completed the program have worked at the Mark Morris Dance Center, Alvin Ailey School, Lincoln Center Education, Joffrey Ballet School, Barnard College, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and more.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students will:

• Have a clear understanding of the basic structure and progression of a dance class.
• Have an intellectual and physical understanding of basic dance elements.
• Understand basic dance terminology and qualities.
• Be able to identify and play appropriate rhythms and musical choices that support the classroom exercises.
• Be able to accompany beginning through advanced level ballet class.
• Be able to accompany beginning through advanced level modern dance class.
• Be able to support creative exploration and improvisation in both creative and modern dance classes through appropriate musical choices.
• Be able to accompany Dance for PD© class.
• Understand the role of the music and musician in support of different styles of dance such as Haitian, Contemporary, Jazz, and Tap.

 FORMAT

• Full attendance is mandatory.
• Musicians will observe classes during course hours in a variety of dance forms.
• Each day will conclude with a wrap-up & discussion.
• All sessions will be overseen by Sarah Marcus and Robert Boston.
• Each participant will have playing time in class with individual observation and feedback. 

NEXT SESSION: November 13-16, 2025

Check back to apply on August 1, 2025

If you are a school or institution looking to sponsor a student or faculty member or a prospective participant with questions, please email Elise Gaugert at elise@mmdg.org.