Summer Intensive 2026
Each July, the Dramatic Truth Summer Intensive delivers a powerful, high-level training experience that blends classical and contemporary dance. With two distinct tracks, dancers are challenged, inspired, and equipped through focused technical instruction designed to elevate both skill and artistry.
More than an intensive, SDI is an immersive experience that invites dancers to fully engage their gifts—exploring movement as an expression of worship, creativity, and joy. In an atmosphere that encourages excellence and purpose, dancers are inspired to grow, connect, and delight their Creator through dance.
Students that participate in 2 weeks will be part of a Special Showcase
Track Information and Application
Classes for all tracks and levels include Ballet, Pointe (on flat for younger dancers as needed), and can also include: Variations, Repertoire, Contemporary and Modern. This intensive is designed to challenge and inspire dancers while building the strong technical foundation, artistry, and versatility needed for today’s professional dance world.
This two-week intensive offers a dynamic and immersive experience for dancers who are passionate about growth and excellence. Days are filled with focused, high-level training alongside dedicated peers, while evenings create space for reflection, connection, and inspiration. Dancers are encouraged to explore their creativity, strengthen their confidence, and discover their unique voice in an environment that supports both artistic and personal development.
Summer Intensive Instructors
Jessica Lohr
Chance Ennis
Jessica Lohr grew up in Houston, Texas, where she began her dance training at age seven. She trained under the direction of Victoria Vittum, James Payne, and Bridget Payne throughout her high school years, while also spending summers at intensives across the United States, including Boston Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, Ballet Magnificat, and The Washington Ballet.
After graduating high school, Jessica was accepted into The Washington Ballet’s Professional Training Program, where she performed in professional productions of Don Quixote, Études, and The Nutcracker. In 2014, she joined Ballet Magnificat’s events company, touring extensively throughout the United States and internationally to Honduras, Guam, South Korea, and China.
Jessica joined the Chicago-based company Ballet 5:8 in 2017 and was promoted to Soloist in 2020. During her time in Chicago, she taught ballet at the School of Ballet 5:8 and served as Director of the Children’s Division. In 2022, Jessica relocated to Dallas, where she began teaching at Dallas Ballet Center. While in Dallas, she danced professionally with Zion Dance Project for three years.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and is certified to teach all levels of Progressing Ballet Technique. In addition to teaching at Dallas Ballet Center, she also teaches Pre-K at Classical School of Dallas. Jessica is deeply passionate about investing in the next generation of dancers, with a focus on strong technical foundations, passionate artistry, and the overall health and dignity of every dancer she works with.
Originally from Ames, lowa, Chance Ennis began his early training under the direction of Robert and Miyoko Thomas at The Robert Thomas Dance Center. He was the leading role of the "Nutcracker" in the lowa State Center Nutcracker Ballet in 2014. Chance moved to New York City the summer of 2015 to study on scholarship at The Joffrey Ballet School. He trained with numerous Broadway professionals such as Maximilien Boud , Earl Mosley, Marina Bogdonova, Lisa Donmall-Reeve, Bradley Shelver, Alison Mixon, Joanna Numata and many more. In Chance's time in New York City, landed the lead role as "Prince" in Cinder Blocks: An Old Skool Funky Tale, directed and choreographed by Ryan Daniel Beck and Chun Chua. Chance was also hired with Nickelodeon Studios to perform as "Cat" in Cat and Ladybug. Chance debuted on the Broadway show "Seven Wonders"in 2016. Along with touring with the Newsies on Broadway.
In 2016 Chance moved to Indiana to finish his degree as a Dance Performance Major at Anderson University in Indiana. The summer of 2018 Chance was cast as a lead dancer with Gregory Hancock Dance Company out of Carmel Indiana and performed the role of Clopin in the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Chance also was a Guest artist with the Company of Indianapolis Ballet. As well as guesting and choreographing for Hinsdale Dance Academy Nutcracker. He has since toured as a company member with Ballet 5:8 out of Chicago. Rising in the ranks to Solo Artist. 2018/2019/2020 seasons and performing many roles throughout the years performing "The Space Between", inspired by C.S. Lewis the Great Divorce, "Four Seasons of the Soul", "Shades of Refrain", "Strangers and Angels" and "AlI God's Children", "4501", "Brothers and Sisters", "Splendors and Horrors, " and "Butterfly."All instructed and choreographed by Mrs. Julianna Slager.