Frequently asked questions
The exact address of the SI venue for 2026 is: R. Frei António de Sousa e Távora 13, 2560-046 A dos Cunhados or Póvoa de Penafirme, 2560-046 A dos Cunhados
Please note that this year's venue has two addresses due to its expansive nature as part of an EcoSchool complex. Upon arrival, please locate the gym complex and camping area to find the Summer Intensive Studios. MORE ABOUT THE VENUE:
Similarly as in the last two years, in 2026 we will be using the facilities at EcoSchool Penafirme, where expansive dance studios, an indoor cafeteria, and a secluded camping area equipped with all essential amenities await us. This venue not only shields us from the sun, wind, and ocean elements but also conveniently sits within walking distance of the beach. Furthermore, it ensures ample security measures and privacy, guaranteeing a worry-free and enjoyable summer experience for all. We are looking forward to receiving you all for the next edition of Summer Intensive Portugal.
You can apply for the instensive through our “inscription form” that will be published on our webpage after we start with the inscriptions on 1st of March. The inscriptions are possible up until one day before the start of the week you would like to participate in.
Week1 - last day of inscription 1.8.2026 Week2 - last day of inscription 8.8.2026 Week3 - last day of inscription 15.8.2025
For this year we are giving you an option to purchase your spot in the intensive straight after the inscriptions open at an extra-discounted price.
This is called Early Bird / first-comer - it is available only to the first few participants.
After Early Bird discounts are all taken you can purchase your spot at a normal price.
The regular group (Group A) is meant for everyone that works with their body but is not primarily a dancer and wants to gather more experience in the field of contemporary dance. This group is usually visited by actors, yoga practitioners, dancers from other fields, judo fighters, acrobats, etc.
If in doubt do reach out!
Group B and Group C are meant for the participants with a higher level. We would like to propose a group for professionals or dance students that are looking for a higher level of experience. To apply you do not have to send a CV or a video, we just ask you to be honest with your skills and be ready for the fun. If in doubt do reach out!
As an institution that organizes an intensive or a festival that provides physical training of any sort - in our case dance, we are legally obliged to provide accident insurance for all participants of the festival (by state law). This insurance covers all accidents that occur in the studios while practicing or training with us.
The 20€ participation insurance is mandatory and we can not allow anyone to take part in the intensive without it.
Extra "Personal travel insurance" is not mandatory, but highly recommended. We highly recommend travel insurance which covers any accident occurring while traveling, on the beach, hiking, riding bikes, surfing, etc. This insurance needs to be acquired by the participant themselves.
For all European participants, we suggest the "EU insurance card" which is free of charge and covers the whole European Union.
The camping area officially opens on Sunday morning on 2.8.2026, and closes on Sunday morning on 23.8.2026.
Check-In for Each Week:
✔ Week 1 – Check-in: Sunday, 2.8.2025
✔ Week 2 – Check-in: Sunday, 9.8.2025
✔ Week 3 – Check-in: Sunday, 16.8.2025
For Multi-Week Participants:
If you're staying for 2 or 3 consecutive weeks, you're welcome to stay at the campsite over the weekends—no need to check out between weeks!
Check-Out & Rental Equipment:
If you’ve rented camping equipment, you must check out by early Sunday morning to allow time for our team to inspect, clean, and prepare the gear for the next participant.
Our camping area is free for all Summer Intensive participants! Enjoy plenty of space, shower and toilet facilities, and even designated spots for camper vans.
🔹 Bring Your Own Gear – You're welcome to bring your own camping equipment. 🔹 Rental Option – To make traveling easier, you can rent camping gear from us. 🔹 Guests Welcome – Friends and partners who are not participating in the intensive can stay for €10 per night.
Enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by nature! 🌿⛺✨
To ensure a comfortable and safe stay for everyone, please follow these guidelines while using the camping area:
General Rules
✔ Personal Tents Required: Each camper must bring their own tent to maintain privacy and space organization.
✔ No Camping Without Equipment: Camping without proper gear is not permitted.
✔ Camper Vans: Only allowed in the specially designated area.
Quiet Hours & Respect for Others
🔇 Lights Out at 12 AM: After midnight, please keep noise to a minimum to respect other participants.
🚫 No Loud Music or Gatherings: Please be mindful of others resting after an intense day of training.
Facilities & Cleanliness
♻ Dispose of Trash Properly: Use the designated garbage bags.
🚿 Keep Showers & Toilets Clean: Facilities must be left tidy after use.
🔌 Charging Stations Available: Located next to the bathroom facilities.
Cooking & Fire Safety
🔥 No Open Flames: Open fires are strictly prohibited in the camping area.
🍳 Cooking Allowed Only in Designated Areas: A shared cooking stove is available, but campers must bring their own pots and utensils.
Pets & Personal Belongings
🐕 Pets Allowed Only with Approval: Contact the Summer Intensive Team for permission.
🎒 Festival Not Responsible for Personal Belongings: Please keep valuables secure.
Damages & Responsibility
💰 You Break It, You Fix It: Any damage caused to the camping area must be paid for or replaced.
By staying in the camping area, you agree to respect these rules and the community. Let’s make this an enjoyable experience for everyone!
For those staying in the camping area, we provide a cooking stove for shared use. However, please note:
🔹 Bring Your Own Cookware – We do not provide pots, pans, or other cooking utensils. 🔹 No Refrigeration – There are no refrigerating facilities available. 🔹 Cutlery Available – You are welcome to borrow plates, forks, and spoons from our kitchen.
Plan accordingly to make the most of your stay! 😊🔥
There is no designated storage for valuables or extra luggage. Participants are responsible for their own belongings, and the festival is not liable for any lost or stolen items.
In case of emergency, a limited storage option may be available in our office space for essential items, but only for a short period and under special circumstances.
The Portuguese association ILÚ is the organiser of the Summer Intensive Portugal and are thrilled to welcome you to this year’s edition. We are committed to making the intensive a safe and enriching experience for everyone.
However, certain circumstances beyond their control, such as insufficient participant numbers or force majeure (e.g., unforeseen events or official restrictions), may require the intensive to be canceled or discontinued. In such cases, registration fees will be refunded in full or on a pro-rata basis if the intensive is discontinued after it has begun. Please note that a €50 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds.
In the unlikely event that a teacher becomes unavailable, the organizers reserve the right to provide an equivalent substitute. Refunds for other costs, such as travel and accommodation, cannot be claimed under any circumstances.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to sharing this special edition with you!
Notice of cancellation must be given in writing by the participants until 50 days before the start of the festival (13/6/2025). Summer Intensive will reimburse 50% of the amount paid. After this date, there is NO POSSIBILITY OF REIMBURSEMENT. Refunds are at the discretion of the management.
The Organising institution may refund or waive the cancellation penalties if cancellation is due to an unexpected circumstance that's out of his/her control, e.g. severe injury.
You have to cover your own travel cost. For accommodation, we are providing a free-of-charge indoor camping area where you can use a tent to sleep in (for a limited amount of campers). In case you don’t have your own camping equipment we can rent one out to you. (Learn more about this at the Accommodation Webpage)
In case you want to have different accommodations you will need to organize them by yourself and also cover the costs. (some tips can be found at the Accommodation Webpage)
Planning for Summer Intensive 2026: Health and Safety
With global travel and live events running smoothly, we are confident that the Summer Intensive 2026 will take place in its full and intended form. At the same time, we remain attentive and prepared to adapt should any circumstances unexpectedly shift.
To ensure the wellbeing of all participants, staff, and teachers, we maintain ongoing communication with local health professionals and relevant authorities. Any health and safety guidelines that may apply during the Intensive will be shared clearly and in advance.
We kindly ask everyone involved to follow the measures in place at the time of the event, helping us create a safe and supportive environment for all.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026
We are fully committed to making this year's Summer Intensive a memorable and successful event, especially after the great success of SI 2025. However, we acknowledge that unforeseen situations, such as insufficient participant numbers or force majeure (e.g., health emergencies or restrictions), could lead to the cancellation or discontinuation of the festival.
In such cases, registration fees will be refunded in full or on a pro-rata basis if the festival is discontinued after its start. Please note that a €50 administrative fee will be deducted from all refunds.
If a teacher becomes unavailable, the organizers reserve the right to provide an equivalent substitute. Please understand that the festival cannot compensate for any personal losses, such as travel or accommodation expenses.
TRAVEL, QUARANTINE, AND TESTING
Restrictions, rules, and measures from governments, the European Union, local authorities, airlines, or other institutions may change before or during the festival. We recommend staying updated on the latest travel guidelines and checking quarantine and testing requirements for both your country of origin and Portugal as you plan your trip.
To avoid potential inconveniences, we strongly advise booking flexible tickets or purchasing travel insurance that allows for rescheduling or refunds if necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing you at Summer Intensive 2026!