(Please read thoroughly)

DANCE ENSEMBLE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (ALL AGES)

1. Dancers will do a short warm up and some ballet barre work.
2. They will be asked to perform across the floor jazz and ballet combinations in groups.
3. They will be taught a short combination which will be performed in small groups.
4. We will be watching the dancers for their technique, personality, and overall appearance.
5. Please dress accordingly in black leotard and tights, NO SHORTS OR T-SHIRTS!!
6. Hair should be neat off their face in either a ponytail or bun.
7. Dancers should wear ballet shoes for barre and then can change into their jazz shoes.
8. Dancers do not need to prepare anything themselves for the audition.

Please remember, placement of dancers into ensemble is based on:

– ability

– the availability of spots

– performance in class throughout the year

– their seriousness and absence record are taken into consideration as well

Dancers will receive notice by the end of June as to whether they have been placed on to ensemble.

ALL DANCERS MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE 2024-2025 DANCE SEASON BEFORE AUDITIONING

Dancers should register into their normal rec class and we will change their classes to the Ensemble classes if they make the team or if they are placed on a different  team.

LEVELS 1 & 2 ENSEMBLE (Approximate AGES 8-13)

(Dancers could be placed into a higher team which would be a higher commitment — see below requirements)

This is a slow introduction on to ensemble and is for younger dancers interested in being on full-team eventually. 

• There is a required 1-hour ballet class & 1-hour and 15-minute jazz choreography class held on Tuesdays
• Dancers will choose taking rec classes or team classes for: tap, hip hop and/or lyrical
• They will do extra performances and 1-2 competitions during the season
• There is a STRICT ABSENSE policy for dance ensemble members which will be strongly enforced!! Weekly attendance is required, and excessive absenses (more than 3) will be considered when joining for the following year.
• There are additional costs involved, tuition, competition fees, company costumes, workshops, and possible travel costs for competitions.
• Dancers are required to attend the NYC weekend trip in April (4th – 6th).

Dancers will be required to take 2024 summer classes to participate in Dance Ensemble

(Please check the Summer Intensive schedule for class nights and sign up online)

LEVELS 3 & 4 ENSEMBLE (Approximate AGES 13 & up)

These dance ensembles require a very strong commitment. We look for dancers who are serious about dance and willing to make a full commitment. 

• There will be extra rehearsals, performances and competitions which take place weekdays/nights and weekends – all which are required.
• The required dance classes for these ages are:
  • 1-hour 15min. ballet class – Tuesdays
  • 1-hour 15 min. jazz class – Tuesdays
  • Stretch, strengthening & technique class on Fridays
  • Extra Saturday ballet class
  • Choreography classes on either Friday or Saturday – or possibly both days
• For those who would like to compete in tap, lyrical and hip hop you must take those classes as well, during the week.
• Extra choreography rehearsals will be held on Fridays & Saturdays from September – May and will consist of focusing strictly on the dances they will be competing in.
• There is a STRICT ABSENCE policy for dance ensemble members which will be strongly enforced!! Weekly attendance is required, and excessive absences (more than 3) will be considered when joining for the following year.
• There are additional costs involved, tuition, competition fees, company costumes, workshops, and possible travel costs for competitions.
• Dancers are required to attend the NYC weekend trip in April (4th – 6th).

 ALL Dance Levels will be required to take 2024 summer classes to participate in Dance Ensemble

SUMMER INTENSIVES – PLEASE NOTE:

1. DANCERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE AN EXACT NUMBER OF SUMMER CLASSES, but we recommend taking as many as they can.
2. Go to the DE website to see our Summer Schedule under Intensive & Technique Classes for class times & to sign up.
3. Costs:

• $390 for returning Ensemble dancers
• $200 for younger age group classes (ie: just 1 night a week)
• $50/per night for older dancers not on team yet and $25/per night for younger group

PLEASE EMAIL US at [email protected] IF YOUR DANCER PLANS ON TRYING OUT