Ensemble & Performance Teams

DANCE EXPRESS ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS 2025-26

AUDITIONS (ages 8 & up)

 

Auditions for our  Ensemble will be held on:

THURSDAY, JUNE 19th

(Ages 8-10)              4:00 – 5:00

(Ages 11-13)            5:15 – 6:15

(Ages 14 & up)       6:30 – 7:30

ALL DANCERS MUST BE REGISTERED FOR THE 2025-2026 DANCE SEASON BEFORE AUDITIONING

Dancers should register into their normal rec class and we will change them to Ensemble classes if they make it on to the ensemble.

PLEASE EMAIL US at INFO@DEEASTON.COM IF YOUR DANCER PLANS ON TRYING OUT

** WE WILL HOLD TWO INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS FOR ENSEMBLE ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH AT 6:30 OR MONDAY, JUNE 2ND AT 6:15

(Printable Version)

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

(Dancers could be placed on to the higher team which would be more of a 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 and 15-minute 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, or lyrical.
  • They will do extra performances and 2 competitions during the season.
  • 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.
  • Dancers are required to attend either our NY trip in the Spring or Summer trip/Nationals

Level 3 & 4 DANCE ENSEMBLE (Approximate AGES 12 & 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 and jazz class – Tuesdays
    • Stretch, strengthening, technique, acro and yoga 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 either our NY trip in the Spring or Summer trip/Nationals

Ensemble Dancers will be required to take 2025 Summer Intensive Classes

DANCE ENSEMBLE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (ALL AGES)

  • Dancers will do a short warm up and some ballet barre work.
  • They will be asked to perform across the floor jazz combinations in groups.
  • They will be taught a short jazz combination which will be performed in small groups.
  • We will be watching the dancers for their technique, personality, and overall appearance.
  • Please dress accordingly in black leotard and tights, NO SHORTS OR T-SHIRTS!!
  • Hair should be neat off their face in either a ponytail or bun.
  • Dancers should wear ballet shoes for barre and then can change into their jazz shoes.
  • 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.

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. If we are still unsure on some dancers after the audition, we may ask them to take some summer classes to watch them further.
  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 if they are taking the younger age group classes (ie: just 1 class each night)
  • $50/per night for older dancers not on team yet and $25/per night for younger group.

May Choreography Calendar

Performance Team

WHO?  Open to all dancers in a Primary 2 dance class or older.  

  • This is open to dancers who are interested in dancing more often (this is separate from our competition Dance Ensemble).
  • In addition to Performance Team, dancers must be enrolled:
    • in a 1-hour combo class (ballet/jazz or jazz/tap class) OR
    • in a 1-hour ballet or 1-hour jazz

WHAT?  An opportunity for dancers to challenge themselves in a fun setting with more performance opportunities.                                

  • Dancers will perform at local community events throughout the year.
  • The style of dance is typically jazz.

WHEN?  Performance team class will be held on Wednesdays

    • Wednesdays 6:15pm-7:00pm (ages 7-11)
    • Wednesdays 7:00pm-7:45pm (ages 12 & up)
  • This class is in addition to their regular class during the week.
  • Participation will also involve additional time commitments. We will try and get a schedule out ahead of time. 
  • Please note good attendance is needed for this class (especially leading up to a performance). 

WHERE?  Performance teams will participate in extra events.                                           

  • In the community and charity events throughout the year.
  • Performing at our annual recital in both performances.

HOW?  You can register online for the performance team class in addition to your other required classes.   NO AUDITION IS REQUIRED!! 

In addition to the performance class, there will be basic performance pieces needed:

  • Team jacket
  • Extra costume for recital
  • Jazz shoes

If an interested dancer already has an obligation of 3 or more other outside activities, performance team may not be the right fit as this is a team environment and requires attendance and commitment.

Please contact us with any other questions you may have at info@deeaston.com