For the most up-to-date information on audition dates, times and locations visit each company’s website. All information is subject to change, and only information available at presstime has been included.
United States
Ajkun Ballet Theatre
New Rochelle, NY
Artistic Directors: Chiara and Leonard Ajkun
Contact: Almira Bubesi
718.885.3629
ajkun@aol.com
ajkunbt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Apr 15-Oct 15
Audition: Mar 3 (NYC), Feb 17 (Milan, Italy), Feb 24 (London), Feb 24 (Paris)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Alabama Ballet
Birmingham, AL
Artistic Director: Wes Chapman
Contact: Heather Jackson
205.322.4300
heatherjackson@alabamaballet.org
alabamaballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 31
Audition: Mar 24 (Birmingham, AL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, recent class or performance video
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $15
Alaska Dance Theatre
Anchorage, AK
Artistic Director/Contact: Alice Bassler Sullivan
907.277.9591
asullivan@alaskadancetheatre.org
alaskadancetheatre.org
Repertory: ballet, contemporary ballet, modern
Contract dates: Aug 20-Apr 26
Audition: TBD (Anchorage, AK)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, pointe, prepared solo
Albany Berkshire Ballet
Pittsfield, MA
Artistic Director/Contact: Madeline Cantarella Culpo
413.445.5382
abballet@taconic.net
berkshireballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Nov 6-Dec 20
Audition: TBD (Pittsfield, MA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet
San Francisco, CA
Artistic Director: Alonzo King
Contact: Arturo Fernandez
415.863.3040
arturo@linesballet.org
linesballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: TBD
Audition: TBD (San Francisco)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, pointe
Fee: $15
American Ballet Theatre
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Kevin McKenzie
Contact: Abby Kahn
212.419.1045
akahn@abt.org
abt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 1-Jul 31
Audition: none scheduled at presstime; e-mail for details
American Dance Festival
Durham, NC
Artistic Director: Donna Faye Burchfield
Contact: Sarah Tondu
919.684.6402
school@americandancefestival.org
americandancefestival.org
Repertory: modern
Audition: Feb 10 (Seattle), Feb (Williamstown, MA), Feb 23 (Ft. Worth, TX), Mar 3 (Philadelphia), Mar 9 (Buffalo, NY), Mar (Athens, OH), Mar 16 (Oxford, MS), Mar 18 (Radford, VA), Mar 19 (Milwaukee, WI) Apr 1 (NYC and Durham, NC), TBD (Los Angeles and Washington, DC)
Bring: application if not yet submitted
Audition includes: modern, prepared solo
Pre-application required
American Tap Dance Foundation
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Tony Waag
Contact: Hjordis Linn
646.230.9564
info@atdf.org
atdf.org
Repertory: tap
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: hard-soled, low-heeled tap shoes
Audition includes: improvisation, tap
Pre-application required
Anaheim Ballet
Anaheim, CA
Artistic Directors: Lawrence and Sarma Rosenberg
Contact: Ashley Duree
714.490.6150
anaheimballet@earthlink.net
anaheimballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: ongoing company class auditions (Anaheim, CA)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
ARC Dance Productions
Seattle, WA
Artistic Director: Marie Chong
Contact: artistic department
206.352.0798
info@arcdance.org
arcdance.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: TBD (Seattle)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, video/DVD
Audition includes: ballet
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida
Miami, FL
Artistic Director: Vladimir Issaev
Contact: Ruby Issaev
305.935.3232
artsballet@bellsouth.net
artsballettheatre.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: TBD (Miami, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Aspen, CO
Artistic Director/Contact: Tom Mossbrucker
970.925.7175
tom@aspensantafeballet.com
aspensantafeballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Aug 31
Audition: Mar 17 (Chicago), May 5 (San Francisco)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $15
Atlanta Ballet
Atlanta, GA
Artistic Director: John McFall
Contact: receptionist
404.873.5811
atlantaballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 28-May 13
Audition: Feb 17 (Atlanta)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Atlantic City Ballet
Egg Harbor City, NJ
Artistic Director: Phyllis Papa
Contact: Tracie Ferra
609.804.1995
acbt@acbt.org
acbt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct-Apr
Audition: Apr 2-5 (Galloway, NJ), Mar (Washington, DC and NYC)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Fee: $25
Ballet Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
Artistic Director: Ib Anderson
Contact: Maria Simonetti
602.381.0184
info@balletaz.org
balletaz.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-Jun
Audition: TBD (Phoenix, AZ)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $10
Ballet Austin
Austin, TX
Artistic Director: Stephen Mills
Contact: Eugene Alvarez
512.476.9051
eugene.alvarez@balletaustin.org
balletaustin.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: Feb 17 (Austin), Feb 24 (Chicago), Mar 11 (NYC), Mar 18 (Austin)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $25
Ballet Florida
West Palm Beach, FL
Artistic Director: Marie Hale
Contact: Steven Hoff
561.659.1212
stevenhoff@balletflorida.com
balletflorida.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 7-May10
Audition: Mar 25 (West Palm Beach, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Ballethnic Dance Co
East Point, GA
Artistic Directors: Waverly Lucas and Nena Gilreath
Contact: Amy Hazlewood or Toren Steele
404.762.1416
amy@ballethnic.org
ballethnic.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 10-May16
Audition: May 11 (East Point, GA)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Ballet Long Island
Ronkonkoma, NY
Artistic Director: Debra Punzi
Contact: Laurie Solomon
631.737.1964
balletlongisland@aol.com
expage.com/longislandballet
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct 12-Aug 5
Audition: Feb 12 (Ronkonkoma, NY)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Ballet Memphis
Memphis, TN
Artistic Director: Dorothy Gunther Pugh
Contact: Karl Condon
901.737.7322
karl@balletmemphis.org
balletmemphis.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 6-May 11
Audition: Feb 24 (NYC), Mar 8 (Seattle), Mar 10 (San Francisco), TBD (Memphis, TN)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
BalletMet Columbus
Columbus, OH
Artistic Director: Gerard Charles
Contact: Rebecca Rodriguez
614.229.4860
rrodriguez@balletmet.org
balletmet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 7-May 8
Audition: Feb 17 (Chicago), Mar 3 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Ballet Nouveau Colorado
Broomfield, CO
Artistic Director: Robert Mills
Contact: Catherine Board
303.466.5685
cboard@balletnouveaucolorado.org
balletnouveaucolorado.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 25-May 6
Audition: Mar 10 (Broomfield, CO)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Ballet Pacifica
Irvine, CA
Artistic Director: Evelyn Cisneros-Legate
Contact: Cate Burke
949.851.9930
info@balletpacifica.org
balletpacifica.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Feb 17 (San Francisco)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $25
Ballet Quad Cities
Rock Island, IL
Artistic Director: Matthew Keefef
Contact: Joedy Cook
309.786.3779
jcookballetqc@sbcglobal.net
www.balletquadcities.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-Apr
Audition: Apr (Rock Island, IL)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, interview, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Ballet San Jose
San Jose, CA
Artistic Director: Dennis Nahat
Contact: Spencer Anderson
408.288.2820
sanderson@balletsanjose.org
www.balletsanjose.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 20
Audition: Mar 4 (Los Angeles), May 5 (NYC), May 6 (Chicago), May 13 (San Jose, CA)
Bring: character shoes, dance photo, headshot, resume; women must wear light or skin-colored tights and bring pointe shoes; men must wear light-colored tights and ballet shoes.
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Fee: $20
Ballet Theatre Midwest
Cincinnati, OH
Artistic Director: Daniel R. Simmons
Contact: Nancy E. Fountain
513.520.2334
ballettheatremidwest@fuse.net
ballettheatremidwest.com
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Feb 18 (Chicago), Mar 4 (Charleston, SC), Mar 10 (Cincinnati, OH)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Inc
Annapolis, MD
Artistic Director: Dianna Cuatto
Contact: Lee Irving or Dianna Cuatto
410.263.8289
lee.irving@balletmaryland.org
balletmaryland.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 21-Apr 26
Audition: Feb 4 and 18 (Annapolis, MD)
Bring: current references, dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Fee: $25
Ballet Tucson
Tucson, AZ
Artistic Director: Mary Beth Cabana
Contact: Thomas Gilliam
520.903.1445
ballettucson@aol.com
ballettucson.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: TBD
Audition: Mar 18, Jun 2 (Tucson, AZ)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Ballet West
Salt Lake City, UT
Interim Artistic Director: Pamela Robinson-Harris
Contact: Nick Mullikin
801.323.6927
nmullikin@balletwest.org
balletwest.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 17-Jun 3
Audition: Feb 3 (NYC), Mar 18 (Salt Lake City)
Bring: dance photo, government issued photo I.D., resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $10
Pre-application required
Bare Bones Dance Project
Ridgefield, CT
Artistic Director/Contact: James Robey
203.438.5597
information@ridgefielddance.org
ridgefielddance.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Feb 1-Aug 7
Audition: TBD (Ridgefield, CT)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: modern, partnering
Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre
Houston, TX
Artistic Director: Lynette Mason Gregg
Contact: Lynette Mason Gregg or Heather Steele
281.480.1617
hds@rafadance.com
bahbt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 1-Apr 30
Audition: Jun 4 (Houston)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, pointe
Boca Ballet Theatre
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Artistic Director: Dan Guin
Contact: Cheryl Cherry
561.995.0709
summer@bocaballet.org
bocaballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Mar 3 (Boca Raton, FL)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $15
Boston Ballet, Inc
Boston, MA
Artistic Director: Mikko Nissinen
Contact: Kirsten Hwang
617.456.6203
khwang@bostonballet.com
bostonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 1-May 30
Audition: Mar 25 (Boston)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Buglisi Dance Theatre/Threshold Dance Projects
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Jacqulyn Buglisi
Contact: Suzanne Konowitz
212.719.3301
info@buglisi-foreman.org
buglisi-foreman.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Feb 1-Jun 30
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, interview
California Ballet Co
San Diego, CA
Artistic Director: Maxine K Mahon
Contact: Judith Sharp
858.560.5676
auditions@californiaballet.org
californiaballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 8-May
Audition: Jun (San Diego, CA)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Cangelosi Dance Project
Baton Rouge, LA
Artistic Director/Contact: Kris Cangelosi
225.291.4587
cangelosidanceproject@att.net
cangelosidanceproject.com
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Jan 1-May 29
Audition: Mar 25 (Baton Rouge, LA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Carolina Ballet, Inc
Raleigh, NC
Artistic Director: Robert Weiss
Contact: Elizabeth Parker
919.719.0800
elizabethparker@carolinaballet.com
carolinaballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 2-May 15
Audition: TBD (Raleigh, NC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Benoit-Swan Pouffer
Contact: Barbara Myers
212.244.0015
audition@cedarlakedance.com
cedarlakedance.com
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Aug 1-Jul 31
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Central Florida Ballet
Orlando, FL
Artistic Director: Vasile Petrutiu
Contact: Vladimir Bykov
407.849.9948
vpetrutiu@centralfloridaballet.com
centralfloridaballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct-Apr
Audition: TBD (Orlando, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Charleston Ballet Theatre
Charleston, SC
Artistic Directors: Don and Patricia Cantwell
Contact: Jill Eathorne Bahr
843.723.7334
cbtbahr@aol.com
charlestonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-Jun
Audition: Mar 4 (Charleston, SC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Cincinnati Ballet
Cincinnati, OH
Artistic Director: Victoria Morgan
Contact: Wendy Dierking
513.562.1125
wdierking@cincinnatiballet.com
cincinnatiballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Apr 1 (Cincinnati, OH), Apr 7 (Boston), Apr 8 (NYC), Apr 15 (San Francisco)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Fee: $10
City Ballet of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Artistic Director: Steven Wistrich
Contact: Jo Anne Emery
858.274.6058
info@cityballet.org
cityballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct 8-May 11
Audition: TBD (San Diego, CA)
Bring: dance photo, letter of recommendation from current director, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Denver, CO
Artistic Director: Cleo Parker Robinson
Contact: Mary Hart
303.295.1759
cleodanceops@aol.com
cleoparkerdance.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Aug 1-Jul 31
Audition: Jul (Denver, CO)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern, partnering, interview
Colorado Ballet
Denver, CO
Artistic Director: Gil Boggs
Contact: Kristina Hart Sablatura
303.339.1631
kristina@coloradoballet.org
coloradoballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul-Mar
Audition: Feb 10 (Boca Raton, FL), Feb 18 (Denver, CO), Mar 4 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Fee: $20
Columbia City Ballet
Columbia, SC
Artistic Director: William Starrett
Contact: Ashley Howell
803.799.7605
company.manager@columbiacityballet.com
columbiacityballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-Apr
Audition: Feb 24 (Columbia, SC), Mar 24 (Atlanta), Apr 4 (Santa Monica, CA), Apr 5 (Culver City, CA), Apr 22 (NYC), May 12 (Columbia, SC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
COUNTERPOINTe
Berkeley, CA
Artistic Directors: Erica Rose Jeffrey and Sarah Marcus
Contact: Sarah Marcus
510.908.1552
info@counterpointe.net
counterpointe.net
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jun-Oct
Audition: ongoing through video submissions
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, pointe
CPD PLUS (Cats Paying Dues)
Lyndhurst, NJ
Artistic Director: Andrew J Nemr
Contact: Marlene Nemr
201.804.5528
info@23prime.com
23prime.com
Repertory: tap
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, tap, interview
Dance Alive National Ballet
Gainesville, FL
Artistic Director/Contact: Kim Tuttle
352.371.2986
dalive@bellsouth.net
dancealive.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 15-Mar 31
Audition: TBD (Gainesville, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, video/DVD
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
Dances Patrelle
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Francis Patrelle
Contact: Justin Allen
212.722.7933
info@dancespatrelle.org
dancespatrelle.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct 1-Mar 31
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Dancing Wheels
Cleveland, OH
Artistic Director/Contact: Mary Verdi-Fletcher
216.432.0306
proflair1@aol.com
dancingwheels.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Jan 1-Dec 31
Audition: TBD (Cleveland, OH)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
Dancin’ Unlimited
Fairfax, VA
Artistic Director: Marilyn York
Contact: Alan Green
703.517.9495
jazzdance@dancinunlimited.org
dancinunlimited.org
Repertory: jazz
Audition: TBD (Fairfax, VA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: jazz
Pre-application required
David Taylor Dance Theatre
Edgewater, CO
Artistic Director/Contact: James M. Wallace
303.789.2030
james@dtdt.org
dtdt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-Mar
Audition: TBD (Denver, CO)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: ballet
Pre-application required
Dayton Ballet
Dayton, OH
Artistic Director: Dermot Burke
Contact: Kathy Reed
937.449.5060
contact_us@daytonballet.org
daytonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 31
Audition: Mar 4 (Chicago), Mar 18 (Dayton, OH)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Dayton Contemporary Dance Co
Dayton, OH
Interim Artistic Director/Contact: Kevin Ward
937.228.3232
kevin@dcdc.org
dcdc.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: 2007-2008
Audition: May 11 (Dayton, OH)
Bring: ballet and jazz shoes, dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern
Fee: $20
Desert Dance Theatre
Tempe, AZ
Artistic Director/Contact: Lisa R. Chow
480.962.4584
lrchow@cox.net
desertdancetheatre.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Jun 2-Apr 28
Audition: May 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, and 23 (Phoenix, AZ)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, modern, interview
Pre-application required
Detroit Dance Collective
Royal Oak, MI
Artistic Director/Contact: Barbara Selinger
810.444.4553
bselinger@twmi.rr.com
detroitdancecollective.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Oct 1-Apr 30
Audition: Jun (Detroit, MI)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, modern, interview
Eglevsky Ballet
New Hyde Park, NY
Artistic Director: Ali Pourfarrokh
Contact: Maryann King
516.746.1115
info@eglevskyballet.com
eglevskyballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Feb 10 (Long Island, NY)
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Co
Troy, NY
Artistic Director/Contact: Ellen Sinopoli
518.408.1341
info@sinopolidances.org
sinopolidances.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Jul 1-Jun 30
Audition: Apr 28, May 19, Jun 2 (Albany, NY)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, modern, partnering, interview
Pre-application required
Eugene Ballet Co
Eugene, OR
Artistic Director: Toni Pimble
Contact: Peter Pawlyshyn
208.343.0556
ppawlyshyn@eugeneballet.org
eugeneballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: Mar 31 (NYC), Apr 26 (Salt Lake City)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $15
Festival Ballet Providence
Providence, RI
Artistic Director: Mihailo Djuric
Contact: Mark Fleisher
401.353.1129
info@festivalballet.com
festivalballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Apr 20
Audition: Feb, Mar (Providence, RI)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe, interview
Florida Classical Ballet Theatre
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Artistic Director: Colleen Smith
Contact: Ann Faber
561.630.8235
info@fcbt.org
fcbt.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Mar 4 (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
Bring: dance photo, letter of recommendation
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Fusion Dance
San Diego, CA
Artistic Directors: Katie McIver and Kevin Hermann
Contact: Katie McIver
858.610.8717
fusiondnc7@aol.com
fusiondance.info
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: Jan 9-Jun 1
Audition: TBD (San Diego, CA)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern, partnering
Pre-application required
The Georgia Ballet
Marietta, GA
Artistic Director: Gina Hyatt-Mazon
Contact: Michele Ziemann-DeVos
770.528.0881
mzdevos@georgiaballet.org
georgiaballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Mar 15
Audition: Mar 17 (Marietta, GA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
GI Alliance Dance Co
Chicago, IL
Artistic Director: Jennifer Gage-Imburgia
Contact: David Kavaliunas
630.205.5864
gijend@hotmail.com
myspace.com/gialliance
Repertory: jazz
Audition: TBD (Chicago)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, interview
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
Evanston, IL
Artistic Director: Nan Giordano
Contact: Carol Sumners
847.866.6779
csumners@giordanodancecenter.com
giordanojazzdance.com
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: May-Apr
Audition: Mar 17 (Evanston, IL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz
Fee: $10
Grand Rapids Ballet Co
Grand Rapids, MI
Artistic Director: Gordon Peirce Schmidt
Contact: Evangeline Whitlock
616.454.4771
evangeline@grballet.com
grballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: Mar 17 (Grand Rapids, MI), Mar 19 (Chicago), Mar 25 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $10
The Hartfel Ballet
Orange, CA
Artistic Director: John C Welch
Contact: Katie Bonomini
714.925.9806
audition@hartfel.org
hartfel.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Aug 31
Audition: Feb 12 and 19, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Sep 3, Mar 5 and 19, Apr 16 (Orange, CA)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, interview
Hartford Conservatory of Performing Arts
Hartford, CT
Artistic Director: Susan Murphy
Contact: Jerry Prell
860.246.2588
jprell@hartfordconservatory.org
hartfordconservatory.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 10
Audition: TBD (Hartford, CT)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern, interview
Fee: $50
Pre-application required
Hauser Dance
Minneapolis, MN
Artistic Director/Contact: Heidi Hauser Jasmin
612.871.9077
nhdc@tcinternet.net
Repertory: modern
Audition: Mar 24 (Minneapolis, MN)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: improvisation, modern, prepared solo, interview
Fee: $25
The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Safi A. Thomas
Contact: Afton Seekins
800.697.4698
admissions@hdcny.org
hdcny.org
Repertory: hip hop
Audition: Aug (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: form and technique, improvisation, musicality, interview
Fee: $25
Pre-application required
Houston Ballet
Houston, TX
Artistic Director: Stanton Welch
Contact: Shauna Tysor
713.523.6300
stysor@houstonballet.org
houstonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 1-Jun 30
Audition: Feb 4 (San Francisco), Feb 11 (NYC), Feb 18 (Houston)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Houston Metropolitan Dance Co
Houston, TX
Artistic Director/Contact: Marlana Walsh
713.849.2766
houstonmetdancer@aol.com
houstonmetdance.com
Repertory: ballet, jazz, modern
Contract dates: Aug 20-Jun 15
Audition: Apr 21 (Houston)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Interweave Dance Theatre
Boulder, CO
Artistic Director: Lara Branen
Contact: Daniel Morimoto
303.449.0399
boulderjazz@juno.com
boulderjazzdanceworkshop.com
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: Jul 18-Aug 4
Audition: Apr (Boulder, CO)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: jazz, modern
Island Moving Co
Newport, RI
Artistic Director: Miki Ohlsen
401.847.4470
info@islandmovingco.org
islandmovingco.org
Repertory: ballet, modern
Contract dates: 4 seasons per year
Audition: call to schedule company class (Newport, RI)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
James Sewell Ballet
Minneapolis, MN
Artistic Director: James Sewell
Contact: Mary Jo Peloquin
612.672.0480
maryjo@jsballet.org
jsballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 15-Apr 30
Audition: Feb 17 (Minneapolis, MN), Feb 24 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, pointe
Jean Ann Ryan Productions
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Artistic Director: Jean Ann Ryan
Contact: Kevin Pfeiffer
954.523.6399
jarjobs@aol.com
jeanannryanproductions.com
Repertory: Broadway show
Contract dates: year round
Audition: Feb 2 (London), Feb 17 (Vancouver, BC), Feb 21 (Los Angeles), Mar 11 (Atlanta)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz
Kansas City Ballet
Kansas City, MO
Artistic Director: William Whitener
Contact: Heather O’Mara
816.931.2232
heathero@kcballet.org
kcballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: Mar 3 (Kansas City, MO), Mar 4 (Chicago), Mar 10 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Kim Robards Dance, Inc
Denver, CO
Artistic Director: Kim Robards
Contact: LaRana Skalicky
303.825.4847
info@kimrobardsdance.org
kimrobardsdance.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Sep 4-Jun 30
Audition: Mar (Denver, CO), Apr (Charlotte, NC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, modern, interview
Fee: $10
Koresh Dance Co
Philadelphia, PA
Artistic Director: Ronen Koresh
Contact: Alon Koresh
215.751.0959
info@koreshdance.org
koreshdance.org
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 31
Audition: Apr 21 (Philadelphia)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern, partnering
Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet
Boulder, CO
Artistic Director: Robert Sher-Machherndl
Contact: Jenifer Sher
303.545.2298
jenifer@lemonspongecake.com
lemonspongecake.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jan-Dec
Audition: TBD (Boulder, CO)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Lexington Ballet
Lexington, KY
Artistic Director: Luis Dominguez
Contact: Mary Vaugh
859.233.3925
info@lexingtonballet.org
lexingtonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Jun 4 (Lexington, KY)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Louisville Ballet
Louisville, KY
Artistic Director: Bruce Simpson
Contact: Gloria Edwards
502.583.3150
info@louisvilleballet.org
louisvilleballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 6-Apr 5
Audition: Feb 18-23 (Louisville, KY)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
Los Angeles, CA
Artistic Director: Lula Washington
Contact: Tamica Washington-Miller
323.292.5852
tamicadance@yahoo.com
lulawashington.com
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Mar 1-Dec 30
Audition: TBD (Los Angeles)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, modern
Manassas Dance Co
Manassas, VA
Artistic Director/Contact: Amy Grant Wolfe
703.257.1811
manassasdance@aol.com
manassasdance.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-May 30
Audition: TBD (Manassas, VA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Metropolitan Classical Ballet
Arlington, TX
Artistic Directors: Paul Mejia and Alexander Vetrov
Contact: Deborah Barr
817.465.4644
admin@mcballet.org
mcballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Jun 30
Audition: TBD (Arlington, TX)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
Miami City Ballet
Miami Beach, FL
Artistic Director: Edward Villella
Contact: Donna Lenchuk
305.929.7000
donna@miamicityballet.org
miamicityballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: May 28-May 4
Audition: Feb 24 (Miami Beach, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Milwaukee Ballet
Milwaukee, WI
Artistic Director: Michael Pink
Contacts: Nadia Thompson or Denis Malinkine
414.902.2128
nthompson@milwaukeeballet.org
milwaukeeballet.org
Repertory: varies; includes a Nutcracker season, Romeo and Juliet, Dracula, Swan Lake, mixed rep evenings, choreography from George Balanchine, Christopher Bruce, Trey McIntyre, Mark Godden, Lila York, and Bruce Wells; styles from classical to modern
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: by invitation; send current video/DVD, resume and photograph for consideration; currently looking for principal women
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe, prepared solo
Minnesota Ballet
Duluth, MN
Artistic Director: Allen Fields
Contact: Robert Gardner
218.529.3742
balletmaster@minnesotaballet.org
minnesotaballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-Mar
Audition: TBD (Duluth, MN)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Nashville Ballet
Nashville, TN
Artistic Director: Paul Vasterling
Contact: Karen Malkin
615.297.2966
kmalkin@nashvilleballet.com
nashvilleballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: Feb 3 (Chicago), Feb 25 (NYC), Mar 18 (Nashville, TN)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
Nevada Ballet Theatre
Las Vegas, NV
Artistic Director: Bruce Steivel
Contact: Laurel Knox
702.243.2623
info@nevadaballet.com
nevadaballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 18-May 31
Audition: Feb 11 (NYC), Feb 24 (Las Vegas), Mar 25 (Santa Barbara, CA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Fee: $15
New Jersey Ballet
Livingston, NJ
Artistic Director: Carolyn Clark
Contact: Paul McRae
973.597.9600
njballet@aol.com
njballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct 10-May 20
Audition: TBD (Livingston, NJ)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
New York Theatre Ballet
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Diana Byer
Contact: Christina Paolucci
212.679.0401
cpaolucci@nytb.org
nytb.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Apr 30
Audition: TBD (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
North Carolina Dance Theatre
Charlotte, NC
Artistic Director: Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux
Contact: Gretchen Jax
704.372.0101
gjax@ncdance.org
ncdance.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: Feb 10 (NYC), Feb 17, Mar 17 (Charlotte, NC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Northern Ballet Theatre
Nashua, NH
Artistic Director: Doreen Cafarella
Contact: Michele Nacastro
603.889.8406
nbtidirector@comcast.com
nbti.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct-Mar
Audition: Mar 10 (Nashua, NH)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
Omaha Theater Ballet
Omaha, NE
Artistic Director: Robin Welch
Contact: Emily Foster Huddleston
402.342.8835
emilyf@rosetheater.org
rosetheater.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: TBD
Audition: Apr 4 (Omaha, NE)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Pre-application required
Oregon Ballet Theatre
Portland, OR
Artistic Director: Christopher Stowell
Contact: Rebecca Roberts
503.227.0977
rebecca.roberts@obt.org
obt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-Jun
Audition: Feb 25 (San Francisco), Mar 11 (Los Angeles), Mar 27 (Nagoya, Japan)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Orlando Ballet
Orlando, FL
Artistic Director: Bruce Marks
Contact: Cherie LaRosa
407.426.1733
clarosa@orlandoballet.org
orlandoballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: Apr (Orlando, FL)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Pacifico Dance Co
Culver City, CA
Artistic Director: Adriana Gainey
Contact: Lupe Flores
559.917.8825
bfdpacifico@aol.com
pacificodance.com
Repertory: ethnic
Audition: TBD (Los Angeles)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: prepared solo
Pre-application required
Pasadena Dance Theatre
Pasadena, CA
Artistic Director: Cynthia Young
Contact: Iris Andersen
626.683.3459
pasadenadance@earthlink.net
pasadenadance.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-Jun
Audition: TBD (Pasadena, CA)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, pointe
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Pennsylvania Ballet
Philadelphia, PA
Artistic Director: Roy Kaiser
Contact: Michael Sheridan
215.551.7000
msheridan@paballet.org
paballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Jun 30
Audition: Mar 25 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Pittsburgh, PA
Artistic Director: Terrence S. Orr
Contact: Robert Vickrey
412.454.9116
bvickrey@pittsburghballet.org
pbt.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul-Apr
Audition: May 31 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Co
Bethel Park, PA
Artistic Director/Contact: Jean Gedeon
412.835.1250
pybco@aol.com
pybco.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: varies per season
Audition: Mar 31 (Pittsburgh, PA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Rebecca Kelly Ballet
New York, NY
Artistic Director: Rebecca Kelly
Contact: Craig Brashear
212.431.8489
rkballet@ix.netcom.com
rebeccakellyballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Apr 9-Dec 31
Audition: Mar, Apr, Sep (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, resume, US working papers if non-US citizen
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Richmond Ballet
Richmond, VA
Artistic Director: Stoner Winslett
Contact: Kathleen Legault
804.344.0906
klegault@richmondballet.com
richmondballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Audition: Feb 17 (NYC), Feb 24 (San Francisco), TBD (Richmond, VA)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
River North Chicago Dance Co
Chicago, IL
Artistic Director: Frank Chaves
Contact: Sara Bibik
312.944.2888
info@rivernorthchicago.com
rivernorthchicago.com
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: Jul 1-May 1
Audition: Mar 4 (Chicago)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, modern, partnering
Ross Dance Co
Oakland, CA
Artistic Director: Tecsia Ross
Contact: Gazania McCoy
510.428.9339
audition@rossdance.com
rossdance.com
Repertory: jazz, modern
Contract dates: Jul 27-Jul 26
Audition: Jul 21 (San Francisco)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: jazz, modern, interview
Roxey Ballet
Lambertville, NJ
Artistic Director: Mark A. Roxey
Contact: Vanessa Laws
609.397.7616
info@roxeyballet.org
roxeyballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Aug 31
Audition: Mar 4 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Fee: $20
Sacramento Ballet
Sacramento, CA
Artistic Directors: Ron Cunningham and Carinne Binda
Contact: Jack Hansen
916.552.5800
jhansen@sacballet.org
sacballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: Mar 4 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
San Diego Ballet
San Diego, CA
Artistic Director: Robin Morgan
Contact: Elena Baltovick
619.294.7378
sandiegoballet@aol.com
sandiegoballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Oct 6-Apr 1
Audition: TBD
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Sierra Nevada Ballet
Genoa, NV
Artistic Director/Contact: Rosine Bena
775.783.3223
info@sierranevadaballet.com
sierranevadaballet.com
Repertory: ballet, classical to contemporary
Contract dates: Oct 9-Sep 9
Audition: ongoing by appointment only (Reno, NV)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
6th Day Dance
Bothell, WA
Artistic Director: Lyndee Breece
Contact: Jennifer Rowse
206.406.5465
info@sixthdaydance.org
sixthdaydance.org
Repertory: modern
Contract dates: Aug 1-Jul 31
Audition: Aug 5 (Bothell, WA)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, modern, interview
Pre-application required
SkipCosta.COREmovementPROJECT.NYC
New York, NY
Artistic Director/Contact: Skip Costa
212.222.2772
nyladance@aol.com
nyladance.com
Repertory: contemporary
Contract dates: varies per project
Audition: Jul (NYC)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, jazz, modern, partnering, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
Southwest Ballet Co
Carnegie, PA
Artistic Director/Contact: Virginia Nicoll
412.279.8133
info@southwestballet.org
southwestballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-Dec
Audition: Jun (Pittsburgh, PA)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe, interview
Steps Repertory Ensemble
New York, NY
Artistic Director/Contact: Claire Weston
212.874.2410
claire@stepsnyc.com
stepsnyc.com
Repertory: jazz, modern/contemporary, musical theater
Contract dates: Oct-Sep
Audition: Sep (NYC)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, jazz, modern
Fee: $15
Pre-application required
Texas Ballet Theater
Ft. Worth, TX
Artistic Director: Ben Stevenson
Contact: Margo McCann
817.763.0207
mmcann@texasballettheater.org
texasballettheater.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 15-May 15
Audition: Feb 28 (Ft. Worth, TX)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $25
The Washington Ballet
Washington, DC
Artistic Director: Septime Webre
Contact: Tom Domenici
202.362.3606
tdomenici@washingtonballet.org
washingtonballet.org
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug-May
Audition: Feb 11 (NYC), Mar 4 (Washington, DC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $20
Washington Reflections Dance Co
Washington, DC
Artistic Director: Fabian Barnes
Contact: Cecily Stewart
202.371.9656
cstewart@danceinstitute.org
danceinstitute.org
Repertory: contemporary
Contract dates: Jul 1-Jun 30
Audition: Feb 24 and 25 (Washington, DC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern
Pre-application required
International
Alberta Ballet
Calgary, AB
Canada
Artistic Director: Jean Grand-Maitre
Contact: Donna Renna
info@albertaballet.com
albertaballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 9-Apr 6
Audition: Feb 17 (Edmonton, AB), Mar 3 (Toronto, ON), Mar 4 (NYC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, video/DVD if not previously sent in to company
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Fee: $20
Pre-application required
Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada
Moncton, NB
Canada
Artistic Director: Igor Dobrovolskiy
Contact: Janet Lutes
506.383.5951
atlanticballet@nb.aibn.com
atlanticballet.ca
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 1-May 31
Audition: TBD (Moncton, NB)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
The Australian Ballet
Victoria
Australia
61.3.9669.2700
mail@australianballet.com.au
australianballet.com.au
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: annual, occasional short term
Audition: ongoing company class auditions (Victoria, Australia); send photo and curriculum vitae to artistic director for consideration
Pre-application required
Ballet Black
London
England
Artistic Director/Contact: Cassa Pancho
44.7786.318.509
balletblack@gmail.com
balletblack.co.uk
Repertory: varied neo-classical ballet (all original compositions)
Contract dates: varies
Audition: TBD (London)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, pointe shoes for ladies, resume
Audition includes: ballet, company repertory, interview
Ballet British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Artistic Director: John Alleyne
Contact: Ken Mazer
604.732.5003
info@balletbc.com
balletbc.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jan-Dec
Audition: Mar 28-30 (Vancouver, BC)
Bring: resume
Audition includes: ballet
Pre-application required
Ballet Contemporaneo de Caracas
Caracas
Venezuela
Artistic Director: Maria Eugenia Barrios
Contact: Offer Zaks
58.212.7939139
info@caracasballet.com
caracasballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jan 23-Dec 19
Audition: Jun 26, 2007; Nov 12, 2007; Jan 21, 2008 (Caracas, Venezuela)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, modern, partnering, pointe, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
Ballet de Printemps
North Vancouver, BC
Canada
Contact: Jelena Bagaric-Mandic
604.986.3857
bdp@balletdeprintemps.com
balletdeprintemps.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: varies
Audition: TBD
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe, interview
Pre-application required
Ballet J�rgen Canada
Toronto, ON
Canada
Artistic Director: Bengt J�rgen
Contact: Craig Ashton
416.964.4725
info@balletjorgen.ca
balletjorgen.ca
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep-May
Audition: Feb 11 (Toronto, ON), Feb 25 (Halifax, NS), TBD (Vancouver, BC)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Companhia Nacional de Bailado
Lisbon
Portugal
Artistic Director: Mehmet Balkan
Contact: Filipa Rola
213.474.048
d.artistica@cnb.pt
cnb.pt
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Aug 31
Audition: TBD (Lisbon, Portugal)
Bring: dance photo, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Calgary, AB
Canada
Artistic Director: Vicki Adams Willis
Contact: Joanne Baker
403.245.3533
djd@decidedlyjazz.com
decidedlyjazz.com
Repertory: jazz
Contract dates: Sep 1-Jun 25
Audition: Mar-Apr 2007; see website for audition updates
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: improvisation, jazz
Pre-application required
Introdans
Arnhem, Gelderland
The Netherlands
Artistic Director: Roel Voorintholt
Contact: Elly van der Sluis
31.0.26.3512111
auditions@introdans.nl
introdans.nl
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Aug 1-Jul 31
Audition: Feb 10 (Gelderland, Netherlands)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet
Pre-application required
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Monte-Carlo
Principality of Monaco
Artistic Director: Jean-Christophe Maillot
Contact: Kathy Plaistowe
33.492.41.6010
k.plaistowe@balletsdemontecarlo.com
balletsdemontecarlo.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Sep 1-Aug 31
Audition: ongoing private company class auditions (Monte-Carlo)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, to be sent with application
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
The National Ballet of Canada
Toronto, ON
Canada
Artistic Director: Karen Kain, C.C.
Contact: Pamela Steele
416.345.9686
auditions@national.ballet.ca
national.ballet.ca
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: varies
Audition: Feb 10 (Toronto, ON)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe
Pre-application required
The Royal New Zealand Ballet
Wellington
New Zealand
Artistic Director: Gary Harris
Contact: Meredith Dooley
644.381.9012
meredith@nzballet.org.nz
nzballet.org.nz
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jan 1-Dec 31
Audition: Oct 7 (Wellington, NZ)
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Pre-application required
Royal Swedish Ballet
Stockholm
Sweden
Artistic Director: Madeleine Onne
Contact: ballet secretary
468.791.4300
balletsecretary@operan.se
operan.se
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jul 1-Jun 30
Audition: by invitation only; video must be submitted; invitee will audition in Stockholm
Bring: headshot, resume
Audition includes: ballet, improvisation, partnering, pointe, prepared solo, interview
Pre-application required
Staatsballett Berlin
Berlin
Germany
Artistic Director: Vladimir Malakhov
Contact: Nadine J�ger
302.035.4282
ballett@staatsballett-berlin.de
staatsballett-berlin.de
Repertory: ballet
Audition: TBD (Berlin, Germany)
Bring: headshot
Audition includes: ballet
Teatro alla Scala Ballet Co
Milan
Italy
Artistic Director: M� Frédéric Olivieri
Contact: Segreteria Direzione Ballo
39.2.8879.1
direzione.ballo@fondazionelascala.it
teatroallascala.org
Repertory: ballet, contemporary, repertoire
Contract dates:
Audition: TBD (Milan, Italy)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, resume, video
Audition includes: ballet, partnering, pointe, prepared solo, prepared variation, interview
Universal Ballet
Seoul
South Korea
Artistic Director: Oleg Vinogradov
General Director: Julia Moon
Contact: Anne Inoue
ubckorea@aol.com
universalballet.com
Repertory: ballet
Contract dates: Jan 1-Dec 31
Audition: Oct (Seoul, South Korea)
Bring: dance photo, headshot, passport, resume, video
Audition includes: ballet, pointe
Fee: $10
Latest Posts
Feb 05, 2021
Meet the dancers of MDC3: Madi Smith, Diego Pasillas, and Emma Mather (left to right). Photo by Joe Toreno. Hair by Marina Migliaccio and makeup by Lisa Chamberlain, both for the Rex Agency.
Meet MDC3: The "World of Dance" Winners Who Defied the Odds
In March 2020, the same day the "World of Dance" cast got word that production would be shutting down due to a global pandemic, MDC3 artists Madison (Madi) Smith, Diego Pasillas and Emma Mather stood shoulder to shoulder onstage, bracing to hear the final results of the competition. The champion title and $1 million prize money were within reach, decided entirely by the three celebrity judges sitting in front of them. As their competitor's scores dropped from the lips of Derek Hough, Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo at roughly 2 percentage points below their own, viewers watched realization dawn. MDC3's mouths dropped into gigantic Oh's before their hands slapped over their faces in disbelief. Sparklers shot up while confetti rained down, and the announcer shouted, "MDC3, you are the winner of 'World of Dance'!"
It was an impressive accomplishment for any group of dancers, let alone three teenagers who'd faced rejection from the show three times over. Despite their youth (Madi is 18, Diego is 17 and Emma is 16), this moment was hard earned through years of dedicated patience.
The Team
<p>MDC3 was established seven years ago under the direction of Mather Dance Company artistic director and industry choreographer, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shannonmather1/?hl=en" target="_blank">Shannon Mather</a> (yes, Emma's mother). They were an unlikely trio—all different ages (then 9, 10 and 11), heights and strengths. Yet something told Mather their differences were exactly what would make them succeed. "From the first year I put them together, they were making people cry," Mather says. "It's chemistry you can't touch."</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/1emmamather/?hl=en" target="_blank">Emma,</a> the youngest of the three, has trained under her mother's direction her entire life. At 5 years old she began partnering at MDC, and developed a knack for tricks, lifts and connection. "She was a young little pup who wanted to be thrown in the air," Mather says. "She'd been doing acro from a young age, and loved the ultra-physical side of dancing."<strong> </strong>It's unsurprising to learn of Emma's fearlessness. In her work with the trio she's often soaring above the heads of the others, twisting and turning in unexpected patterns. In terms of movement, Emma's dancing can be described as feminine, innocent and clean. Her lines are long and smooth, curving and extending as if gliding through honey butter. Injuries (three broken fingers) and medical challenges (unexplainable stomach issues) have peppered Emma's training experience, forcing her to exhibit extra diligence. "I have accepted that you're gonna deal with some injuries in dance," Emma says. "Now, I focus on how to catch myself when falling, and I take lifts more seriously so I don't get hurt."</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/diegopasillas_/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Diego</a> joined Mather Dance Company just one year before MDC3 was established, and his potential was immediately evident—even if his muscles had not quite developed. To Mather, his greatest strength was his vulnerability. "He's never had a problem getting in there, opening up and telling a story," she says. "He's not afraid to cry." Mather says there was one number in which, when the music ended, you could hear him crying in his final position. "He didn't care—he was connecting," Mather says. Diego began his training as a competitive gymnast from ages 5 to 7. Then, his mom put him in his first hip-hop classes at Beach Cities Dance Studio in Huntington Beach, CA. He quickly fell in love and began adding other styles to his toolbelt. After three years his agency, Go 2 Talent, recommended he make the switch to MDC. Since the transition, he's gone on to become a competition darling, winning both the 2014 Junior and 2016 Teen National Maximum Velocity Artist titles, and the 2019 Radix Core Performer title. Since MDC3's inception, Diego's physical strength has caught up with his storytelling, making him an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFXHAez9r9E" target="_blank">athletic, dynamic mover</a> and partner. Despite his success, Diego has faced his fair share of challenges, as well, namely bullying. "Male dancers get bullied a lot," Diego says. "I just try not to listen to rude comments and use dance as an escape. It's my happy place, my safe space."</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/madisonsmithhh_/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Madi </a>started dancing at 2 years old at a studio in Temecula Valley, CA, called Cathy's Dance. After a few years of training in ballet and hip hop, she began bouncing around a few other studios in the area. At 7, she settled down at MDC, where she would spend the next decade of her life perfecting her craft before graduating in the spring of 2020 (just in time for the professional dance world to be shuttered by COVID-19.) "Madi brings fire," Mather says. "She has a strong hip-hop background and excellent musicality. She leads the group as a mama bear. Before they would go onstage I would turn to her and say, 'Madi, you've gotta have this.'" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUl_G2omjto" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Madi's dancing</a> matches Diego's and Emma's in clean lines, seamless transitions and solid technique. Where she stands out is maturity. Her movement, gaze and expression demand that you watch, without coming off insincere—a difficult tightrope to walk. As she heads into the professional world, Madi says the biggest challenge she's faced as a dancer thus far is body image. "I struggle with it still," she says. "To help, I try not to compare myself to others, and fuel my body with healthy foods because it makes me feel better."</p><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwNjczNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MTMyOTY4N30._N7ugi33nj1GxerHCMTgychoThVYPLKWAm1YKNmdJho/img.jpg?width=980" id="51351" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f72ca86daf401d28900f10d9a2e359fa" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="All three members of MDC3 are dressed in black, against a white background. Madi is on the floor, pressing into a bridge. Emma is lifted by Diego, who stretches one arm above his head. Diego stares at the camera." data-width="1000" data-height="1778" />
Photo by Joe Toreno
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The Creative Process
<p>MDC3's works always begin with a concept. "We never do anything without a purpose," Mather says. "It's not just a dance. We want people to feel something." Mather works to find a song everyone loves, that fits all three dancers' movement qualities and has a storyline. From there, they workshop lifts. "We try to find cool ways for them to move through one another with seamless partner work," Mather says. "It's so hard to do with three people. I often have to find a way to incorporate the third person into the lift, or have them do separate movements that thread through it." Once they have lifts down, they go into endless hours of rehearsals. "It can take us three hours to get through eight counts," Mather says. In each piece of choreography she sets, Mather's goal is to create something unique that audiences and judges haven't seen before.</p><p> Just like any other team, disagreements come up while working through this creative process. "We've been together so long, we're like siblings," Madi says. "We bicker about little things." Still, they've found ways to mitigate relational challenges. "We've come to know each other's boundaries, and we work to not overstep," she adds. "Plus, we tend to brush things off pretty fast and not get too upset." Emma says they often use Mather, their director, as a mediator. "She'll watch and say, 'Ya, that was Emma's fault, she missed a hand,' and then we can move on," Emma says.</p>The Road to "WOD"
<p>When "WOD" ran auditions for its first season in 2017, the show reached out to Mather about one of her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfuHlRuzmpc" target="_blank">older trio</a>s who'd seen recent success on the competition circuit. One of the dancers (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/madelyne_spang/?hl=en" target="_blank">Madelyne Spang</a>) was on tour with P!nk at the time, so Mather offered to send her younger trio, MDC3, instead. It didn't pan out. "We were just too young," Emma says. "We were still growing both physically and mentally, and needed time to get better. On top of that, we only started rehearsals, like, a week before the audition. We weren't prepared." So they returned the next year to audition for Season 2, where they were better received but once again cut. When they later watched that season's cast perform on air, it became clear to them what they were missing. </p><p>"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rLKRvFnPy/" target="_blank">Charity and Andres</a> really understood how to feature the big moments of their pieces with 'wow' factors that season," Diego says. "We couldn't do that yet." Emma agrees, stating she and Diego were roughly the same height at the time, making lifts difficult. "We could barely get off the floor—not even close to what we can do now," she says. Season 3 followed the same pattern of rejection, but this time, everyone was pretty surprised. "We really thought we had a good chance," Madi says. Even casting from the show called to communicate their surprise. "I knew we were getting closer, but they just still weren't ready," Mather says.</p><p>When Season 4 came knocking, the group told producers they didn't think they were what the show was looking for. The "WOD" team promptly called back, and explained that they did, in fact, want to see the dancers again, but they had some notes for improvement. Namely, new music choices that favored popular sounds rather than songs audiences were unfamiliar with, the incorporation of avant-garde lifts, and how to maximize camera angles. (For example, avoid busy dancing around lifts that might distract from the "wow" factor within the frame.) The dancers<strong> </strong>took the corrections, studied old footage to learn the judges' preferences, and decided to try one last time. Rehearsals began one month before auditions and the three poured everything they had into emphasizing storytelling and bold movement.</p><p>MDC3's commitment to giving the judges what they wanted paid off. On October 21, 2019, the trio got the call saying they had made the show. Mather immediately told the dancers to jump on a group FaceTime so she could share the good news. Mather was on the East Coast at the time, so all Diego was just waking up and still in bed when they got the call. Madi and Emma were still in school, and had to slip away from class to speak with Mather. "It was a moment of total disbelief," Madi says. "We had tried for so many years that we were losing hope. We were so excited!" Emma remembers walking back to class in a daze. "I had to act like nothing happened because we weren't allowed to tell anyone," she says. "It was so crazy." </p><p>From the second they stepped onstage, MDC3 was a clear showstopper. After their performance in the Duels, the judges couldn't contain their praise. According to the dancers, some of the excitement was even cut in post. "Derek was smacking on the floor, all of the judges stood up and came toward us, and the crowd was jumping up and down," Emma says. According to Mather, at this point, other choreographers began to communicate to her their confidence in the group, even confessing they thought they had a chance to win the whole thing.</p><div style="padding: 20px 0 40px;">
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwNjgwNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MjU1NTA1NX0.bi-OqRhl5FEhCtuWvyKTGPd6BeAHfB2vng334qQuI3U/img.jpg?width=980" id="4fe4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="65d34a5d3545a4139f52a96239e9f972" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="All three members of MDC3 wear white, on a blue background. Madi looks at the camera, in an attitude pench\u00e9. Diego stands in pli\u00e9, facing to the side. Emma is lifted with Diego, with her knees pressed against his chest. She presses herself to an upright position, one arm looped behind Diego's neck, and the other extended behind her in a soft curve." data-width="1000" data-height="1000" />
Photo by Joe Toreno
The Win
<p>Throughout their entire "WOD" process, winning was not on MDC3's radar. "Our goal was just to make it to the big stage for semifinals," Diego says. After watching ballroom couple <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffersonyadrianita/?hl=en" target="_blank">Jefferson and Adrianita</a> perform for the first time in the final round, their certainty about the performance shrunk even more. "We didn't think we were going to win after seeing them," he says. "When we beat them, it was a complete shock." Then, it was down to the final act, Géométrie Variable, a group MDC3 had never watched perform before. "We knew they were older than us, and very different from us, and we were nervous," Emma says. "I just had to hope that our big lifts and technique would be enough. We really thought anything could happen at that point."</p><p> Despite their fears, and after years of hard work, MDC3 was announced the winner. "It felt like everything went silent around us," Madi says of that thrilling moment. "All of the cannons were going off, but it felt like it was just the three of us standing there. Me and two of my best friends, soaking in this crazy experience." "It changed us," Emma says of the opportunity. "It pushed each of us to levels we had never been before."</p><div id="e61ad" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bc13f040c47b77a3a23c71696047b344"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHf_qxgBQ06/"
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The Future
<p>The end of filming "WOD" coincided with shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders mandated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though MDC3 walked away with the title and their prize money, they're still anxiously awaiting the chance to open new industry doors provided by their win. They each dream of world tours, award shows and concept videos. When the time is right, they plan to chase their dreams together. "We hope to work together in the industry," Emma says. "If it weren't for COVID we would be doing more of that already. We want to make good work that can speak to people."<strong> </strong>In a world of so much tumult and uncertainty, one thing is abundantly clear: The artists who make up MDC3 are just getting started.</p>Fast Facts
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxMTA0OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDMxMjM0Nn0.w3qJpN-v6m654GS5AWbIAPtS4lwwCrxR8N2Oryj3ndQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="d7370" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="47792e9280bd646674d63c86195e30b3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Madi Smith is dressed in sheer white pants, a white sports bra, and a sheer white tank. She faces the camera, with one leg in a deep pli\u00e9, the other crossed over her knee. She grasps her lifted foot with one hand, and extends her other arm softly to the side. Her long blonde hair is curled and flows over her shoulders." data-width="1000" data-height="1778" />
Photo by Joe Toreno
<h5>Madi Smith</h5><p><strong>Most-used emoji:</strong> 💀</p><p><strong>Go-to improv song:</strong> "Anything James Arthur"</p><p><strong>Favorite dancewear company:</strong> <a href="https://honeycutofficial.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Honeycut</a></p><p><strong>Favorite food:</strong> Steak</p><p><strong>Pre-performance ritual:</strong> Prayer</p><p><strong>What the "World of Dance" audience at home didn't know about her:</strong> "I like to cook!"</p><p><strong>Favorite judge:</strong> "Derek was super nice to us on the show. He really expressed that he was rooting for us."</p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxMTA1My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2Nzc0NzIxN30.7EKUm26M0JPj_MQUpfnRcxT9P0UTOJnuvCgZCH7sD-Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="b50ce" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="95b6596ea4e0ed44b2610fa103011f4b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Diego Pasillas is dressed in a white button down and white pants, against a blue background. He leaps through the air, both legs bent. He grasps his back ankle with one hand, and extends the other arm above his head. His body and his gaze are to the side." data-width="1000" data-height="1778" />
Photo by Joe Toreno
<h5>Diego Pasillas</h5><p><strong>Most-used emoji:</strong> ❤️</p><p><strong>Go-to improv song:</strong> "Any song by James Arthur"</p><p><strong>Favorite dancewear company:</strong> Nike</p><p><strong>Favorite food:</strong> Sushi</p><p><strong>Pre-performance ritual:</strong> Prayer</p><p><strong>What the "World of Dance" audience at home didn't know about him:</strong> "I hate bananas." </p><p><strong>Favorite judge:</strong> "Derek, because he has such a strong understanding of dance."</p>
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<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcxMTA3My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDQ1NDg3NH0.LhRWZ-DDnhSPTYYiekj0IAtY882xMsev0G0XrupeLw4/img.jpg?width=980" id="6b7d6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ead83d425c318cbac7084db4fb3ee66f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Emma Mather wears sheer white pants and a white, patterned sports bra with a cutout. She is on the floor, mid-motion. Both her legs are bent, and her upper body reaches towards the ground, though she is facing towards the camera." data-width="1000" data-height="1778" />
Photo by Joe Toreno
<h5>Emma Mather</h5><p><strong>Most-used emoji:</strong> 😝</p><p><strong>Go-to improv song:</strong> "Lasting Lover," by James Arthur</p><p><strong>Favorite dancewear company:</strong> <a href="https://fivedancewear.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAk53-BRD0ARIsAJuNhpsk4sM1pNRGB4URGs6zErFeJLpMzZwMgCe5lwndvcD3EUWf16D9LeYaAlNwEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Five Dancewear</a></p><p><strong>Favorite food:</strong> Caesar salad</p><p><strong>Pre-performance ritual:</strong> Prayer</p><p><strong>What the "World of Dance" audience at home didn't know about her:</strong> "People were surprised to learn that my mom was our choreographer. Oh, and I have dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada."</p><p><strong>Favorite judge:</strong> "I love Derek. He's such a big inspiration to me."</p>
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Mar 01, 2021
Mason Evans assisting at New York City Dance Alliance in Orlando, FL (Evolve Photo & Video, courtesy Mason Evans)
5 Dancers Share What It's Really Like to Return to Competitions Right Now
For the first time since the coronavirus hit the U.S., competitions and conventions are meeting in-person once again (brimming with safety precautions, of course), and dancers couldn't be more thrilled.
We asked five standout comp kids about their recent experiences attending competitions around the country—and how they're taking advantage of these long-lost opportunities.
Hailey Bills
<div id="5194e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="de20762d8220bf52adb7d02a35b887b3"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKJxIiuhZz0/" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKJxIiuhZz0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Studio:</strong> Center Stage Performing Arts Studio</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 14</p><p><strong>Competition:</strong> 24 Seven Dance Convention, Provo, UT</p><p><strong><em>Dance Spirit</em>: What did it feel like to attend your first in-person competition since March 2020?</strong></p><p>Hailey Bills:<strong> </strong>"It was so amazing. I don't think any of us realized how much we missed being onstage. It's what we train for, and we hadn't been there in a year."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the differences you noticed about this competition versus those pre-pandemic?</strong></p><p>HB: "Socially distanced squares to dance in, which were surprisingly nice. Everyone had a spot to dance in, and it was much more organized than usual. I also saw a change in my studio: We all seemed happier to be there, and we had more gratitude."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: Were there any unexpected nerves from being out of performance practice? How did you work through them?</strong></p><p>HB: "I will always be nervous to compete. That's just how it goes. More than anything, though, I was just excited to be there. That kinda blew away the stress so I could be stoked."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: How did your competition preparation differ from before?</strong></p><p>HB: "We had a dress rehearsal, but nobody could watch us, and we had to be in a different room when other groups danced. It's always fun watching other dances at your studio, so that was sad."</p>Mason Evans
<div id="23b81" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a96fcbb113891b6168a038d3e49dcac6"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPYHOdslsr/" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKPYHOdslsr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Studio:</strong> Performance Edge 2</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 16</p><p><strong>Competition:</strong> New York City Dance Alliance, Orlando, FL</p><p><strong><em>Dance Spirit</em>: What did it feel like to attend your first in-person competition since March 2020?</strong></p><p>Mason Evans:<strong> </strong>"It was nice to just be there, around people with the same passions after being away for so long. Over quarantine I did a lot of self-reflection about both my dancing and myself. Now, I have the urge to get out and show what I have discovered creatively, so being back onstage was really fun."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the differences you noticed about this competition versus those pre-pandemic?</strong></p><p>ME: "You could feel the difference in the energy from the audience while competing. There were a lot less people than usual, and I felt it lacking."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the things you missed about in-person competition/convention while you were away?</strong></p><p>ME: "I really missed the chance to observe others in person. As a dancer, we get to watch, analyze and adopt things we like. Not doing that for a while was really hard. But seeing people now, it's like we never skipped a beat. We still have that same connection."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: Were there any unexpected nerves from being out of performance practice? How did you work through them?</strong></p><p>ME: "Actually, no: I felt the opposite. Being locked away in my mind for so long, I gained a lot of confidence and stopped being nervous about the stage. I was looking forward to it because it had been taken away from me. It's not a burden—I don't dread it, I'm just excited."</p>Selena Hamilton
<div id="dfd57" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c61142343c4fdcff501936ad3567d0f3"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe5ktsjVb2/" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe5ktsjVb2/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Studio: </strong>Project 21</p><p><strong>Age: </strong>16</p><p><strong>Competition: </strong>Radix Dance Convention, Phoenix, AZ</p><p><strong><em>Dance Spirit</em>: What did it feel like to attend your first in-person competition since March 2020?</strong></p><p>Selena Hamilton:<strong> </strong>"It was pure joy. I felt like everyone could finally see what my teachers and friends and I have been working so hard on over these difficult months."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the differences you noticed about this competition versus those pre-pandemic?</strong></p><p>SH: "The changes to competition weren't my favorite. We had time blocks where we only had five dances between each performance. There was no catching our breath, just changing and running back to the stage. By the time we got to the last dance we were all really low-energy, and we had to push through." </p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the things you missed about in-person convention/competition while you were away?</strong></p><p>SH: "I attended Nationals online, which just wasn't the same. Teachers couldn't correct us one-on-one. I lose focus easily, so staring at my laptop was hard for me. It was great to come back."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: Were there any unexpected nerves from being out of performance practice? How did you work through them?</strong></p><p>SH: "Definitely—I was so stressed out. I hadn't learned choreography from these challenging teachers in such a long time. I was getting comfortable at my studio, and I knew the weekend would be tough."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: How did your competition preparation differ from before?</strong></p><p>SH: "It was harder to have outside choreographers come in. To protect our team members, we didn't go outside of our studio bubble. We had to keep masks on and stay six feet away from them the whole time they were there. We don't want to ruin things for each other, so we stay safe."</p><div style="padding: 20px 0 40px;">
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Ruby Castro
<div id="6cfe1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="797486dbc950425b02be97690f5aea3d"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2pIDoBxLf/" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2pIDoBxLf/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Studio:</strong> Dancetown Miami</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 17</p><p><strong>Competition:</strong> JUMP Dance Convention, Miami, FL</p><p><strong><em>Dance Spirit</em>: What did it feel like to attend your first in-person competition since March 2020?</strong></p><p>Ruby Castro:<strong> </strong>"I was really excited to be on a stage and get ready for a competition again. In a way, it was a good wake-up call to really appreciate what I had before."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the differences you noticed about this competition versus those pre-pandemic?</strong></p><p>RC: "Doing everything in a mask is not ideal because breathing is so important for dance. Still, I would rather it be that way than not compete at all."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the things you missed about in-person convention/competition while you were away?</strong></p><p>RC: "More than anything I missed being inspired by dancers standing next to me. When I came back, I realized how much the energy of others rubs off on me—in both good ways and bad."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: Were there any unexpected nerves from being out of performance practice? How did you work through them?</strong></p><p>RC: "Yes. When we first started rehearsing again for competition, I was overwhelmed. I didn't realize how much I was dancing before the pandemic until I tried to get back into it. Doing hard numbers back-to-back is really difficult, and this was a wake-up call."</p>Ella Horan
<div id="1a39b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8f77eee264f0c7939a982c76a7b9b24a"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKeqTJ6hbJm/" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKeqTJ6hbJm/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p><strong></strong><strong>Studio: </strong>Westside Dance Project</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 16</p><p><strong>Competition:</strong> Radix Dance Convention, Phoenix, AZ</p><p><strong><em>Dance Spirit</em>: What did it feel like to attend your first in-person competition since March 2020?</strong></p><p>Ella Horan:<strong> </strong>"There was magic that happened when everyone came together. I can't really explain it. The whole weekend was a dream. We got to indulge in the in-person, live experience, which was so missed. Dance connects us in such a beautiful way."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: What were some of the differences you noticed about this competition versus those pre-pandemic?</strong></p><p>EH: "The room had a big transformation in energy. Honestly, we had all taken for granted how special it is to be together."</p><p>"Beyond that, Radix requires masks for everyone at all times. Temperatures were taken before walking in. If you wanted to grab a drink of water, you could step outside. They taped squares on the floor and advised us to dance within them. Other than that, it was as normal as you could get right now."</p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: Were there any unexpected nerves from being out of performance practice? How did you work through them?</strong></p><p>EH: "Nerves definitely got the best of me. I went into this extreme mode where I was like, 'OK, first convention back—gotta be on my A game.' Thankfully for me, nerves are something that help me improve. I do better under pressure." </p><p><strong><em>DS</em>: How did your competition preparation differ from before?</strong></p><p>EH: "The pandemic caused changes to space, time and room availability, which affected my preparation. You have to take advantage of every bit of time you have. Before I left for Radix, I stayed after my ballet class for five hours to rehearse my solo and technique. I indulged because I didn't know when I could again."</p>
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Feb 26, 2021
Because the future of Black dance is happening right now (Braylon Browner photographed by Rhiannon Lee, courtesy Braylon Browner)
Celebrating Black Futures Month: 4 Up-and-Coming Black Dancers Making History Right Now
Throughout the month of February, many Americans celebrate Black History Month, a period of the year dedicated to honoring the contributions of Black figures to American culture and society.
The lesser-known Black Futures Month, which is also celebrated in February—and often in conjunction with BHM—looks to art and artists to envision an equitable future for Black Americans. At Dance Spirit, we're celebrating #BlackFuturesMonth by spotlighting four young Black dancers whose dance journeys are proving that the future of Black dance is bright.
Jada Walker
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY5MzkxMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTY0ODk2NX0.kg3rDFXXDbEYWVnTAc2Ch-21ztaOhGeRSPysy1NAG7g/img.jpg?width=980" id="0b905" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a1f652462cfc1667e11430dafca78c2c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Jada Walker poses in a photo studio. She wears brown pointe shoes, and a black leotard with a black long-sleeved turtleneck over it. Her long brown hair is in one braid, pulled in front of her shoulder and braided with bright yellow flowers, which match her large, yellow earrings. She wears dramatic yellow eyeliner, and her eyes are closed. She poses off balance, with one leg extended in a tilt position, both feet flexed. Her arms are bent." data-width="1000" data-height="1329" />Photo by Lee Gumbs, courtesy Jada Walker
<p>You may recognize <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jadaa.walker/" target="_blank">Jada Walker</a> as <a href="https://radixdance.com/" target="_blank">RADIX Dance Convention</a> 2020–21 Senior Female Core Performer winner, but the 20-year-old <a href="https://kaufman.usc.edu/" target="_blank">USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance</a> sophomore is a versatile talent who says she's determined to make her mark—on more than just the competition-dance world. In fact, the Houston, TX, resident, who takes her college courses remotely, has already started branching out: She was recently featured in R&B superstar <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exKC1W-Tu_U" target="_blank">Brandy's official music video for the single "Baby Mama,"</a> directed by Derek Blanks and creative directed by Frank Gatson Jr., and choreographed by Jakevis Thomason.</p><p>But Walker's journey to this point in her career hasn't been without its challenges. "I have faced much discrimination," she says, "simply because of my body type, which to others reads: 'She must be about to bust a hip-hop move or a jazz routine onstage' or 'She doesn't look like she has the technique, feet or facility to execute a contemporary dance.' "</p><p>Such judgments have only fueled Walker to train harder—and to look towards her promising future. Walker says she eventually sees herself touring with major recording artists, owning a dance convention or studio, and choreographing—and starring in—movies and music videos. But she also has dreams outside the dance realm, which she sees as an extension of her creativity. "I have so many aspirations that start with my dance career that I can see taking me in many different directions, such as fashion and makeup," Walker says. "I'd love to have my own production company that represents makeup artists, stylists and more."</p><h4>Fast Facts</h4><p><strong>Favorite TikTok dance/challenge?</strong> #UpChallenge</p><p><strong>Favorite song to dance to right now?</strong> "All Good," by Jhené Aiko</p><p><strong>Favorite dancer/choreographer at the moment?</strong> "There are so many, but some of the dancers include Briana Morrison, Selena Hamilton, and Tyrik Patterson. Choreographers include Diana Matos, JaQuel Knight and William Forsythe."</p><p><strong>Favorite style of dance?</strong> "I don't have a favorite. I work equally hard in every style, so I can be as versatile as possible."</p><p><strong>Favorite convention/intensive/summer program?</strong> "Any Break the Floor production."</p>Keenan Mentzos
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY5MzkyMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MzI1ODEzMn0.v-akTnIJd1WQyIPG3qkEeOfWC8UYlgeLFXOvjPMKhzs/img.jpg?width=980" id="98582" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="67f86a1af272ee200ec32009dfb54fda" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Keenan Mentzos dances on a sandy beach next to a lake. He wears orange dance tights, and is bare-chested. He is in a dramatic split jump, his arms extended behind him, his head tilted back towards the sky. He is surrounded by pine trees, blue skies, and sunshine." data-width="1000" data-height="667" />Photo by Meghan Purdy, courtesy Keenan Mentzos
<p>When 11-year-old <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keenan_mentzos/" target="_blank">Keenan Mentzos</a> isn't training at his home studio, PULSE Dance Centre, the Vancouver native is busy scoring big at some of the most prestigious competitions. In fact, it was just last year the dance prodigy was awarded the national title of Mini Male Best Dancer at <a href="https://thedanceawards.com/" target="_blank">The Dance Awards</a>. Equally exciting, he says? Competing at a regional <a href="https://yagp.org/" target="_blank">Youth America Grand Prix</a> event for the first time in 2020 and being awarded 1st and 3rd places for his solos—a feat for <em>any</em> dancer, but especially for a first-timer.</p><p>Keenan loves being able to express his feelings through movement. But the pandemic has limited his access to dance classes and performance opportunities. "I think my biggest obstacle so far, like most dancers, has been COVID-19 restrictions and not being able to go to the studio for classes—<em>and</em> having most dance competitions canceled," he says. "I had also qualified for the YAGP finals in New York, but, unfortunately, that event was postponed. It would have been amazing to travel to NYC."</p><p>Luckily, Keenan isn't letting any of that keep him down. He has high hopes for the future, including one day dancing with the world-renowned <a href="https://www.roh.org.uk/about/the-royal-ballet" target="_blank">Royal Ballet</a> in London.</p><h4>Fast Facts</h4><p><strong>Favorite TikTok dance/challenge?</strong> "I have done some challenges with friends, but I don't have TikTok, so I can't remember!" </p><p><strong>Favorite song to dance to right now?</strong> "Hold Me While You Wait," by Lewis Capaldi</p><p><strong>Favorite dancer/choreographer at the moment?</strong> Dancer: Brady Farrar; choreographer: "It's hard to choose one because I love all of my teachers at PULSE Dance Centre. They create beautiful pieces of art for us to perform!"</p><p><strong>Favorite style of dance?</strong> "My two favorite styles of dance are ballet and contemporary. I love ballet music, and I love that in contemporary we get to tell stories through our dances."</p><p><strong>Favorite convention/intensive/summer program?</strong> "I love doing Break the Floor conventions. I also hope to attend the Royal Ballet summer intensive when we can travel again."</p>Rebecca Stewart
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY5MzkzMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzM3MjkyNn0.DqoH3hVa5F85RyNai64sTpBZU2yeqalynkIDdKdAoHc/img.jpg?width=980" id="2e6b8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0845e515f8b94502dad0c5387296883e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Rebecca Steward performs onstage. She wears brown ballet shoes, black dance shorts, and a high-necked black leotard. She stands on one leg, her other leg extended in a high developp\u00e9 to the side. One art stretches towards her raised foot, and the other is soft beside her ear, as though she is listening. Her eyes gaze slightly upwards. She is surrounded by a purple backdrop and light." data-width="1000" data-height="667" />VAM Productions, courtesy Rebecca Stewart
<p>In July 2019, while attending <a href="http://nycdance.com/" target="_blank">New York City Dance Alliance's</a> national finals, Rebecca Stewart auditioned for the role of Clara in the world-famous <em><a href="https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/" target="_blank">Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes</a></em>. After a long audition process, she was selected as one of three dancers to perform the role. And that October, Rebecca says, "My mom and I began our three-month stay in NYC, while I rehearsed and then performed almost daily in the show." The experience, which included dancing alongside the legendary Rockettes, was unforgettable for Rebecca.</p><p>While the Maryland-based dancer, who trains at <a href="https://www.citydance.net/Training-Classes/School-and-Conservatory/Conservatory/Auditions-Registration" target="_blank">CityDance School & Conservatory</a> in North Bethesda, has a number of successes under her belt, she says there are still times she's confronted with the reality of being Black in the dance community. "Due to underrepresentation that occurs in various pockets of the dance world," she says, "I have to remind myself that I truly belong in the spaces in which I have danced. Being confident in my ability in any environment and in any circumstance has been crucial to my dance journey as a Black artist."</p><p>When asked about her favorite part about dancing, Rebecca cites a dancer's ability to stir emotion and create change through their work. "And I think it's so important to cherish that," she says, "because it's not something that everyone can do."</p><p>She adds: "Dancing is a real power, and I'm so blessed to have it in my life."</p><h4>Fast Facts</h4><p><strong>Favorite TikTok dance/challenge?</strong> #CorvetteDance</p><p><strong>Favorite song to dance to right now?</strong> "I really love 'Self,' by Khalid!"</p><p><strong>Favorite dancer/choreographer at the moment?</strong> "My favorite choreographer right now is Wayne McGregor. His work is so mesmerizing!"</p><p><strong>Favorite style of dance?</strong> "Ballet is my favorite style of dance, but I love contemporary and lyrical, as well."</p><p><strong>Favorite convention/intensive/summer program?</strong> "NYCDA is my favorite dance convention, and I have been going there ever since I was 9. I also had the opportunity to participate in the American Ballet Theatre and Royal Ballet School virtual summer intensives this past year, both of which I enjoyed immensely!"</p><div style="padding: 20px 0 40px;">
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Braylon Browner
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTY5MzkzOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTE1NTc0M30.OxfeohknGHDHzMDP4CGePYvhH0zMHhx2V8dU5e4sf2k/img.jpg?width=980" id="90748" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="73d667ab94bd3592ab871596c5196a83" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Braylon Browner dances in the midst of a patio, columns in the background. He wears black socks, black pants, a black belt, and a black long-sleeved turtleneck. He jumps, his legs and arms extended behind him, and seems to be suspended in the air." data-width="1000" data-height="1250" />Photo by Rhiannon Lee, courtesy Braylon Browner
<p>Braylon Browner is a choreographer's dream: He's proficient in a range of dance techniques, has gorgeous extensions (just check out his Instagram!) and <em>soars</em>, holding space for what seems like forever, when he leaps through the air. And all that talent has helped him snag some of the highest honors for a young dancer, from being a top competitor at dance conventions to working with TV personality and dance teacher Abby Lee Miller.</p><p>But as the 10th-grade student, who trains at <a href="https://www.txdanceworksplus.com/" target="_blank">Dance Works +Plus</a> in Texas, has continued to explore his artistry, he's found a new love: creating his own work. "I'm proud of my transition to choreography—finding and growing in my own unique style," Braylon says.</p><p>With hopes of someday choreographing for a major recording artist—and winning an Emmy, too!—Braylon says he loves all the incredible people he gets to connect with on his dance journey. "I also love the fact that you can never be 'perfect' as a dancer, so you constantly learn and grow," he says. "It's just what I love to do!"</p><h4>Fast Facts</h4><p><strong>Favorite TikTok dance/challenge?</strong> "I love 'comedy TikTok'—anything that makes me laugh."</p><p><strong>Favorite song to dance to right now?</strong> "Cherry Hill," by Russ</p><p><strong>Favorite dancer/choreographer at the moment?</strong> Taylor Tsvyetkov and Travis Wall</p><p><strong>Favorite style of dance?</strong> Contemporary</p><p><strong>Favorite convention/intensive/summer program?</strong> Break the Floor and NYCDA</p>
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